Hi there again, 1 year later and one of us not travelling this year (Nola), but taking her in spirit!
We had a magic carpet ride through from Perth to Prague 21/ to 22/05/09, particularly the segment that we upgraded from Dubai to Vienna, with a sumptuous breakfast and a snooze (of sorts) in the new T3 business lounge. The flat beds, food and service on the plane were all good - we didn't want to get off. Only down side was when someone woke us up at the T3 lounge! How rude - 3 women straddled over 3 x 4 seater leather couches!! We thought they were meant exclusively for us.
We landed in Vienna on schedule, and managed a walk around the castle and park opposite Sudbahnoff station, before taking a 4 hour ride to Prague central. By the time we arrived, we were totally wrecked. Micheal (taxi driver from Castle Steps) was there to meet us, and as greeted like a long lost friend!
We are very comfortable in the lilac suite, not luxurious but very functional with a great bathroom and beds, and a lovely terrace looking towards the Petrin Park. We have all slept pretty well because we are so stuffed, and marcelle's pedometer has been working overtime! Another 10,000 steps and I score another Czech delicacy (honey cake is just one), although enjoyed the slap up belated birthday dinner at the 3 viloins cafe - roast breast of duck with cabbage and red current sauce. Thank you Val and Cheryl! The cafe used to be the workshop of 2 of Prague's 17th century violin makers - one of them was Englebert. In fact, the entire street we are in was the workshops of the musical instrument makers (Neruda Street, Little quarter of Prague).
Enjoyed it all, the lovely Estates Opera theatre, Jazz night at the Lucerna and early Baroque at the Rudolphium Hall. The lovely shops and little streets, and the museums and art galleries have all been a source of delight,with much learning about things like the times of Communism and history of music. We also spent 1 day travelling to Dresden, quite beautifully restored with so much history. But one one mentions WW11 - just that a fire storm destroyed Dresden in 1945 and 30,000 plus were killed. Obviously the war is still a sensitive issue in East Germany
Well, this story is from Marcelle only, the others are better photographers and story tellers, so they will follow. At present, they are having facials and massages in Neruda Street. The lazy bums!
Off to Loire Vally on Saturday, then Dordogne and Provence. You can respond if you scroll down lower on the page. Sorry about my lousy array of photos, there will be some better ones soon
Farewell for now, hope you are all keeping well in Oz! Hear the weather is still good. It has been warm and sunny, but changed to cloud and unsettled skies half way through the week.
Marcelle
xx
