The easiest way to get from Bratislava to Prague was via Vienna so we briefly retraced our steps before setting off in a new direction towards Prague. Bratislava station can only be described as functional but in reality that is all you need. Within an hour we were back in Vienna to get our connection to Prague. It seemed that everyone else was going to Prague too and for the first time on our trip we had to play seat bingo with those who had already reserved a seat when us ‘lowly’ interrailers get in the way but we eventually got settled and just had mild anxiety every time we pulled into a station that someone would demand our seat.
We made a bit of a rookie error upon exiting Prague HBF and took the first exit from the platform without going through the station to the main entrance. Had we done that our walk to our AirBnB would have been much easier but instead we found ourselves walking along a very busy 4 lane road with no obvious place to cross but we eventually made it unscathed to our new home for the next 4 nights. Within half an hour the first load of washing was on so we set off in search of milk to make a proper cup of tea. We had arrived in Prague on Victory in Europe day so most of the supermarkets were closed but we managed to find a mini market open so picked up some milk and nibbles to see us through until morning. This was our second mistake of the day and we ended up paying 225 CK (Czech crowns) for milk and a large bag of crisps which is the equivalent of £7.50! Lesson learned Lidl all the way from now on.
Washing all done (much needed) and hung out to dry we felt we could leave the apartment to start exploring Prague. As usual Tracey had a list of things we needed to see and on the list for today was Prague castle and the Charles Bridge. Apparently Prague has the largest castle in the world and having now visited it we can confirm that is indeed the case. It is set up above the rest of Prague so is clearly visible on the hill above the city. A very impressive series of buildings and churches guarded by soldiers in a very Buckingham Palace style. The guards are changed every hour in a rather impressive display of synchronised marching that always draws a crowd. Being on a hill we also had great views over the Vltava river and the rest of Prague.
Day two and on the agenda was the rest of the old town including the astronomical clock, Wenceslas Square (he of the Christmas carol) and a walk in Letna Park. On the walk down from Letna Park we were stopped from crossing the road by police outriders and there followed a convey of government cars & police vehicles one of which had the Italian flag on the front so we were obviously intrigued. We later found out that the Italian prime minister was visiting the Czech president.
Day three and we decided to try and escape the chaos of the city and head to Petrin Park for some serious uphill walking. We were also missing the flavours of home a bit so naturally had to get a take away curry for supper.
We have loved Prague but it feels quite chaotic after the relative calm of Vienna. It was also great to have our own apartment for a while and I am sure our fellow train travellers will be pleased that we leave with bags full of clean clothes.
We took a much better route to the station today for our journey to Regensburg in Germany. It feels like we are starting to head homewards from now on.
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