Thats right. The Czech Republic. We learned about it as Czechoslovakia in school but that changed... oh, 9 years ago. Its just funny to me how many people still refer to it as that.
My first stop in the Czech Republic was touristy, but beautiful Prague. It was surprising to me just how many tourists there were in Prague. There are crowds almost everywhere. It was very unexpected. However, no matter how many tourists, it is still such a beautiful city. Lovely buildings, gorgeous river, amazing castle on the hillside, great parks, and delicious food! I had such a nice time wandering in Prague.
At my hostel, I ran into a couple, Priya and Scott, that had been staying at my hostel in Amsterdam. We got to talking and ended up spending a day or so wandering Prague together. Its just so funny how many people take similar routes in Europe. Its fairly common to run in to people more then once because of this. As it so happens, Prague wouldn't be my last chance meeting with Priya and Scott!
On my last day in Prague I had the choice between doing a day trip to Cesky Krumlov or Terezin concentration camp. I chose the latter because I was not sure whether I would be able to see another camp on my trip and I thought it necessary to pay my respects to the lives lost. It was a bit of a gloomy day but very eye opening. I did not realize just how many different nationalities were forced into concentration camps under the Nazi reign. All in all I felt my experience at Terezin was necessary but I don't think I would want to see another former camp in my life time.
Bramborack and sauerkraut
Astrological clock
John Lennon memorial wall
Cathedral at the castle
Inside the cathedral. Probably one of my favorites so far. The stained glass was unlike anything I've seen!
Terezin Concentration Camp -
I was really confused by the fact people were taking photos inside the camp. Am I the only one that thinks that is really disrespectful?
From Prague, I headed to Brno. It is the second largest city in the Czech and hometown to one of my favourite people! Its a pretty unassuming city but after tourist filled Prague it was a breathe of fresh air. I really enjoyed wandering the city, eating good food, and seeing the sights. Truthfully, there isn't much to be seen. However, the castle was great! It offers a very thorough history of the castle, which turned into a prison and was later used by the Nazis as a prison also. I was one of very few people at the castle so I didn't feel rushed to see things and I took my sweet time browsing the exhibits. At one point the bells started playing... to the tune of Celine Dion "My Heart Will Go On" but horribly off key. I wished I had another Canadian there to laugh with me because I had a really good laugh all by myself.
Another interesting site in Brno was the Capuchin Crypt. The crypt is home to a number of well preserved, mummified bodies that were laid to rest in the basement. You can see the bodies up close and it really was interesting to see real mummified humans. Rach, I think you would have loved it! One of the bodies they think must have been buried alive. The most interesting part for me was at the back of the crypt. They used to lay the bodies of the Capuchin monks along the floor by removing the bottom slat from the coffin and letting the body settle on the floor. This way they could reuse the coffins. The monks bodies were laid side by side and you can still see them today. You can also still see parts of the robes, belts and rosaries. I was completely fascinated. However, I was one visiting the tomb and by the time I made it to the end I had creeped myself out so much I ran out of there! Of course, not enough to keep me from seeing the crypt in Vienna...
The red church
While I was in Brno, I made a trip to Olomouc, pronounced like Ola-moats if you are wondering. Its a pretty historical little town. It has lots of nice museums that are virtually free. For the equivalent of a few Canadian dollars I got admission for both the Modern Art museum and the Archdiocesan Museum. Both were interesting. However, I started to get kind of upset in the Archdiocesan Museum looking at all the jewels and fancy things used in Catholic services and ceremonies. Why does a church need so many riches and shiny things in order to even have just a simple Sunday service? And does the bible not say something about it being much easier for a poor man to make it to heaven then it is for the rich? If thats the case, I think the Catholic church is going to have a hard time getting through the pearly gates with their pockets so fully loaded with material goods. Just a thought...
How Czech! Beer, steamed bread, potato dumplings, duck, and cabbage!
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