Along the Road to Petrin

I know this is horrible, but I came into this summer I guess you could say a little jaded. I had so many brilliant experiences last summer and saw so much that I felt like yes this will be exciting but its more about working this time than the 'out of my comfort zone, new and exciting adventure' that last summer was. So last night as I was looking through my travel books trying to find what I wanted to see in Prague today I was thinking 'I saw pretty much everything I really wanted to see last summer. What to see, what to see..." I know, you are all reading this probably hating me for being so unenthused, honestly I'm a little disappointed with myself. So I set out today with one thing really on my list, and thought I would see where the day took me. Today was marvelous, and was a reminder of why life is so fantastic. Its not about where you are, what you've seen or how many times you've been there. Its about what you put into it and what you get out.

I started my day off walking towards Petrin Hill, Petrin was my one thing planned for the day. As I was walking I stumbled across an art exhibit of Franktisek Bilek, a famous Czech sculptor. I debated on whether or not to spend the money for a ticket and decided to just go for it. It was incredible. There were over 60 pieces on display, all done by him. And the building, which is actually what drew me over the gallery, was designed and built by him. I was floored by not only his talent, but also his thoughts and insights that inspired his work. My mind was going a mile a minute thinking about so many different things, I was just scribbling notes all over my pamphlet. His work was thought provoking and was the best way to start my day.

From there I continued on my way to Petrin and passed the Royal Palace Gardens, which somehow I never actually saw last summer. They are so beautiful, and the view of St. Vitus Cathedral...oh I was in heaven.

                      

                    

After some more wandering I made it to Petrin, which is essentially a park but has lots of winding shaded paths through beautiful trees. It was lovely and green and full of people. I didn't take the time to stop and think about how many more people would be there because its a national holiday today. Luckily most of them were lounging on the grass or playing frisbee so most of the paths through the large park didn't have many people on them. 

                   

                   

                                      
I ended the day sitting in the Park in Mala Strana right below the Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral. St. Vitus is probably my favorite place in Prague. I don't know what it is about it, but whenever I see it in the distance I am awed and I start taking pictures. The park, again was more busy than usual. I thought it was all for the holiday. Some of it was....

            
...and some it appeared to be Czech hippies sleeping in tents. And then I walked by and saw an "Occupy Czech" sign. Oh boy... They need to vacate that area. My favorite park to sit before I go home is being tainted by their stupidity.

But I did enjoy reading more about things to do in Prague, while enjoying this delicious treat I bought by the Charles Bridge. Every time I passed the place that makes these last summer, my mouth would water. The
cinnamon and sugar mixed with the cooking pastry just wafts over the end of the bridge enticing you to come down and buy one. So I finally gave in, and it was pretty tasty.