beer, beer and more beer

starométska radnice (astronomical clock)
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Friday 9th April and we are off to Prague, capital of the Czech Republic. After a few beers in the departure lounge at Bristol Airport we had a near 2 hour flight into Prague Ruzyne International Airport. This time I decided it was time to show Just some of the delights of europe, and with Kirsty and Dougie, some good friends of ours. After what seemed a quick and surprisingly beer free flight we touched down on czech soil, followed by a cheap (£2) bus journey into the centre, we arrived at our hotel.

the powder gate
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By this time it was about 5.30pm. So after a quick turnaround we decided to have a drink in the hotel bar and discuss the evenings plans. Three drinks later, we decided on a taxi ride into Wenceslas Square, to have a mooch around and a walk to the old town square. Walking around and through some charming streets we came across Staroméstska Radnice, the astronomical clock on the old town hall. This looked fantastic lit up. On the other side of the square was, also lit up, the Church of our lady before tyn. This looked something rather special, sat very prominently looking over the main square. After a little walk around we decided on having a meal at Restaurant café u tyna, sat below the church. Now, Just being Just couldn't find a drink here that she liked so the waiter brought what we think was peach schnapps, but judging from his laughter was more like paint stripper! Whatever it was, it certainly was strong. A beer and a thoroughly enjoyable meal it was now time for a wander through the town. A quick stop at the nemesis bar (horrible beer and odd looking barman) we wandered into a shopping mall in the Námesti Republiky. Never before have we strolled into a mall for a beer at 10.30pm! A short taxi ride for a night cap in the hotel bar followed and off to bed ready for a busy next day.

Although it seems like all we did was drink (which we did alot of) we also saw alot of this lovely city

opera house
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Saturday greeted us with mixed weather and off we were again, this time walking into the centre towards the Vltava river. We again looked round the old square, but this time going upto the viewing point in the Old Town Hall, 60 metres above. This had stunning views across the city, seeing upto the castle and beyond and all the stunning red roofs all around. Off we were again and by now, we were in the Mala Strana district across the river, and making our way up towards the castle. This was packed with tourists watching what we believe was the new church leader being welcomed in.. As we meandered through the castle grounds we again came upon a stunning little bar overlooking the city. A quick drink and off again making our way towards the Charles Bridge. As we were wandering through the cobbled streets we came across an alley leading down some steps, which was so narrow it had an up/down traffic light system!! At the bottom was a great little bar/cafe, called restaurant vinarna, overlooking the river. A short stop for a bite to eat and a beer and off to the charles bridge we were. A slow walk over the bridge to see what was on offer and just as we got to the other side we were greeted with heavy rain, so obviously, to stay out of the rain we dived into budweiser budvar for liquid refreshments. A rather long walk home, and another beer both along the way and in the hotel it was time to think about where to eat for the evening. We decided to go back to Mala Strana again, a really wonderful area both day and night. We came across Malostranská Pivnice, a restaurant serving both local and international dishes. This was a lovely place with an equally lovely meal. A little walk down to Malostranské Námesti for a chat and a few more Pilsners/Baileys/Southern Comforts and it was time to make our way back to our hotel.

the church of our lady before tyn
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Sunday morning had arrived and after the previous days exertions we were all a bit tired. So after breakfast we got ourselves ready for the trip home and after a stop off for last minute pressies in the centre we made our way to the airport. Although it seems like all we did was drink (which we did alot of)we also saw alot of this lovely city. And although it has a got a reputation for stag/hen parties you don't tend to see much of them. All in all, a great weekend with some good friends in a fantastic city.