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Experiencing the Czech Republic

For most of my life, I professed that I had no desire to visit Europe. There was nothing drawing me there. Any images that I had of Europe were formed by my life-long learning and history lessons in school, with the graphic war movies and tales of massive destruction and domination.

Of course, I had no desire to experience that! I absolutely hated war, the motivation behind it, the atrocities of it, and the destruction it brought with it in the form of annihilation, bombardment and widespread destruction of property and faith in the proliferation of the human race.

The closest I dared to travel was to England and Scotland and then only because the opportunity presented itself and I could speak and understand the language.

But then it happened. After getting to know a young Czech man who was in the US on a work visa, I became a bit intrigued. And, as time went on, a family member traveled to Czech and found it quite a historic place. Upon viewing the photographs of the capitol city of Prague and the surrounding area, I began to get a very different view of not only Czech but also of Europe.

Next there was a work assignment in Czech for a family member, an invitation to visit with a place to stay and someone to help interpret one of the most difficult languages on the planet.

On most trips, travels or vacations, I am drawn to get as far away from the congestion and daily dynamics of any kind of city life. However, with the city of Prague, the opposite was true. I was drawn back in numerous times.

While parking is limited and expensive in the city, mass transportation is affordable, convenient, and timely. It also does help if you get on the tram going the correct direction in order to get to your desired destination.

More than once I had the great honor to experience a part of the city that was not quite what I was looking for. However, it did offer its own perspective on the real workings and happenings of Prague as it would in any other city in the world. Prague's Main Railway Station was one of such out-of-the-way experiences.

Prague's Main Railway Station

Charles Bridge

No journey to Prague is complete without a visit to the Charles Bridge. The history that helped shape this city, the country and the people of Czech is represented today in the architecture and symbolism that remains strong and bold in this national structure. King Charles IV commissioned the bridge with the first stone laid in 1357. The bridge connects the Old Town portion of Prague with Mala Strana or the "lesser" portion of Prague. Each area offers plenty of sight-seeing opportunities, has long-term historic presence and also shows signs of the 21st century with old world charm.

The original thought for the bridge's construction was to hold knight tournaments. For many years there was only a simple crucifix present on the bridge. Between 1600 and 1800 thirty more statues were erected on the bridge due to Catholic influence. Currently, there are seventy-five statues. Although most of the originals were damaged by floods or catastrophies, most of the statues are copies. That doesn't take away from the experience or the impression one encounters upon touring the historical landmark.

Saint John of Nepomuk

Charles Bridge hosts a statue that represents Saint John of Nepomuk, the court priest of King Wenceslas IV. There is a legend that he was killed by order of the king, due to his refusal to tell the king about the queen's confession.

While legends may sometimes hold merit, the truth in this instance was that of John inviting a bishop, one of the king's enemies, to Prague. John of Nepomuk was thrown from the bridge to his death in 1383.

Touching the statue is a Prague ritual. It is supposed to bring good luck and ensure that you return to Prague soon.

Legend also states that stars appeared when John touched the water. That is why his statue is depicted with stars surrounding his head.

Upon walking a few steps closer to Old Town, there is also a cross with five stars situated on the left parapet of the bridge. Touching the cross and stars with your left hand while making a wish is said to bring good luck and also will help your wish come true. This is also the exact point where John was thrown from the bridge.

DOBŘÍŠ Castle

This is one castle I have not had the privilege to tour yet, although I did get a chance to look around the gardens and have a great Czech meal in the evening. This rococo style chateau is owned by the Colloredo-Mannsfeld family. While the chateau was confiscated by the Nazis in 1942 and then by the Czechoslovak state in 1945, it served as "The House of Writers" for nearly 50 years. The chateau was returned to the Colloredo-Mannsfeld family in 1998.

While my trip to Czech took place in February and everything was graced with a light covering of snow, it was plain to see that this affords a great backdrop for summer garden wedding photos or other memorable events. I am hoping to return to Dobis Chateau in the summer season to view these lovely gardens, blooming and gloriously green.

The castle and grounds are open year around. So it was a pleasure to step inside to get out of the cold and enjoy a great Czech meal.

All of this is only a small representation of my trip to Czech Republic. While the language and communication was challenging and it was perfect to have my own Czech interpreter, people had a lot of patience and offered English words to the best of their ability.

It was a fantastic experience! And while I never would have guessed I would ever travel to Czech Republic in my lifetime, I had the opportunity to travel there a second time this year.

Prague Castle

No trip to Prague would be complete without stopping to tour the historic Prague Castle which stands guard around the first Czech cathedral, St. Vitus. I don't think I could begin to share the history of this castle or the many people who inhabited it, maintained it or helped to support it over the past 1,000 plus years.

A number of tours are available for the Prague Castle complex, including a variety of languages, guided or self-guided.

It was a wonderful experience in many ways. There is the changing of the guard ceremony at noon each day. And even though it was very cold outside, it was worth the wait!

There are a number of tours available. I'm sure I will venture in and take another segment upon a future visit.

St. Vitus Cathedral

The master craftsmanship in constructing St. Vitus Cathedral is astounding.

I have included a few photographs as a sampling of the awe-inspiring artistry that comes through in the stained glass windows as well as the architectural design.

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