Crossing the Charles Bridge from Old Town to the Little Quarter, our walking tour continued without a break. Our guide, whom I dubbed Frau von Nike, efficiently marched us through the Little Quarter, passing the Church of St. Nicholas, strode through some alleys, power walked our little group right by a barely explained water wheel…

and onward, ever onward to the Lennon Wall.

Lennon Wall

This wall was made famous after John Lennon was killed in 1980. Every day Lennon inspired graffiti would appear, every night, the Communists would paint over it. The next day, more graffiti would appear. Finally, when Czech independence came in 1989, the graffiti was allowed to remain.

Petrin Tower

Frau von Nike explained that we would now be going to the top of Petrin Hill for an unmatched view of Prague. She must have seen me wince, because she then explained, “Is OK, we take tram to top, yah?”

“Hell yah!”

Hooray for the tram, an incredible bargain at 20 Czech crowns, approximately one US dollar. Finally a place to sit and rest for five minutes!

At the top of Petrin Hill stands Petrin Tower, which looks similar to the Eiffel Tower. For three more US dollars, 400 spiral stairs can be climbed for a spectacular view of Prague.

Frau von Nike wisely decided to stay at the bottom as Abi and I made the ascent.

Though it was a hell of a climb, I’d say the views were worth the effort.

Castle Quarter

The tour continued, heading for the grand finale – Prague Castle. Frau von Nike, fresh from her twenty minute break – while Dumb and Dumber climbed up and down 800 stairs – picked up the pace. At one point, she took a phone call that lasted ten minutes. When her phone rang, she sped up, putting more than the normal half mile between us, presumably so we couldn’t eavesdrop.

After Frau von Nike made dinner arrangements (Hate to tell you Frau, but audio guys can eavesdrop from ANY distance!) we stopped at Loretta Church, a church with a HUGE rack… of bells. We arrived just as the Carillion – which translates loosely to loud clanging of many bells – began.

After the clamor ended, we walked to the base of Prague Castle. In the center square, Frau von Nike abruptly announced, “We are now here. The tour has ended. Thank you and goodbye.” She then turned and speed walked away.

Well… OK then.

Prague Castle

Yup, it sure is a castle, all right.

And with our near marathon mercifully complete, we exhaustedly collapsed at the nearest bar to work on our pivní mozols (beer bellies). I happily ordered two of the largest pilzn pivos in the place. Six miles of energetic hiking really dehydrates a person, after all. You have to love a city where the beers cost less that bottled water does!

Tomorrow, more touring. Kutná Hora and the Church of Bones await!

Author: frenchy