Praha part I - Back in town

I must have been quite a nuisance after my first Prague trip about the city itself and everything it has to offer - a nuisance big enough to make my sister express her wish of going to Prague one day. With a little persuasion from my side, "one day" was brought forward to last August, and after a sleepover in Salzburg, we took off towards the Czech Republic one cloudy summer morning. 

And while the train slowly steamed via Linz and České Budějovice, we had plenty of time to either sleep or watch the landscape, or just enjoy a truly vintage train carriage.

Here we go again - from the beautiful main train station we headed towards the city center, knowing our room wouldn't be ready until the afternoon.

Proof of how even a familiar place will always offer new discoveries: Farewell Memorial to commemorate the goodbyes that took place between parents and their children in 1938 and 1939 before the "children's transports" organized by Nicholas Winton left Prague for a safe harbour.

Rare view of an almost empty Old town square after a cloudburst, which soon changed for more pleasant weather.

Once the unpacking was done and my sister decided to stay inside for a while, it was time for me to hit the road again. Staying in Anděl again, I could take advantage of already knowing the neighbourhood, while the combination of a little of curiosity and not using a map anymore made me discover new places at the same time. Off to the riverside with its colourful facades...

... across the bridge towards the Dancing house...

... a first "real" look at Prague's most distinguished gem...

... and on to the place I had wanted to visit last time already. Located right on a busy street, the church of St. Cyril and Methodius might not be an eye-catcher from the outside. Still, the Orthodox church played a major role in the final chapter of the most famous act of resistance during the Nazi occupation.

Memorial plaque to the Czech and Slovak paratroopers, as well as the members of the Orthodox community who aided their hiding behind the church walls.

Bullet holes around the window of the crypt - a silent reminder of the events that were happening in and around it.

And while the church itself is closed outside of church service hours...

... the crypt has been converted into a museum dedicated to the national heroes. In the entrance hall, numerous displays tell the story of occupation and the daring men who carried out Operation Anthropoid. 

Within the crypt, however, the busts of the paratroopers are lined up in front of empty coffin niches, each of them being introduced by notes in both Czech and English. 
In a wonderful coincidence of coming and going, I could actually have a couple of moments all by myself in an attempt to contemplate the dim underground hiding place, trying to imagine the circumstances of the final showdown. 

More memory plaques to the ones fallen within the Orthodox place of worship...

... the Orthodox clergymen...

... and a seemingly endless number of people who have been executed in the course of retaliation for helping and/or supporting the paratroopers' cause.

Off to the sunny sides of Prague again. No matter how many times I'll be returning to the city by the Vltava, one thing is certain: I cannot imagine ever getting tired of its detailed facades, no matter how worn out they seem to be in some places.

However, since I've left my umbrella at home and clouds began to take over again, I decided to slowly walk towards home, just in case.

Me, walking across the bridge: What a wonderful sight of the old town being covered by this huge, grey cloud, while an almost unnatural light protrudes from Petřín hill and Malá Strana.

Me, having a closer look: What a wonderful image of rain coming down behind Prague castle.

Me, moving back and forth on the bridge, trying to get the perfect shot: What a beautiful contrast between light and dark.

Me, having a close-up of the castle: What a beautiful silhouette on this white-ish background.

Me, observing the whole scenery again: What a great sight of the castle being hidden behind a curtain of rain. Which is approaching. Straight into my direction. I guess I should have started running home already!

Needless to say, I was soaking wet before I could make it around the corner. After a quick change of clothes, however, the sun was out again - and so were we.

Peaceful evening by the Vltava, as if nothing has ever happened.

What about a quick evening walk that would give my sister a taste of what is lying ahead? Past the Dancing house...

... some more lovely details...

... along the riverside...

... chasing the sun that is slowly setting between Prague's most famous hills...

Last but not least, a quick steeplechase on Charles bridge... 

... and off to catch some sleep for the adventures that are to come. 

~ to be continued ~