Prague 18 June 2012

After breakfast, we begin our visit to the Castle District of Prague. This District got his name due to the famous Hradcany Castle and a few others castle around the same area. We started out with Hradcany Castle, a royal complex spanning 570 meters with many historical buildings. There's a change of guards routine every morning and by the time we reached to the main entrance there were many tourists waiting to take photos and videos. It's nice to see the change of guard ceremony, due to the fact it was my first. However, I was quite annoyed by two China tourists who criticised the routine loudly, saying it's nothing special and so on. If you're not interested, just walk off and don't crowd the place for those who are really interested.

the outside of the Hradcany Castle compound

the main entrance into Hradcany Castle

Airin with our entrance tickets. We need to purchase tickets in order to visit the buildings inside this royal complex. however, do note that the Castle Grounds are free to visit.

Interior photos of the St Vitus Cathedral

St Vitus Cathedral from the outside

Next, we visit the Prague Castle situated beside St Vitus Cathedral. It was huge and beautiful, very classical indeed, something very gothic look. 

Vladislav Hall. a huge hall reserve for banquets, receptions, coronations and assemblies during medieval time. yea, they did warn not to take any photos inside this hall. but well, I'm not the only one who take photos inside here though...

I guess this is the royal room with the drawings of the kings and queens and the crown


Some buildings inside the Hradcany Castle

I like this water tap very much...

This baker is making something similar to doughnut and we did tried it out. tasty, but costly too...

Charles Bridge from the top of Hradcany Castle

a viewing area at the top of the Hradcany castle

views while walking down and out of the Hradcany Castle complex

walking towards Charles Bridge

buildings along the way to Charles Bridge

on top of Charles Bridge (Karluv Most). Charles Bridge connects the Castle Districts with the Old Town Square..

moving around Old Town Square. we bought most of our souvenirs here due to the pricing and the quality 

Astronomical Clock in the Old Town. a large crowd can be seen standing in front of this tower every hour to see the the procession of the clock

Old Town Square, started as the central market place in Prague. nowadays, it flock with tourists coming here to enjoy the beauty of this square, surrounded by historical buildings such as Old Town Hall the host the Astronomical Clocks, a few churches and palace. during our visit here, there were kind of a festival at the square  and lots of stalls selling local foods and beers.

we had local roasted ham with bread, local wurst and beer for our tea break. my first experience having beer for tea break. not bad considering the food we have compliments the taste of the beer.

Around 5pm, we bid goodbye to Old Town Square and the Castle District. People always said they love Prague the most when visiting Eastern Europe and I believe I did too.. Perhaps it's the architectural, or the history, or the scenery that make me miss Prague a lot. hmm.. but I did touch St John of Nepomuk on top of Charles Bridge which Betty says will ensure ones return to Prague in the future. 

Hradcany Castle complex from Vltava river bank 

notice how calm and beautiful Vltava river and the Hradcany Castle in this two photos

and windy too!!

After I came back to Malaysia, I did applied for the post of Education Advisory with JPA and my first choice is Prague. However, I didn't make the cut. Too bad huh?!! Well, better luck next time. But I know one day I will be back in Prague...After all, I did touched St John of Nepomuk, right?