Romancing Prague...

Think romance, think timelessness, think baroque art, think exquisite bohemian crystal, think Kafka...think Prague..
Eastern Europe, the world behind the iron curtain, fascinates and compels..and I finally succumbed to it in the summer of 2002. I had heard a lot about Prague..Praha and the traveller in me finally made it to this beautiful city. I stayed in a small and very centrally located hotel in town. Prague IS miniscule..this is one city I would advise you to check out, only on foot. Guide and map in hand I set out to discover this beautiful city.
The Prague Castle is the main attraction and you can spend about half a day just exploring the majestic red tiled buildings..The Lovely art gallery of the Czech baroque artists is a must see..The gothic courtyards and cathedrals in the castle are beautiful. I loved the ancient toy museum which is perhaps the largest in the world. From the first limited edition of Barbie to toy train sets to miniature china tea sets, I was completely awed by the wonderful toy collection. That done, one exited the castle through the Golden Lane. Tiny colourful houses dot the castle arches and the cobbled pathway is suddenly full of people posing outside Franz Kafka's house. A metal name plate adorns the wall and yours truly didn't miss the opportunity of getting photograhed right next to it! I picked up some copies of famous Kafka works for friends and family back home from here.
Strolling down the steep cobbled path, one ambles on to the famous St Charles Bridge, over the Vltava river, the most famous landmark of Prague. The bridge at one time was an archtectural marvel, wide enough for four carraiges to pass simultaneously. Today it's thronged by tourists who seem to be in no particular hurry to reach the other side. The bridge is lined with sandstone arches and baroque statues of many Christian saints. The bridge is very popular with the local Czech artists, musicians, and souvenier vendors, all lining the sides of the bridge. I found it it bit crowded during the day so came back again in the evening..and saw the most exquisite sunset with the Prague castle lit in the background..
Just keep walking and you'll find yourself in the Old Town. The Old Town Square is bustling with people looking with awe at The Orloj or the astronomical clock on the Town Hall wall, which chimes on the hour and an army of statues moves between two wooden doors at the top of the clock You step back atleast 600-700 years back in history and this sight was one of the best that I have seen in Europe. The statue of Jan Hus, the famous Czech reformer, stands in the middle of the square and is seen as a symbol of Czech identity.
This is also a good place for shopping- Bohemian crystal, essentially. I picked up some lovely handmade wine glasses and decantars and believe me ..when I say the prices were great!
One can spend a day in Prague or a week, but the beauty and the magic capitivates one forever..I hope to go back soon!