This was an exciting week for us as we headed out of Berlin and went to explore Prague.

Prague is an interesting city. It’s the capital of the Czech Republic, it’s over 1000 years old, and can actually trace it’s modern roots back to the fall of Rome. Between 1521-1780 the Habsburg Monarchy ruled the area and between 1583-1611 they moved the dynastic capital from Vienna to Prague. This is important to the history of Prague because from 1451-1806 there was only 1 Holy Roman Emperor that wasn’t of the Habsburg Monarchy - hence the deep, rich history and series of events that have unfolded in and around Prague over the last 400ish years. Although Prague has been mostly tied to the Austrian Empire for the past 350ish years, it’s deep Slavic roots dating back to the 5th century AD have shined through in it’s Bohemian culture. The language is more closely related to Russian than German and they have held on to their currency [Czech Krona] even though they are a part of the European Union. For us, Prague is a quick 4 hour train ride away and is often a weekend excursion for citizens of Berlin, Munich, Vienna, and Zurich.

Friday

On Friday morning we were up and at’m early to take the city-train to Hauptbahnhof - Berlin’s main train station - in order to catch our regional train to Prague. Hauptbahnhof is an amazing train station that was completed only a few years ago. It’s a mostly glass and steal beam structure and is so massive that it supports trains from all over Europe as-well-as a full shopping mall and office complex. Although the station is orderly and well labeled, we had a bit difficulty finding the correct elevator and then the correct train car we were assigned to. However, once we found our seats we were all settled in for what was indeed a beautiful ride through the Eastern German countryside to the Czech Republic. There were a few stops but with each, the landscape got more and more beautiful. Around the Czech boarder we encountered an area called Bohemian Switzerland where the sharp mountains gave way to a flowing river with village after village nestled in-between the riverbank and the steep rugged mountain. Once we were inside the Czech border, it was common to see 100+ year old fortified structures nestled into the mountainside. The four hour journey flew by as we found ourselves simply staring out the window in place of watching our iPads or reading our books during much of the trip.

As we arrived in Prague we went to the hotel to check in and then immediately to explore the city. Doreen found a wonderful floating restaurant/brewery barge, Lod’ Pivovar, and we walked down a gorgeous path along the river to get there. From the outside, this barge wouldn’t standout from any other barge but the interior was beautifuly decorated and they had converted parts of it to accommodate vats for brewing beer. Up and down stairs these vats lined the limited space on the floor while pictures of the barge’s history - a deep and complicated history - lined the upper walls. The beer was uniquely Prague and so was the food. In Prague, one of the most popular dishes is beef tartar. Think high quality raw seasoned ground beef with toppings like onions, capers, banana peppers, and pickles. You rub a little garlic clove on the toasted rye bread, spread your tartar and then add your fixings. The dish is delicious and if we’d had more time we would’ve gone back for more.

With no specific plan other than knowing where we wanted to eat dinner, we headed into the Old City just off the river to explore. The first thing you notice is just how old this city truly is. Every street is lined with cobble stone and the structures seemed to have mostly been spared from bombings during the war. Each building is unique and full of character. Some of them have elaborate baroque paintings on the facade and some are just majestically trimmed with wonderful stone sculptures. The different major periods of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Art Nouveau are intermingled from building to building. So many structures in Europe have been refurbished to their original design post war but they are missing these incredible details and you don’t know they are missing until you are engulfed in a row of homes where you could easily sit in a square and stare at at them all day.

We made our way through the main square and all the busyess that it brings. Prague has become a popular place for bachelor parties and other youth travel due to it’s affordability and wonderful nightlife. The square was bouncing with people pretending to be stone sculptures, giant bears walking around (men in giant suits not the real thing) and many people just partying for various reasons. As we progressed through the city we noticed a market that has been around since 1232. The item of choice seemed to be various bowls of colourful fruit stacked as high as possible for 30 Krona [about $1.50]. Our eyes continued to be inundated with beauty as we reached the park where we intended to have dinner.

This wonderful park is set atop one of the taller hills in Prague. Views of the city are extraordinary and there were many people simply setting up picnics to enjoy the sights. We climbed the hill and made it to our destination, Riegrovy Sady, a famous beer garden in the park. Logan played on the playground with over a dozen slides and then we headed to dinner. The sausage of choice is the Kielbasa and we housed (Chad housed) several of them. Again we were surprised at the cost with each sausage costing 40 Krona and each beer costing just under 50. It’s mind boggling how hand made food and drink that is so good can be so cheep. With our bellies full, we made the walk back to the hotel to get some downtime in preparation for our adventures on Saturday.

Saturday

Saturday started early as our travel days always tend to. We raced out of the hotel to one of the many pastry places sprinkled throughout the city. It’s hard to describe the quality of pastry other than to say they do it as well as you would think and then just a little better. Whether you like fruit toppings, streusel, or chocolate you won’t be disappointed in Prague. Logan is a big fan of all of them!

As we started our walk into Old Town on our way to the Astrological Clock Tower, we stumbled across another wonderful site, Prašná Brána [The Powder Tower]. This gate was the starting point for coronation of Bohemian Kings for 100s of years. For over 200 hundred years prior to the Powder Gate, the original Mountain Gate stood in its place welcoming all travellers and traders from the Eastern Bohemian territories. In 1475 the foundation stone was laid for the Powder Gate. The original tower’s foundation stone is about 9 meters [almost 30 feet] below today’s street level. In 1488 the moat was filled and the tower’s corner stone lost its significance because the royal residence was moved from Old Town back to the castle. During this time entrance was only permitted via the Gallery of the Royal Court. In 1592 construction was started again with a design updated based on over 100 years of experience from when the first stone was laid. The new design included a spiral staircase and was in the late-Gothic style. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries the tower was used to store gun powder - hence it’s name. During the Prussian war many of the decorations were destroyed - some remain today on the inside wall. Today the tower most resembles the 1875-1886 style that adorned its beautiful facade. It is a wonderful way to enter the city; even today and you can imagine kings and armies of centuries past entering the city at this point coming back from war and other conquests.

We noticed there is a healthy early 20th century car fixation in the city. All around us are classic cars outfitted for touring around the city. These cars provide a nice addition to the beauty of the city and an exciting open-air way to get around and see more of what Prague has to offer. We opted for a walking tour but next time we will have to take one of these classics for a spin.

Our first major stop for the day was the Astronomical Clock Tower. The Orloj [the Astronomical Clock], is mounted on the southern side of the tower. During our visit it was under construction so we didn’t get to see it in action. The clock dates back to 1410 (it was first mentioned in historical records October 9th, 1410) and was originally constructed by clock makers Mikuláš of Kadaň and Jan Šindel. The first parts of the clock to be constructed were the the mechanical clock and the astronomical dial; the calendar facade was said to be later added around 1490 and then decorated with gothic sculptures. 

In 1470-1473 Jan Růže was tasked with the reconstruction of the Old Town Hall - the building where that the clock hangs. Prague Councillors did not want him to repeat his work so they blinded him. Jan was so angry he had been blinded, he disabled the clock so that no one could enjoy it’s beauty. For years, it was believed that Jan was the original maker of the clock and that he destroyed his own creation (you can imagine how records and information wasn’t as accurate as it is today). It wasn’t until 1552 when master clock maker Jan Taborský was repairing the clock that Zdeněk Horský uncovered the incorrect records from the reconstruction of the Old Town Hall and set the record straight as to the origin of the clock’s makers.

The interior of the building is magnificent and the walk up to the top of the tower is easy and fun with a winding staircase to finish the climb. In the centre of the tower is a glass elevator that was added in recent times. Logan and Doreen took the elevator while Chad climbed the incline path. At the top of the tower the space is limited but every inch provides a wonderful view. Each corner has something to see. The North East corner shows views of the Castle while the Southern side has a spectacular view of the Old Town Square and Lady of Our Tym Church just across the square. We enjoyed this part of the day very much. Getting there early saved us from too many people and Chad got to spend some time taking pictures. Later in the day when we walked by, the lines were out the door.

Just around the corner and a little down the river from the tower is one of the most famous sites in Prague. We tend to get out and about earlier than most due to having a 3 year old in tow - up early & to bed early. Usually this allows us to get more done because the crowds are lower in the morning (nightlife in Prague is supposed to be awesome). This was never the case for the Charles Bridge. All day, every day when we where there the bridge was packed. 

Charles Bridge is famous for a few key reasons:

1. The bridge is really old. It was originally constructed in 1357 and replaced a bridge from the mid 12th century.

2. The bridge is literally what made Prague a world trading route and a powerful city. There were no other land crossings for a great distance on either side making this a primary and critical/strategic crossing from East to West Europe throughout history.

3. The bridge was at the centre of Catholicism just after the crusades and throughout the Middle Ages - pilgrims still visit today.

In 1357 Charles the IV laid the first stone. This was said to have been done precisely at 5:31am on July 9th, 1357 because this exact time was very important to the Holy Roman Emperor since it was a palindrome. The bridge wouldn’t be completed until 45 years later in 1402. We’re guessing the exact completion time wasn’t a palindrome because probably only few people that actually cared about palindromes + bridges were still alive to care anyway. From 1496 on, the bridge would be subject to countless floods and damage from war. Every time the citizens would clean up the mess and rebuild the bridge. 

In 1863, when the Baroque period was in full swing, Prague enlisted most of the famous and prominent Bohemian sculptors to complete 30 statues of saints and patron saints to adorn the bridge. The statues are so beautiful that christians from all over the world travel to pay homage to these works-of-art as well as the earthly works of the saints. Since 1995 the statues have been seamlessly moved into the National Museum for safe keeping. The replicas are stunning in their own right and unless you were an expert you’d never know. All but three of the statues in the museum are said to be original carvings - which is impressive considering how many times the bridge was damaged due to flood and war.

Charles Bridge has been a key point in many battles throughout Europe. At the end of the 30 years war, the Swedes were eventually pushed back during a major battle where most of the fighting took place on the bridge. After the Battle of White Mountain severed heads of the anti-Habsburg revolt were posted on spikes and used to decorate the bridge so that crossers were aware of the penalty of revolt. During WWII the bridge was significant to both the Russians and the Nazis and ownership of the bridge proved key during the Czech independence revolt in 1945.

You can feel the bridges history and you absorb all of that energy as you cross it. It is both beautiful and creepy at the same time. It has a sense that it will crumble but that nothing will ever completely destroy this bridge. The sculptures are magnificent as well as the detail in the sides and pillars. The towers on either side are stunning and you can only imagine the view from the top. As we crossed from the Old City to the West bank, we couldn’t help but to imagine what it was like for travellers and traders of the past 500 years -what it must have felt like as they went through the gate into the royal city. It was impressive and worth the crowd.

From here we took a small detour to see the John Lennon wall on a recommendation from Emily. This is a little art area that was started in the 1980s were artists can feel free to paint, add sculpture or other general artistic aspects to the wall. Most of the art is done based on the work of the Beatles and inspired by Lennon himself. During communism the wall was a place of protest and it also inspired other similar projects around the world. It was a nice casual winding walk, down some very old cobblestone to see some cool street art, and a nice way to see the Southern part of the West bank.

Around this time were were starving. But lucky for us we were a short walk up the riverbank to one of the best restaurants in Prague - Cafe Savoy. Cafe Savoy sits near the river in a quite part of town. The tall beautiful building has open air art adorning the celling with gorgeous chandeliers. More importantly the food is top notch - like Best Thing I Ever Ate good. We shared a plate of beef tartar and a sampling of duck confit, pork belly, Prague ham, and rabbit. The dish came with handmade apple based purees for the pork and a special sauce for the duck and dumplings - the sauce was Doreen’s favourite. The Savoy also has some amazing pastries and other desserts but we were stuffed. We felt like we had a Michelin Star meal and the total came to under 40 Euros. We will be back for sure.

After lunch we got some ice cream and just walked around the city back toward the castle. Unsure of what we would do next, and with no real agenda, we found a tower that was screaming to be climbed. We had run directly into the The Church of Saint Nicholas with no previous plans to explore it. This massive structure is a replacement of a 13th century Gothic church of the same name and dedication. This version was erected in two stages, both between 1704-1755, and was built for the Jesuit order by architect Giovanni Domenico Orsi. The tower was finished in the second wave of construction in 1751.

To go up the tower it’s 50 Krona [abut 2 Euros] - the climb starts immediately and is worth every cent. It is tight and winding the whole way with cement for the first part and then wooden steps for the second. Once you get about halfway up you can see two sleeping quarters that were used to house the ‘keepers of the tower.’ Not only did the tower serve as a lookout point for invaders but it also served as a bell tower to keep time. In each of the rooms are elaborate grandfather clocks that were necessary to keep perfect time for the ringing of the bell. The quarters were tight but the views were awesome. Just after the boarding areas, the climb turns into wooden supported stairs. As you climb back and forth, you get a sense for what it was like to ring the bell on time every time. After the bell you circle back and forth in a dizzying manner until you reach the top lookout point. As you approach the top, you pause to stop your head from spinning, and then look around at the bird’s nest perch. The portholes are tiny and the area is confined but you can see how a guard could spot an army from quite a ways off. Around 10 meters [about 30 feet] below the bird’s nest is the widow’s walk where the best views can be seen. You could spend hours up there circling and observing the city. You are so far up but can see detail in the square below. Music can be heard echoing throughout the city and on this day the weather was perfect for a view. Interestingly, the keepers of the tower all spoke in Italian to one another - not sure of the significance but found it peculiar.

After all the views could be had for the day, we completed the loop we had started early that morning and walked back across the Mánes Bridge (one North of the Charles Bridge and much less crowded), through Old Town, and back to our hotel for a brief rest. For dinner we went to a wonderful Czech restaurant, buried underground, that had a cool medieval theme. The food was delicious and very authentic with dumplings and meat braised in sauce. The dinning room was far to dark for pictures but the experience was awesome.

Sunday

Sundays in Prague aren’t as restrictive as they are in Berlin. Perhaps that’s because Prague has a higher per capita tourist revenue stream or perhaps it’s because religious ways left the government during the communist period. Regardless we enjoyed a full day on Sunday with no restrictions.

We started the morning early with the idea that we would take the subway most of the way to Malá Strana [aka The Lesser Town the area West side of the Vitava river] - approximately 2 km South of St. Nicholas Church. From here you can catch the funicular to the top of the hill and explore a tribute to the Eiffel Tower - we also saw the memorial to The Fallen Victims of Communism. The subway ride was interesting and reminded us of all the subway stops on the East side of Berlin (drab and untouched since the mid 20th Century). However the walk across the Legii` Bridge [Legion Bridge] was pleasant and not crowded at all. We had even thought about renting paddle boats to ride up and down the Vitava from vendors just off this bridge but ran out of time.

In place of the paddle boats we took the funicular up to the top of the hill to explore and see the gorgeous views. The funicular ride is included in the price of a Prague transportation ticket. We were actually lucky to have found this out ahead of time because we weren’t given a choice purchase before boarding the tram. Had we not known this ahead of time, we would have waited in line only to be turned away. Luckily, Doreen was on it and we were good to go on the first ride.

The gardens at the top were just blooming and the lavender was already out. You could see how in a few weeks the budding roses would provide lush color compared to the rich green grass. The gardens were just outside of  Malá Strana walls but you could tell they had been curated for countless generations. There was also a really cool telescope and war memorial along with a restaurant overlooking Old Town and the river below - all things that we will need to explore on our return visit.

The main attraction on the hill is the replica of the Eiffel Tower [aka Petřín Lookout Tower]. Built in 1891 after a group of visitors were inspired by its cousin in Paris, the Petřín Lookout Tower stands 63.5 meters [208 feet], has 299 stairs, 23 flights, and two lookout points. If you are an Eiffel Tower aficionado then you won’t think it’s a replica. Regardless, it’s a spectacular way to view the entire city of Prague. Although there is an elevator this is not a toddler friendly excursion. The stairs wind up in a narrow dizzying fashion and the top of the tower sways so visibly that the three glass widows which open for photo opportunities bang against the metal frame making you think the glass could break and the tower could be blown over - it was a bit windy the day we went. Chad climbed up to the top with speed which was probably not the best approach. By the time he got to the top he was dizzy and a little shocked at the amount of sway in the tower. The top is congested and it’s hard to do a lens change or switch cameras for that perfect photo. Never-the-less Chad managed to wait his turn and get some good shots of the city. In a town full of towers it’s not the most interesting tower, but for 150 Krona [6 euros] it’s totally worth the view.

he Petřín Tower sits inside the old Lesser Town wall. You very casually cross into the Lesser Town and forget that you are inside the wall until you start walking a little further North West. Immediately you are in a grassy open area with a great walking path and the feeling of a park. We forgot that we were inside the city walls until we saw an old door just above the Monastery. Clearly this was an entry point hundreds of yeas before for royalty or monks to get in and out of the city. We started to meander down the path on the way to lunch when we ran into Strahov Monastery. This wasn’t originally on our list to explore and given that it was Sunday it was unlikely to be open to the public. However, we managed to get there just after services were letting out and they were letting visitors in. Immediately this became the find of the day. The abby dates back to 1143 and is in the Premonstratensian (aka the White Canons in England and Ireland). Simply put, the abby is breathtaking. The detail in every corner is stunning. You could sit behind the gate and stair at all the artwork all day and want to come back for days on end. The Monastery has a rich history and an in-depth set of documents and historical records in its Theological and Philosophical Halls. We weren’t allowed to tour the interior or allowed to take pictures inside, but being the defiant one that he is Chad managed to snap a few casual pictures of the interior without getting caught by the monks.

For lunch we headed to Klášterní Pivovar Strahov which is directly across the square from the Monastery. Immediately we knew we were in the right place because the first table next to the door was full of monks from the abby laughing and drinking beer after just performing morning services - there is no stronger recommendation then that. The original monks were brewing beer in the 13th and 14 centuries on this very location. Abbot Kaspar Questenberg made the location official in 1628 and it was active until 1907. In 2000-2001 the restaurant and brewery underwent a reconstruction and recovery process. For the past 17 years they have been brewing the same recipes from the 17th century along with a few new ones that have won them awards 10 years running. All of the stills are copper and the old pressure gauges and equipment was refurbished and put back to work. Not only is the beer good but the food is great. We decided to have a weeks worth of meat in one sitting as we ordered the pork schnitzels and 1 kg pork hock - I’m proud to say that we finished all of it.

With our overstuffed bellies, we gathered ourselves and proceeded toward the castle. The walk down to the castle is gorgeous. Cobblestone lines every path and each building is more beautiful then the next. For many hundred years this was the royal city. Where merchants once did business cafes and shops now reside as though commerce has changed but the city hasn’t. Even more than Old Town, Lesser feels like it did hundreds of years ago. It’s no wonder this is where James Bond would come if he stayed in Prague or where dignitaries and wealthy individuals come to this day. This section of the city looks more like something out of a theme park then a liveable city but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Many of the structures are working elements of the government and there are many hotels, shops, restaurants and apartments actively lining the the path to the castle.

To be clear, we experienced about 10% of what you could possibly see and do on the castle grounds. The castle itself could fill an entire trip to Prague and we intend to go back. On the day we were there the lines were too long and Logan had fallen asleep in the stroller so a tour was out of the question. That said, what we did experience was amazing. 

The first fortifications of the castle started in 870 AD with the construction of the Church of the Virgin Mary and to this day parts of that wall and parts of that structure, as-well-as the tomb of the Bohemian King and Queen who started the project, still remain intact. In 1485 the Gothic style we see today started to take shape and in 1541, after a huge fire, several of the Renaissance style building were erected under the Habsburgs. At the end of the 30 years war much of the castle needed to be repaired and additional structures were also added. 

Just as you enter the castle you can see the original wall from 870 and the tombs of the Bohemian King and Queen. Like a sledge hammer hitting you in the face it occurs to you that you are walking on original hollowed ground where European roots were first beginning to take shape and Western culture would evolve. Keep in mind that the Treaty of Verdun was only signed 23 years prior dividing ‘Western Europe’ into 6 provinces. Vikings had just appeared on the scene 30 years before and the Carolingian Empire hasn’t even fallen yet. Over the next 1000 years Western culture would be developed and find it’s stride in part because humans built walls and structures just like this. 

The castle itself is phenomenal. It’s so massive that an 18MM lens can’t get any single side completely into a single framed shot. Along the Northern side are what were once places of residence, services, and commerce for the kingdom at various points over the past 8 centuries. On the Southern side are more Renaissance style structures that have been used for a multitude of functions including royal residences and at times, points of occupation. At the back of the complex is St. George’s Basilica and just to the South East is a staircase that provides access to the royal gardens.

The gardens are magnificent. It’s as if each and every plant down to each single blade of grass is hand cut and cared for. Everything is so meticulous that we ran across two ducks and one of them had stitches in it’s head as if it had recently received brain surgery in place of just letting nature take its course. There is so much care put into the grounds that there is obviously an onsite veterinarian who’s sole purpose is to care for the pseudo-wild animals.

Animals and plants aside, the main attraction is clearly the view. It’s obvious why this site was selected nearly a thousand years ago. You can see for miles and clearly pinpoint each of the major attractions inside of Lesser and the Old Cities. We sat back, took a moment and just enjoyed the view.

The castle has several exit points, some of which double as entry points. Our path brought us alongside the Southern border facade and down to the castle vineyards. About halfway down to the river are the terraced royal vineyards. Nestled in the vines is the Royal Cafe and Bistro that we are sure to try on our next visit - with Logan still asleep at this point we couldn’t rightly get him out of the stroller in order to fold it up and take a seat.

However, not long after we were exiting the castle grounds Logan awoke and asked for icecream, which we also thought was a good idea. So, we proceeded across the river and back into the heart of Old Town to take another of our friend Emily’s suggestions - The Hotel U Prince rooftop cafe. The views from here are spectacular as the rooftop sits in the shadow of the Astronomical Clock Tower. To the right we had a view of Old Town Square and to our left the river and Prague Castle. It was a wonderful way to complete our 11.5 mile circle around the city. We finished our walk and went back to take a brief break at the hotel before dinner.

After our short break we took a walk down the river and alongside Old Town. On the Eastern side of town we dipped into Old Town and walked around until we stumbled upon Restaurant U Červeného Kola. This is an authentic Czech restaurant, located in a 15th century building, that was originally stables and a garage for the main Post Office. The name means ‘by the red wheel’ because the wheels on the postal vehicles were once red. The food was delicious and the atmosphere of the courtyard dinning area was just what we were looking for. We went for the pork tenderloin stuffed with Prague ham, cheese, and prepared on a bed of sauce with roasted potatoes and the beef carpaccio served with salads.

On our walk back to the hotel we reflected on the long day of adventure and what we had seen. It’s an awesome experience to have but more a privilege to get to have such an incredible city so close to where we currently live.

Monday

We didn’t have a full day on Monday as we were headed back to Berlin. We wanted something special as a last activity in Prague but couldn’t afford to get lost in the city - trains run on time in Europe and will leave without you. So, we elected to have brunch at an iconic cafe near the heart of Old Town and at the base of the Powder Tower. Kavárna Obecní dům, the famous cafe in the Municipal House, which was a major focus during the Art Nouveau period at the turn of the century. The cafe is beautiful with its stunning decor and massive windows that let in the morning and afternoon light as though the chandeliers were hung just right to maximise the perfect light no matter what time of day. The food was light and tasty and the coffee was just right. It was a perfect last meal in Prague sans hordes of tour groups assembling outside the cafe.

As we walked back to the hotel to gather our belongings and head to the train station we heard a familiar sound of Prague - the lone violin. Over the course of our days in the city, classical music had been playing like a personal travel soundtrack; coming from the windows above and on the streets surrounding us. From each bell tower you could hear the echos of multiple instruments playing separately but somehow in unison. It wasn’t gimmicky or annoying, it was enjoyable. Just the day before as we sat in the rooftop cafe we could hear the pleasant sounds of a flutist playing Mozart to the crowd below with such precision you’d wonder if it was her passion or profession - it’s hard to tell in a city of talented creative people. It’s that sentiment that really summed up Prague for us. There is beauty everywhere. The food is amazing, the architecture is phenomenal, the history is deep, rich & complicated. The culture, language, and money is foreign but interesting & welcoming. Maybe most of all, it’s accessible, affordable and an easy stop on a European tour. Perhaps that’s why Prague has changed so much over the last 10 years. I’ve heard people lament how Prague has changed in the last decade or so, and that it’s no longer the hidden gem it once was. Prague was never a hidden gem, it’s always been an important mecca throughout history. Prior to social media Prague was a city of Eastern Europe when Eastern Europe had, and still does to a degree, a stigma. That stigma prevented people form visiting over the last 50 or so years but make no mistake, that’s 50 years in the course of 1000. The beautiful cityscapes that spread across the internet have once again put Prague on the map of tourism. That’s not a bad thing, that’s a good thing. This is an important city, culture, and story that people need to see and understand - it is after all the beginnings of modern European culture. Maybe if more people are exposed to such deep history and beauty then more people can find common ground and understanding in their roots. 

We are sad to see our time come to an end in Prague but we will return as many pilgrims have before. As it has for nearly 1000 years, Prague will stand strong and welcome those from East and West. If you have never been we encourage you to go. If you have been before, return and see it again - it will never get ‘old.’

Below are several shots Chad took using his analog film camera (Shot On Kodak Portrait 100 Film Using A Minolta X7A W/ a 28M Lens & 135MM Lens).

For us, the next stop is Innsbruck, Austria in 6 weeks, then Belgium, Eastern Germany & Sicily.

Until Next Time,

The McNeills