After my awe inspiring train trip into the Czech Republic yesterday, I commenced a crash course in finding my way in Prague.
First there was finding which of the three queues for ‘international tickets’ was the right line to actually reserve an international ticket (turns out third time is lucky). Then there was finding a map extensive enough to show Kobylisy, the not-so-close suburb where I booked accommodation. Once I knew my general direction, I had to find the entry to Metro C; this took much longer than you would anticipate when looking for a big, bright red ‘C’. And then, the mother of all search missions, was finding my hotel amongst houses that, for some strange reason, were not actually labelled in chronological or even/odd order (apparently in Prague 23 comes after 37 but before 15).
Today, with a few lessons already under my belt and my friends, Andrew and Nina, as co-navigators, there were only a few lost moments: finding a ticket office at Kobylisy metro station (who would think that would be hard?); finding the Astronomical Clock Tower (a big spire in the middle of the city that chimes); and finding our hotel when we walked out of the Kobylisy metro station on the opposite side of the block. All in all, a day well navigated I think!
In the true nature of travelling, there were a few other delights that we found on our way. There were wonderfully colourful and decorative old buildings side-by-side (my favourite was the lemon-yellow restaurant next to the baby-pink cafe). While walking through Josefov, Prague’s old Jewish quarter, we watched horse-drawn carts clopping over cobbled, narrow streets. In the Old Square, three wedding parties tooted their way through masses of Prague-crazed tourists. There was the serendipity of a street fashion parade and a restaurant lunch with wine by the carafe. But my absolute favourite find of the day was the clock tower in the the Prague Castle, which admits tourists for only 100kc so they can climb a 287 step spiral stone staircase and pretend not to be thinking about plummeting down the tower to a spine-crunched, pulpy death (oh, and see a really amazing view of the city).
Tonight, we are on a mission to find the famous Prague night life: Jazz cafes, beer halls and wine bars here we come!
Nic Freeman 
Oh…so excited – the countdown for Prague is on!!! Thanks for sharing and inspiring my imagination! I love the thought of the horse drawn carriages, the climb to the top of the clock tower………oh yeah, and the carafe at lunch …..will be an awesome holiday!
Oh Prague has a soft place in my heart. It had been on my list almost longer than anywhere else I think. Great for walking and the clock tower is a must. I’m sure you’ll enjoy!