1st July 2005 Prague

Breakfasted at the hotel then walked into town, it�s raining again! A torrential downpour has us scuttling into the nearest place. Jindrisska is a Turkish restaurant so we ordered large glasses of Turkish coffee and waited till the rain became a drizzle again! Popped across the road to buy a brolly and continued walking.
It�s lovely by the river until the heavens open again, within minutes the cars are in water halfway up their wheels and we are in danger of a thorough drenching per car. We take shelter again, soaked through this time but not cold. A brisk walk over the bridge and we head for the Cantina, supposed to be the best Mexican restaurant in Prague, and are seated with some mulled wine and beer to drip dry whist sharing amazingly good steak and chicken, banana and coconut fajitas followed by an awesome chocolate coconut cake.
Walked up to the castle (full of mulled wine and singing in the rain) thinking that we may dry out exploring indoors for a while. The Castle of Prague is one of the largest fortresses in the world. It was founded in the 9th century and is a combination of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque. It�s walls contain St. Vitus�s Cathedral, the Royal Palace, St. George�s Basilica, Lobkowitz Palace, the Chapel of the Holy Rood, the Castle Gallery, the Southern Gardens and Golden Lane.
We paid our fee and decided to visit the cathedral first, it is very beautiful with stunning stained glass windows, we wandered around taking in the stunning architecture and wonderful ceilings, windows and Gothic ornamentation. We climbed all 287 steps of the tower to look at the stunning views of Prague. Walked back down and headed for the Royal Palace (closed!) Made our way down the expensive little craft shops that form the restored Golden Lane, 16th century �hovels of the poor� Charming little cottages where Frank Kafka used to write. Walked through the Royal Gardens and the Gardens on the Ramparts and out to the city again as the whole castle area is closed now. We stopped at Pod Veso cafe for coffee, beer and wine.
Walked over the lovely 14th century Charles Bridge with it�s many statues of saints added to the bridge between 1706 and 1714. Today there are little stalls selling paintings, jewellery, puppets etc. all along the bridge. Also people singing some excellent jazz and opera arias and the beggars praying for crowns.
We walked back through the old town and decided to eat at Celnice again. Steak for Andrew and a Czech platter for me with a bottle of Auzzie shiraz, too much food, we couldn�t get through it all! We went back to the hotel for a hot bath, then had a Mojita in the bar and listened to the end of the jazz act before bed.