November 9 Prague

This morning, we bundled up in all our layers and took off up the hill to the Castle. A B&B host advised us to take the route by the monastery. This proved to be a wide path through a lovely park, some vineyards and an orchard. Drizzles made the way a little muddy. We saw just a few other walkers as we made our way up the hill, enjoying the solitude, mild incline and fall foliage. As promised, a panoramic view of Prague unfolded. I liked looking beyond the orchard at the spires and red tiled roofs.

We examined the monastery. ( I have to say that I love it that the monks brew beer and serve it in their own beer garden.). We walked along a thick medieval wall, encountering waves of tourists, and a police security checkpoint, and arrived at “the Castle” which proved to be a large complex of ancient (900s), very old (1300s) and old (1700s) churches, palaces, government offices and homes.

Our first stop was Saint Vitus Cathedral, home to the grave of Saint Wenceslas (the good king) and soaring stained glass windows including one by Mucha, 1931. Daylight flooded the enormous cathedral, even on this dreary day.

We wandered through the other attractions on our ticket, then made our way via long stairways and busy streets back to our favorite neighborhood restaurant for beer, cheese, bread and a sausage. I was tired and ready for a break.

Back in our room, I climbed in to the luxurious bed intending to look over the richly illustrated guide we’d bought and start my blog. The book, 160+ detailed pages, overwhelmed me; we could not possibly begin to see all there is in Prague on this trip. My eyes got heavy. I had the deepest nap I can remember.

It’s only 7:30. I just ate an apple and a little packet of Nutella I’ve been carrying around since Italy for supper. Mike is out wandering around, and I was just too tired to go with him. I’m contented to stay in for the night, and a little embarrassed to admit that the nap was my favorite part of the day.