Well one full day in the Czech Republic and it has exceeded my expectations.

As we came in to land in Prague the flight path was over the city.

I decided to spend my first full day doing the touristy stuff and caught a train from Cekalovice into Prague…fortunately Saskia and Mirek helped me out with this note and some kronar…

Worked a treat and I scored a return train ticket into central Prague.  Once there, I was blown away by the incredible architecture. The camera was going click, click, click and I will just show a few here. 

This style is very representive of the overall architecture.  Of course there are really old buildings too.

There are museums galore, art, history, communism, Jewish…and then this….

I walked down to the Jewish sector, which has an amazing history, if not somewhat shocking.

There are over 100 000 Jews buried in layers in this small cemetery, adjacent to the old synagogue.

I crossed the river to head to Prague Castle.

I climbed the old stairs to the castle finding yummy refreshments on the way.

At the top there was solid security with metal detectors to enter the castle precinct.  An amazing complex, hard to get a decent photo as the buildings are large and I could not get the distance away.

The interior of the cathedral was beautiful.

I wandered over to the oldest vineyard in Czech Republic

Had lunch at a restaurant just outside the castle precinct offering nice views over the next hill and park.

In one of the castle squares it looked like a scene from MASH.

Watched this chap reverse recycling.

Noted well armed military…

I walked through the park with the observation tower then back down the steep hill.

I walked to the John Lennon wall complete with an incredibly good Lennon busker.

Crossing the Charles bridge provided great views of the city and river.

Wandered up to Wenceslaus Square, where the Russians made their big entrance into the city many years before.

My quick walking tour came to an end after 22 km, as I needed I get back and get ready to ride! Tomas arrived and the three of us set off on predominantly country roads ending up in a lovely spa town Podebrady for a quick snack.

The water is naturally carbonated, and Tomas warned me  not to drink too much as it can go ‘right through you’.

Heading back home after a great 63 km Czech prelude.

Tomorrow we head off to check out  large Czech castle, and then ride back.  Czech Republic has the highest density of castles of any country in the world.

i look forward to it…I am feeling somewhat tired still from jet lag, but too much to see and do!