Monday, November 13 - Casrle area

The day began quite dark and cold with rain threatened.  Prepared, we were driven by private coach up the hill to the Castle Area. Vladan lead us around,  walking. We saw the Czech president walking to work. This is a huge complex of several palaces. History and architecture were presented by him emphasizing the role they played from before the Middle Ages. 

 St. Vitus Cathedral is an imposing Gothic structure built over many years. The altar is in the center. Various tombs of important persons in the country's history as well as statues adorn the active worship space. Already there were several groups of tourists with guides Aldo visiting the cathedral. 

  We visited also the Lobkowicz Palace which contains the private collection of this family which a remarkable history of nobility as well as plundering by the Nazis as well as the Communists, and most of it has been returned. Paintings, furniture, table settings show the positive results of the legal battle to receive their possessions which contain a rich history of the country.

  At the Cafe we had a light lunch, enjoying the environment.  Coffee or tea are common beverages to accompany dessert, cheese cake today.  Taki f z fewcdteps up in the palace we attended a concert of classical music presented by a pianist, a flutist, and a viola player. I enjoyed very much the live music of Bach, Dvorak, Smetana, as well as other classical composers.

  It was mid afternoon, and we were given tram tickets and rode two lines back to the hotel. It was raining lightly.  I felt cold and weary snd took a nap.  After dark I met a couple others from our group and walked to a nearby and recommended local pub restaurant. Each of us had an item from the traditional list. Mine was a beef stock soup with beef, potatoes, and vegetables with shredded horseradish and dark bread and mustard. I drank another nonalcoholic beer. 

A bubble bath and earlier than usual time to bed were a perfect ending to the day. I was now warm.

 

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