Praha

Our first week in Prague is just wrapping up. Along with tons of park and free-play recuperation, we’ve done a lot of walking and self-guided tours. The Old Town Square with its famous astronomical clock is undergoing serious reconstruction. Beautiful, nonetheless, especially if you get there early on a Sunday morning and stick to the shade.

Of course we walked across the Charles Bridge and touched the plaque of St. John Nepomuk to make a once-in-a-lifetime wish. (It would be even more lovely to be there without the crush of selfie-obsessed tourists.)

Than we went to Venice. Oh, wait, no. Still in Prague. This is Kampa Island, the other end of the Charles Bridge. The island (technically it is, although that’s as far as it is separated from the mainland) was created by digging this stream for mill wheel power. It is a peaceful place, particularly considering the great hub-bub just above. We found a walled park quite near with a playground, fountains, orchard, ornately carved beehives, and a handful of peacocks. (Have I mentioned, Prague is really great on parks.)

Then we devoted a day to Art Nouveau. Czech artist Mucha was a major player in this movement, and I bet you would recognize some of his advertising posters from the turn off the 19th century. Even the girls enjoyed the little museum featuring his art. “Look at her tiara!” “Her hair is soooo long!” “I like her pretty dress!” And to make the day of art nouveau complete, we headed over to the Municipal Building to gawk at the chandeliers and stained glass and beautiful tiling.