Prague - the Sequel

Our second full day in Prague was only about 31 degrees so we felt much more comfortable. We basically repeated our plan from the day before - wander, gape, spin, and take too many pictures. We walked up and down Wensceslas Square where the Velvet Revolution had its climax. It is more of a boulevard with King Wensceslas presiding over a street lined with incredible architecture and hotels like the Hotel Europa. We dove back into the Old Town to watch the Astronomical Clock at the Old City Hall ring in the new hour with a little medieval statue pageantry. We were amazed at how many weddings were trying to squeeze in their pictures in the middle of a gazillion tourists at all the sights. Matthew took out his camera and ran around the square trying to outdo his Dad. I had to check out the Communism Museum which told the story of Czechoslavakia under the Communist system. It was very moving watching and listening to the many stories about people being crushed by a very cruel state that was claiming to be creating a freer world for them. The irony of the museum being next door to a casino and above a McDonald's was rich. It was time for one more trip to the Vlata River to see all the most beautiful homes (as well as the Dancing House) line the waterfront before relaxing one last time in the Old Town Square and watching Matthew chase pigeons around the Jan Hus statue. After only a couple of days we already feel very comfortable running around central Prague and feel sad about leaving this gem of a city so quickly. Although the charms of Prague have been 'discovered' by the rest of the world, it still wasn't too expensive or crowded (although we weren't there on a weekend).