This morning we left Vienna and headed to Rosenburg Castle which is about an hour north of Vienna.
When we left Vienna it was raining but by the time we reached the castle it had stopped. The weather continued to clear and it finally became a beautiful day. We were able to tour the castle on our own without any long-winded tour guides, always a big plus. After exiting the castle we gathered in the courtyard for a falconry performance. Falcons, eagles, owls, vultures and ravens were handled by their trainers and flew all around the courtyard. The birds created quite a breeze as they flew just inches over our heads.
After the falconry show we had a delicious lunch at the restaurant adjacent to the castle. After lunch we hit the road. About an hour north of the castle we left Austria and entered the Czech Republic. It was about a four hour drive to Prague from the castle. Most of the drive was on a small two-lane highway where we passed through small villages and towns. A very scenic drive and everyone was delighted that the sun was finally shining. We got to the Intercontinental Hotel in Prague just after 5:00. As always, Princess has picked the best place in town for us to stay. Right on the river in downtown within easy walking distance of the major attractions. Below is the hotel shot from one of the bridges over the river.
Tonight as the sun was setting we took a tour of the city. We stopped at a scenic spot atop castle hill for a great view of the city. I didn't like Vienna all that much, but it would be hard to decide my favorite between Prague and Budapest, I love both these cities.
After admiring the view for a while, Marco, our friendly bus driver, dropped us at a local pub for a beer. The Czechs are very proud of the fact that they drink more beer per person than any other country on Earth. After the leaving the pub it had just gotten dark and we finished the rest of the tour on foot. We walked by some very classy statues such as the one below. You can't tell by the picture, but the hips on these gentlemen move from side to side.
We walked to the most famous spot in the city, the Charles Bridge.
The city is nicely illuminated at night. Walking over the Charles Bridge was spectacular.
Below is the castle that we will be visiting tomorrow.
It was a great day. According to the forecast the weather is supposed to be nice tomorrow as well. We will be spending the entire day in Prague.
Tim
|