Back in Prague - ballets and sight seeing

Monday, 11/15, was back to school for me. Nicely enough though, my second class was canceled as my English professor was away on a trip. I went to Bakeshop in the morning before Czech. Bakeshop is a gourmet type bakery with French and American items. It's located really close to Old Town Square, and it was nice to have a frosted cupcake after months in the land of trdelnik and medovnik (honey) cake.

After class I did some grocery shopping and had some downtime in Machova... and then it was off to the ballet! I first met Kim at the Grand Cafe Orient, better known as the Cubist Cafe. It's on the first floor of the House of the Black Madonna. The House of the Black Madonna was created by the reowned architect Josef Gočár when he was only 31 years old, and the building symbolizes the unique Czech contribution to the cubist movement in architecture, furniture, pottery and glass. (Grand Cafe Orient)

Neither of us were too hungry as it was only in the 5 pm range, so we both just got dessert. Although apple strudel may not seem to be a particularly Eastern dessert dish, it actually originates from Vienna. Thus, it's a common item to find on the menu in Eastern European countries. I hadn't yet tried it in Prague, so it seemed like an ideal time to try the apple strudel with caramel sauce, whipped cream and vanilla ice cream.

After paying our bill (which often can take quite a long time here - they don't rush you out at all like in American restaurants... in fact they don't seem to want you to leave at all!) we headed to the Statni Opera House where the ballet was taking place. We saw Lady of the Camellias, and I wasn't too familiar with the story before the ballet, but I still enjoyed it.

 

The cast taking a bow

On Tuesday, 11/16, it was another dreary and rainy day... but I also only had 1 class again! My 1:30 class was canceled for some reason so I took advantage of the extra time I now had and did a little sight seeing around Prague. Close to Old Town Square is the Powder Tower. This was built in 1475 during the reign of King Vladislav II at the site of an 11th century gate. The tower is based on the 14th century Old Town Bridge Tower, and has a covered bridge connecting itself to the Municipal House. 

The site of the Municipal House was originally the site of the Royal Court. This palace was built around 1383 when King Wenceslas IV made it his residence. After a later king felt the central location was too dangerous, and opted to live in Prague Castle instead, the building became a seminary. Later it became a military academy, and was finally demolished in 1903. Construction then began on the Municipal House - a large cultural center and concert hall in the Art Noveau style.

 The Powder Tower

The Municipal House