Prague, Czech Republic
Farewelling Melk, we strolled up towards the railway station and found a park nearby to rest a while, as we had plenty of time before we started our journey to Prague. On the walk we passed a few interesting houses, including Mustervilla, a neo-Gothic design by Carl Ritter von Borkowski (1829-1905) as a model residence in 1893 for houses in the district. And there was Villa Anna, a large double villa with a neo-Romanesque facade built in 1887-88.
After catching the train back to Vienna we connected with the train to Prague. Although it was a six and half hour trip, the train was very comfortable and relaxing.
On arrival at Prague Railway Station, we found the trams to our apartment. Being a bit confused at one stage, we asked some girls on the street for assistance. Luckily they spoke English and were able to explain how we could tell which direction a tram was heading. The imposing wooden door to our apartment was not what we were expecting and we only realised it was our destination after passing it by a couple of times and even fruitlessly asking the young asian cashier at the corner convenience store if she knew the way. Unfortunately she did not speak English and could not help. Although the building was over 110 years old, the apartment was well equiped, bright and airy with a modern decor (though dubious plumbing). The photographic wall art picture of the city of Hong Kong was surprising! Being located across the road from Petrin Hill and within a short walk to the river, proved to be a real advantage.
After settling in, we went for a stroll down to the river. The Vltva runs through the centre of Prague, dividing the Old City and New City from the Lesser City and Castle. It is a major attraction for tourists, hosting many river cruises and boating rides. Although the river is beautiful, particularly with the light of sunset, we were disappointed to see a lot of graffiti on the buildings and bridge supports along the banks. We walked along the river bank to Charles Bridge (Karlov Most), which was crowded with tourists taking photos, buying trinkets from street vendors and making their way across to the Old City and its many restaurants. We joined the throngs and eventually made it to the other side. After walking down a couple of small alleyways, crowded with small shops, we walked back along the river to the Legion Bridge (Legii Most), nearest our apartment.
