Prague 2

Whew! I am completely kaputt tonight after walking all day ie 8 hours further exploring this gorgeous city on foot, by tram and a cruise on the Vltava river. I did the 6 hour guided tour with a wonderful guide called Nina. Interestingly she had an engineering degree,but said it was difficult under the communist regime, so she has been a city guide for 20 years. Apparently 2/3 of today's Czechs
live on less than the average wage. Things are quite cheap I think eg I went to a wonderful classical concert by the Prague Vivaldi Orchestra in the beautiful St Nicholas church in the old town and it cost about $30, the same as it has just cost me for a Thai foot massage as my poor feet are so sore after all the walking on the cobblestone streets!
Nina had a great sense of humor and the tour was superb.We started in Wenseslas Square in the heart of the New Town and continued with a walking tour of the historic Old Town, wending our way through the cobbled streets and quaint alleyways,past cafes, street musicians, pavement artists etc. Wonderful architecture around every corner. My camera must by getting quite tired!! We did a short river cruise which gave us a different perspective and had lunch in a 17th century restaurant. I'm not very impressed with typical Czech cuisine. It is stodgy and bland, but their beer is great! We also visited the Jewish ghetto area before catching a tram to take us up to the Prague Castle. The architecture here was again mind- blowing, especially the gorgeous gothic St Vitus cathedral.I was going to go to Kutna Hora tomorrow but I think I might just have a quiet day before heading to Vienna on Monday. I just may go to Swan Lake with the Prague Ballet tomorrow night instead!

Prague

I think that Prague is one of the most beautiful European cities I have been in.and the Jewel Hotel really is a gem( note the pun). The rooms are tiny but elegant and are reached by very steep stairs. All are named after jewels.I am in the Onyx room and the staff are very helpful and speak good English, which is a bonus..I flew all night from Bangkok yesterday and I've walked and walked today. It is quite hard work on the cobbled streets and I am mesmerized by the gorgeous architecture, quaint alleyways and the very cosmopolitan population. I'm going to do an all- day tour tomorrow on foot, by tram and boat. This should cover the best of this lovely city and then I can return to what I liked best on Sunday. I'm a tad weary today after the 11 hour overnight flight from Bangkok. Almost impossible to sleep on the plane ?More tomorrow after the tour.

Bangkok

Whew-the heat, tall buildings and diesel fumes! Arrived last night after 11 hour flight on Thai airways. Got diddled by taxi driver from airport and my case arrived sopping wet. It looked as though it had been dunked in a bucket!! Fortunately , although my room looks like a Chinese laundry with clothes draped everywhere, everything is dry this morning. Am off to explore this bustling city before it gets too hot,then on to Prague via Zurich tonight.Loved the Grand Palace- it is a spectacular complex with highly decorated buildings, much gold, many statues and teeming with tourists as it is apparently a public holiday in Thailand today. It's 36 degrees, I am spiflicating, so am off for a swim in the hotel pool before going to the airport to catch my flight to Prague tonight.