Prague - Day 2

I had a terrific breakfast at the Rodigari (my penzion), and was picked up by Honza. Today, I was to be escorted around by Irena and Karel, as Hanka had to have her leg cast reset and can't go out, and Honza needed to study for an exam tomorrow. We first headed to Troja, which is a lovely chateau built in the Italian style on the Vltava. One room in the chateau was particularly impressive, as it was painted from floor to wall with murals. While there, we had lunch. I ordered knedlicky with stuffed with ham, which was delicious. After lunch, we walked to the botanical gardens to see the carnivorous plant exhibit, which was rather interesting. Apparently the big ones can eat mice. We then went to the Prague castle, and were immediately besieged by tour groups in St. Vitus' cathedral. It was hard to move. There also seem to be a lot of Spanish tour groups, and they all have little headsets that the guide uses to communicate with his flock. In the cathdral, Me and Karel walked up the tower. Irena was too tired to join us. It was quite a climb, but the view at the top was great. By this time it was quite late, so we headed back to the apartment again, once again crossing the Charles bridge, and seeing more tourists than yesterday.

For dinner, Irena made gizky, which was superb, undoubtedly because of all the fat used in the frying. After dinner, I went to the pub with Honza and Hanka who were meeting friends there. It was a bit of strange experience. Besides them, there was only one girl who had ability and courage to speak to me in English. The other were either too shy, or simply did not care. I drank more Burcak, which was nice. Unfortunately, smoking is still legal in these establishments in Prague, and all my clothes smelled of smoke. A shame, especially considering I had just washed a shirt that I had intended to wear for a few more days.