These first photos area taken as we were driving in.....so my first impressions.....
The old and new are in stark contrast
Our hotel here - the Radisson - is very nice. We arrived early afternoon on Friday, and after a quick check in embarked on a city tour.....which was mainly on foot. Our guide while in Prague is a young woman named Martina.....she is lovely and so knowledgable......answers all our questions so graciously!
There are 1.3 million people living in Prague and over 10 million in the whole country. Unemployment runs at between 3 and 8%.
The Czech Republic was established as a country after the First World War in 1918. It was run by a communist government from 1948 - 1989 when it was once again returned to being a democratic country. Interestingly, between the two world wars it was the seventh wealthiest nation on earth.
It was quite an amazing feeling to stand in Wenceslas Square - where so many demonstrations and major political upheavals have taken place.....and where the Russian tanks rolled in in 1968.
The national museum is at the top of the square.....and below is the view looking the other way.
The buildings in this square date from the 19th century - there are none taller than 6 stories - so no high rise here.
The yellow building (hotel) in this photo is a good example of Art Deco style which can be see in various places.
A little bit of England in Wenceslas Square
In the pavement you can see the coat of arms of the city
Amazing how this franchise finds its way into every city of the world!
Street theatre
Beautiful old cars for hire
And a typical souvenir shop.......chandeliers for sale.....everywhere!!
After wandering through this part of town we ventured into the 'old part'.......that's coming.....
Till next time......
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