Wednesday 27th May 2009

Yesterday ended with flashes of lightning, and loud clashes of thunder. Fortunately we were comfortably back home as the rain started, at first lightly, but it soon came down in a torrent.

We awoke to a cool overcast day, with a very light dizzle, but by the time breakfast was over, the rain had stopped, and hints of blue could be seen in the clouds.





Today we meandered towards the National Theatre, hoping to be able to enter. Alas it was closed, but we were able to spy the lovely interior through the doors. Briefly, I wondered if it was worth watching an Opera with Czech supra-titles.

We crossed over Legii Bridge, and gazed over the Vltava river. The ancient Charles Bridge always caputres the eye, with the Spires of St. Vitus Cathedral beyond.

As we walked in the Little Quarter, we entered a church that we later learned was called the Church of Saint Mary the Victorious which holds the statue of the Infant Jesus. This another pilgrimage site popular with South Americans as well as the Chinese and Vietnamese. A small museum upstairs holds several embroidered robes given to the infant Jsesu as well as one from the Hapsburg Empress Maria Theresa.

We followed the winding picturesque roads, and decided to try a traditional pastry that we had seen over the past few days. It is a pastry dough sprinkled with sugar, vanilla and almonds and rolled over a roller to cook over an open flame. Another one contains cinnamon. Delicious!

We entered the Church of St. Nicholas (Santa Claus) which next to St. Vitus Church and castle dominates the sky line of the West bank. It is a great example of high Baroque architecture, extravagant statues, and lavish frescoes that draws the eye up, and makes the high dome seem even higher, ascending up to heaven.

Home bound, we loitered about on Charles Bridge, enjoying the various views it affords, and listened to a band whose percussionist used a wash board to create a lovely and lively beat to the folkish music they played.

On the bridge itself is a bronze statue of St. John of Nepomuk, the saint that I mentioned yesterday who is entombed at St. Vitus Cathedral. Apparently, he was the Queen's confessor, and the King wanted him to divulge his secrets. He refused, was tortured and finally thrown off the bridge. Today, the plaque on his statue depicting the scene is another place that draws a crowd, where it is believed that touching the plaque will make one's wish come true. But one is only allowed one wish in a lifetime here.

As we walked throught the Old Town Square, we once again watched the short show of the hour of the astronomical clock. Part of the fun is to watch and listen to the crowd.

Hera had already planned out our supper for tonight, but when we entered a bakery to buy some fresh bread, our eyes and nose drew our attention to the display of lovely delicacies. So we bought a couple of rolled pickled herrings, and another two of smoked herrings. A few stuffed vine leaves, a sweet paprika filled with feta, and a hot paprika filled with feta. Hera melted some brie of toasted multi-grained bread, along with a salad, as we sat down to eat our Czech version of tapas.

Cheers,

Hera & Anthony