Spring is almost here...and I can't wait!

It's almost here!  The first day of spring is sooooo close I can feel it.
There's just something about the warm sun on my face, seeing happy people enjoying the outdoors, and knowing that my favorite season of all is not far off... summer!

A walk through Prague

What a beautiful fall day for a stroll along the Vltava...

Simple Beauty

I'm never at a loss for breathtaking views in Prague...and this is one of my favorites. No matter what time of year it is, I always find the red-tiled roofs to be spectacular

The highest belfry in Prague...any guesses?

Just when I thought I've been to every historical monument in Prague, I stumble upon one that I somehow overlooked.  How does one overlook the highest belfry in Prague?!?

Gothic Jindřišska věž is located on Jindřišskou street, which has connected three Prague squares since the 14th-century - Wenceslas, Charles and Senovážné.  

The tower itself was built during the years 1472-1475 next to the Church of St. Henry and Cunigunde...the clock was added in 1577.  There are many bells in the tower, but the oldest and most famed one is named Maria (made in 1518) and weighs 723kg.  She's preserved to this day and can be seen in the tower's restaurant.  Every day at 9 am, 12 noon, 3 pm and 6 pm, you will hear the bells play (not the original bells) one of 1,152 melodies.

Zvonice restaurant occupies the 7th, 8th and 9th floors and is adorned with original wood from the belfry, original brick walls, gothic windows, as well as the bell Maria.  

The 10th floor is the bell tower itself, one that feels like a specious old attic with spectacular views of Prague Castle and the city center.  And for those of you who avoid such towers due to their abundance of stairs, you'll be glad to know that Jindřišska has an elevator!  Pass it up though...because if you don't you'll miss one of the most unique things about the tower - a  new tower was built inside the shell of the old one.  When you step inside, you'll find yourself in a tower within a tower!  You can see the inside of the old shell in some places along the staircase, if you walk, that is.

Beautiful views from the tower...

View of The Church of Our Lady before Týn

View of Senovážné Square

Don't skip the 1st floor though.  It may seem like a simple café, and surely coffee is good, but coffee with a side of cognac is even better!  This café is also where you'll find a most comprehensive collection of single malt Scotch whiskey, and a large selection of cognacs, rums, wines and cigars.  But shhh...don't tell anyone, it's not touristy and we like it that way.

And just how high is the tower?  67.7 meters to be exact.

Getting here:

Jindřišska is walking distance from Wenceslas Square, but you can also get there via metro (A or B line to Mustek, or C line to Muzuem.  Via tram, take either the 3, 9, 14 or 24 to Jindřišska.

Always look up!

I can't stress this enough...always look up!   

You never know what you may see...

Summertime and the livin' is easy

Play Summertime on YouTube prior to and while reading on...to get that full summertime feelin'

Go to:  http://youtu.be/i3xkf7rkwIY

Summertime, and the livin' is easy

Fish are jumpin', and the cotton is high

Your Daddy's rich, and your Mama is good lookin'

So, hush, little baby don't you cry

One of these mornings you're gonna rise up singin'

You're gonna spread your wings and take to the sky, take to the sky

But until that mornin' there's nothin' that can harm you

With Daddy and Mommy standin' by

Summertime

Yes, it's the time, I'm talking about summertime

And the livin', summer living, the livin' is so fine

Fish are jumpin, and the cotton is high

Your Daddy's rich, he's rich, your Daddy's filthy rich

And your Mama, hot mama, your Mama's so good lookin'

So, hush, little baby don't you cry

Summertime is a glorious time in the Czech Republic!  Although we don't have a coastline, we love the water and travel to the sea.  Croatia's my favorite go-to summertime spot and I hope you have the chance to visit.  Pretty much every Czech has either a chata (cabin) or chalupa (cottage) in the country and they'll head out of the city almost every weekend.  But for those of you who don't have a country home to escape to, there's still a ton to do just outside of Prague, as well as right in the city!

Fishing under the Charles Bridge

(not sure what he's catching, perhaps Water Sprites?!)

Boating

Take a boat cruise along the Vltava River

Or along Čertovka (Devil's Stream)

Dining ...or just relaxing 

With a glass of wine or a cold beer, kick back at one of the many cafes/restaurants overlooking the Vltava

Paddleboating

How about seeing the city from your very own paddleboat?

Horseback Riding

Music

The city is alive with music during the summer...

Strolling

Prague is a beautiful city to stroll through.  While you're at it, stop to feed the swans that call the Vltava their home

Biking

A popular activity and there are many parks in Prague to do so, as well as organized trips throughout the country

Castles

The Czech Republic is packed with castles and chateaux.  You can spend every day of the summer visiting a different one...heck you can spend well over a year trying to see them all!  

Jemnice

Karlštejn

The Czech Grand Canyon

Velká Amerika (Grand America) and Malá Amerika (Little America)

"Amerika" is the name for a system of long abandoned limestone pit quarries situated in the vicinity of  Karlštejn.  Walk or jog around...some folks find there way down to swim in the clear lagoons.

Be careful though...here you can see where the stone gave way

Prague Zoo and Troja

Because who doesn't love animals?

And right next door to the zoo we have the romantic Troja chateau, which also houses a fabulous wine cellar/shop (if you can find it!)

Jet Skiing

Launch your skis nearby the zoo and Troja, and have a blast on the Vltava!

Kayaking

Český Krumlov ...just go.  This medieval town is situated in the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic and is worth the trip.  It's a charming city along the Vltava (yes, the same Vltava that flows through Prague!)

Hiking

(and more boats)

There are a ton of places to hike in the Czech Republic, but one place that I find spectacular is České Švýcarsko National Park (Bohemian Switzerland National Park).  The park was created on June 1, 2000, and links to the Sächsische Schweiz (Saxonian Switzerland) National Park on the German side, which was established in 1990.  You can take several paths, one that even leads to a wonderfully relaxing boat ride. 

Žluté Lázně

Located on the bank of the Vltava River in Prague 4, this place is a great place to spend a hot summer day.  Activities include everything from swimming in the river (errr....if you so desire) to beach volleyball to soccer...and so much more.  Food, cocktails, showers, restrooms, etc.  It's a great place to come and offers something for all ages.  At night it's a great place to meet friends and enjoy a few cold beers.  Live concerts take place as well throughout the summer.

Lakes

There are a lot of lakes in the Czech Republic, and Lhota is a personal favorite because of its sandy bottom (it reminds me of being on a beach at the ocean).  Lhota (u Staré Boleslavi) is a man-made lake about 20 km outside of Prague.  There's a large sandy beach (perfect for sand castles), food and drinks, restrooms, and a few concession stands.  

 

 

Another really popular lake and recreation area is Slapy.  Lake Slapy is a multipurpose reservoir built on the Vltava River about 40 km south of Prague.  There are a lot of cabins and cottages around the lake that you can rent for a peaceful weekend away from the city.  Enjoy sailing?  This is a great spot for it!

As I said, there are a ton of lakes throughout the Czech Republic...this is a random one in a village southeast of Prague...

4-Wheeling and Dirt Bike Riding

Because boys will be boys!

Spa Towns

Spa Towns are a wonderful way to relax.

Lázně Poděbrady

Mariánské Lázně

 

Karlovy Vary

Beer

I hope you enjoy all this wonderful country has to offer this summer.  Whatever you do this summer, don't forget the cold beer... because nothing's better in the heat of summer than an ice cold pivo!