We disembark our hapless floating hotel for the last time to begin our road trip into the Czech Republic. Ironically, if Prague were situated on the Elbe, we would be the luckiest cruisers in the world this morning because, like a phoenix, the river began rising to navigable levels after yesterday’s hail & rainfall.
We stop for lunch in the small Czech town of Litomerice. We are informed that the establishment, with its great arched dining hall, serves the “one and only original” Budweiser beer. Yes, despite Nazi takeovers, Soviet collectivism, big hairy horses, red-hooded mascots and American lawyers, Budweiser is a Czech beer first and foremost…and apparently has the exclusive naming rights for Budweiser across the European Union. (Our American p*** water is marketed as plain ole “Bud.”)
Afterwards, we have some time to walk around the town’s square before having to re-board the bus.
Lightbulb Moment
As we walked around the perimeter of the town’s market square looking at all the signs and advertisements in the incomprehensible-to-us Czech language, Rob brilliantly observed “It’s like being illiterate.”
When we arrive in Prague, our bus goes directly to Prague Castle district where we begin a guided tour of the former royal complex.
Over the two days we spend in Prague, we discover patterned walkways and facades everywhere. One of the best (and first seen) examples was this building on castle hill. From a distance, it’s exterior wall appeared to be made of chiseled stone blocks. On closer examination, one discovers that the facade is an example of Czech tromp l’oeil. And this decorative pattern work is ubiquitous…especially prevalent in the cobblestone streets and sidewalks.
The St. Vitus Gothic Cathedral sits atop castle hill, seeing and being seen by all of Prague below. It is gorgeous.
The view from up on the the hill is spectacular and it was a great introduction to Prague.
We will return to central Prague and it’s Old Town sites tomorrow. For today, it’s back on the bus and away we go to our hotel. Spotted en route to the Radisson Park Inn was the following very special museum.
Dinner is a buffet at the hotel where we end up dining with Ellen and Gary (The Sitzdieb!) as I knew would happen eventually.
Unfortunately, our plans to walk along the river promenade are torpedoed by rain.
A Taste of the Soviet Bloc 