Me, the tour guide

On Friday, 10/1, we slept in a little, but I had a busy day planned for us. I wanted to show Alex a bunch of the main places of Prague. So I took her on a little tour...

First we went to Old Town Square and walked there. We saw the astronomical clock as well as my 2 school buildings. We then went to the Jewish Quarters - I've never actually taken a tour of this place, so I wasn't very informative during this part. Plus, it was a Jewish holiday that day, so everything was closed. I did know we were in the right place though, because the buildings had Jewish stars on them! We then went to a certain, very interesting museum... (Sarah, you will be glad to hear I finally took your advice and went!)

 Old Town Square!

Next we walked down to Wenceslas Square (and shopped in the H&M) and I also took Alex to the gardens where they have that great ice cream. Then, we met up with Laura, and later Kim and walked to the Charles Bridge. The weather was great that day and cooperating with all of our walking! We crossed the bridge over the Vltava River into the Lesser Quarters and had lunch at this little Italian place called Carmelita.

 Alex and I on the Charles Bridge

Risotto with roasted chicken breast and vegetables, parmesan cheese, and spring onions.

Next up? A tour of Prague Castle. We walked up Nerudova Street (Royal Way or Kings Road), that is on a steep incline, and features the typical cobblestone on a narrow road with ancient burgher houses on one side, and a great view on the other side. Finally, one huge hill later, we were at the castle and cathedrals there.

The view from Nerudova Street!

It was quite an exhausting day, and we were long overdue for a nap when we finally got back to Machova that night!

Orientation Day 5, 9/3/10

Friday I had my alarm set for 6:30, which was pretty tortuous. But, I really wanted my first pick of trips, and I knew there would be a line. I was out the door by 7:10 and at the NYU center 20 minutes later… and sure enough the room already had a good 25 people. Anyway, I signed up for Český Krumlov and Kutná Hora as well as the waitlist for a few others. I would also like to go to Brno and the Caves, so it would be nice if a spot opens up on that list. Well, it was 8:30 by then and class only started at 10. Now, I’m not at Bucknell and my dorm is not 5 minutes walking distance from the academic quad. So, heading back to Machova for a 40 minute round trip ride was not worth it. Instead, I got a hazelnut hot chocolate (with a shot of expresso) at the Starbucks in Old Town Square and sat down with Kim, Brianna, and Skivjana. At 9 am we went outside to look at the astronomical tower as it has a traditional changing on the hour.

The astronomical clock in Old Town Square

A close up

Notice the guy in red with the trumpet?

Then I had my last (orientation) Czech class from 10-12:30. We learned the basic expressions for directions and cab rides. Fascinating stuff. Afterwards, I had lunch at Maitrea, which is very close to the Old Town Square. Maitrea is by the same owners as Lehká Hlava, and as expected, the meal was delicious. Eating meals this past week with a vegan eater and a gluten free eater have been tasty… but I am definitely missing meat! Maitrea restaurant website

I'm not sure what the point of laying these flowers out was, but they were pretty...

Thai eggplant with tofu, fresh coriander, chili peppers, and coconut milk with rice

White chocolate mouse with caramel wafers and strawberries

I snagged this picture of Maitrea from spottedbylocals.com

 I was back at Machova by 3 and had time to take a quick shower before I headed back out to get to the NYU center by 4. I had signed up for the Castle tour, so I was off to that. We saw the castle, changing of the guards, and some pretty churches. I don’t really remember all the names…

View from outside

Guards standing out front

Guards standing in the back

Changing of the guards

A church

Inside the church

Another church

And another

View from the top

Straight after, I was off to the opera to see Marriage of Figaro. NYU offered us 1 ticket to a cultural event of our choice. There was the Don Giovanni opera, the swan lake ballet, the Czech philharmonic, and La Putyka (a new circus festical). I had not been smart about setting my alarm early for this sign up… hence the opera tickets. Getting there was an interesting experience. The tour had gone too late for me to go to the NYU center and walk over with everyone, so I was on my own for transportation. I took a tram 3 stops too many. And then I took it back in the opposite direction 1 stop short. I finally got on a third time and got off at the correct stop, met Ruby in Old Town Square (fellow Machova-er) and we walked to the opera. The opera was an interesting experience as well, and I can now officially say I have been to a Czech opera. They had subtitles, but I still had difficulty understanding everything that was going on… and focusing.

Inside the opera house

Taking a bow at the end

Afterwards, it was way past dinner time but the smažený sýr was calling us. We went to the Wenceslas Square and got some delicious fried cheese. This is a staple Czech stall vendor snack, and I have a feeling this won’t be the last time I have it.

The famous smažený sýr