Prague. July 26

Note: Today we rejoin (for a fleeting moment) the Brand parents! Look out for this or you'll miss it.

Breakfast on our porch

Our first full day in Prague began like many of our other first days in new cities, we joined the walking tour to orient ourselves and get all the facts about our new location. We were running quite late and were rushing into the main square to find the tour, when we spotted Elise's parents walking towards us. Elise popped her head out, gave them a kiss and a hug, and ran off again, probably before they realised it was their daughter and not some crazy gypsy.
As always the tour was really good, we were taken through Praha I, the first district and old town of Prague. It is incredibly beautiful firstly. Even where we are staying, the buildings are amazing, old and many shades of the best colours. On the tour we were told a lot about the communist history of the Czech Republic and Prague as the centre of this, learning about the oppressive regime suffered by many citizens in not only Prague but the eastern bloc in general post WWII, up until the late 80's/early 90's. Particularly the many rally's and peaceful protests conducted by the citizens of Prague in Wenceslas square, and the demonstration by Jan Palach, who in opposition to the regime, set himself alight on the steps of the national museum, which overlooks the square. There is now a memorial for him at this place.

We were also shown the astrological clock, which is the most complex clock ever and basically shows many things, like the moon phase, time of year and of course time of day. Also it has the 365 saints on it, who if you're lucky enough in the Czech Republic to be named after, you get a second birthday, on the day of that Saint. WOAH WINNER. The clock is also known as a very disappointing sight in Europe. Primarily because the actual changing of the hour has the worst "show", if you can call it that, EVER. Eight figurines that surround the clock representing various things, ie, barely move/do anything to mark the changing of the hour. We were shown the metronome that replaces the Michael Jackson statute that replaces the Lenin statue that is across the river facing Prague. The metronome now serves as a reminder of communism and what once was, and how the Prague and the people are now free without oppression.

The tour ended looking towards Charles bridge, the incredibly famous bridge where a saint was once chucked off. Now it's tourist central and we made plans to return at a later date.

Da clock

Oh also, during our break on the tour we thought it would be the ideallyo time for gelato so did a quick google of closest gelato AND MANAGED TO GO TO THE BEST ONE IN PRAGUE. How did we luck that you ask? We are kings that's how. Gosh don't ask ridiculous things.

Anyway, that's day one for you, more tomorrow?

Bye xoxo
A&E