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We didn't have a big plan for today, really just to enjoy the city. We walked up into the Jewish quarter, and admired the Jewish Ceremonial building as well as the Old/New Synagogue. From there, we walked along the river. We tried to go into the baroque portions of the National Library, but it was closed for an hour during lunch - and it was 12:05pm, so we didn't feel like waiting the hour. We tried to rent a row boat on the river, but they wanted a passport or drivers license, and we didn't have either. We offered our passport # and a credit card, but they didn't seem to trust us to give the real #'s, stating that the river has a lot of boat traffic, so if we got in an accident , they wouldn't have the proper information to report us to the embassy. Guess a lot of people get in accidents on the river? (That or they don't trust us :)).
After a couple of beers and just hanging out at the pub, we decided we needed a rest, and decided to head back to the hotel. We weren't sure about what were doing with our itinerary, as we were originally going to stay another day in Prague, but the hotel didn't have a room for our last night when we booked. We found out that today they did have another night for us, but they couldn't match our rate. After a lot of researching on Vienna, and the fact that they have a lot of wineries nearby, we decided to move on to Vienna :). We were back to the Italian restaurant from last night, called Ambiente, and located just a block from the old town square. This restaurant lived up to our expectations once again. I had a steak and baked vegetables, and it is in the running for one of the best steaks I've ever had!! Jaimie had gorgonzola, walnut, & pear tortellini. She says it was excelente. If we stayed another week, we would have probably visited here at least 6-7 more times :). If you come to Prague, don't miss out on this restaurant!
Food: We ended up eating Thai and Italian - they were both incredibly authentic. So, while we can't vouch for the Czech food in general, they at least know how to prepare food very well here (in Prague at least)! Beer of Choice: Pilsner Urquell! Memories: watch out for the americans - they're everywhere (well, backpackers are everywhere and from everywhere), the old town square and everyone watching the World Cup on big screens, not being able to get a table at Old Town Square, gothic gothic gothic St Vitus Cathedral, climbing lots of steps in St Vitus Cathedral and St. Nicholas Church tower, not renting a row boat, the best steak and Italian food at Ambiente, hunting for Pilsner Urquell cafes, forgetting the chess set in our hotel room - making it all the way onto the train to Vienna before remembering and having to return all the way to the hotel (see tomorrow's posting), returning to Pilsner Urquell since we missed our train.
Economy: The Czech Republic has had one of the most industrialized economies of Eastern Europe, allowing for the most highest standards of living amongst Eastern Europe. The Czech Republic joined the EU in 2004, and is set to use the Euro in 2007, the first Eastern European country to use the Euro (which marks a very well managed economic system).
Exchange Rate: 1 US dollar = 23 koruny (Kc) Safety Rating: 9 out of 10 for Prague - Prague was fantastic - it's a beautiful town which has treasures untouched by WWII. However, the # of tourists here can be unsettling. It was difficult to feel the people's vibe, as literally everyone on the streets was a tourist. Maybe exploring the rest of the Czech Republic would do some good if you make it out here as well. View Czech Republic Photo Gallery Day 181 - Prague < | Index | Photo Galleries | > Day 183 - Vienna © 2007 Blue Ocean Studios, LTD. All rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Services | About | Contact Prints | Return Policy | View Cart World Travel Galleries | World Travel Blog | Links |
Off to the Bohemia bagel place again for breakfast today. While I satisfied my bagel hunger with a sesame and cream cheese, Jaimie's tomato bagel turned into a plain bagel (they served it and said, "Oh - we didn't have tomato, is plain ok?" - oh well). Jaimie didn't let it get to her, and at least enjoyed the cream cheese on the plain bagel (they don't seem to have cream cheese almost anywhere else in the world, except when we had it with sushi in south america). 
Our failed couple of attempts of activities didn't get to us, we just moved on to the next thing on our itinerary. On our way between the bagel place and the synagogue, we had passed the Pilsner Urquell original restaurant. We had gone to this restaurant in Moscow, and we figured we'd come check out the original one. While it was only 1pm, we ordered up 2 Pilsner Urquell anyways, figuring that while we intended to return at 4pm with our previous itinerary - we couldn't help not being able to complete our previous intentions, and it was time for a beer either way :). Jaimie had a half dark/half light that she really likes, while I had the light. Good beer, and a great atmosphere - just a little under $2 for 0.5 liters - not as good of a price as when Brendan and I were here 7 years ago, but still at least 1/2 US prices :). We liked it so much, we shared another, and a Caprese salad. 
Final thoughts on the Czech Republic:
People: We were here for only a short stop, and we met more Americans than Czechs! The few that we did interact with did seem very nice, and always had a smile ready for you. One annoying thing is if you walked into any shop, they either like to follow you around, or really didn't trust me with my camera bag. (Out of say 10 shops, someone in all 10 of them followed us around the shop!)
Climate (June): Perfect. It was 87 the 3 days we were here. While 87 seems warm, it was dry, and the cool breeze off the water felt great.