Good Bye, Vienna; Hello, Prague

We arrived in Prague Sunday after the 4 hour train ride from Vienna.  Getting to the station in Vienna was quite a challenge because a marathon was being held there leading to many road closures and traffic jams.  So, what should have been a 20 minute and 15 Euro taxi ride turned into a 1 hour and 15 minute and 50 Euro harrowing adventure as we raced up and down side streets and back alleys.  It was crazy.  The good news is that we had allowed lots of time so we got to the station 15 minutes before our train departed.  The journey out of Austria and across the Czech Republic was very scenic with lots of forested hills and fields of crops - mainly canola. 

We knew about the nasty reputation of the taxi drivers at the Prague station who will charge exorbitant rates.  We avoided them and went to the TI where the guy there called us a taxi which cost us only about $13 rather than the other guys who would have ripped us off for $75.  Our hotel, The Cloister Inn, is on a little side street not far from the Charles Bridge and Old Town Square.  We found it on Trip Advisor and so far it has lived up to its high ratings.

Because it was still so very hot, our next stop was a bar with a view of the river where we could have something to cool us down.  

View from the bar where we had our "happy hour"

From there, we walked over the Charles Bridge to have dinner at a restaurant called Certovka where I had had lunch the last time I was here.  The patio there has great views of the Charles Bridge and the river.  So, we relaxed there for several hours.  One unique aspect of the restaurant is that the alley with the steps leading down to it are so narrow, there is a pedestrian sign controlling when people can walk up and down as there is no space to pass on the steps. 

The pedestrian control light for the alley to the restaurant

By the time we left, it was dark and the bridge looked magical in the evening light.  Everywhere we looked people were taking pictures.  Now, if I could just figure out how to take clear night shots with mine!  No matter what setting I use they don't come out great.  

We are off to a good start.  Tomorrow we have booked a 6 hour city tour which includes walking, a river cruise, a medieval lunch and a short bus ride.  There should be lots to report after that!