April 15, 2018 ~ An Unprogrammed Day in Prague!
April 15, 2018 ~ An Unprogrammed Day in Prague!
Again the sun shone brightly today, although there were some high clouds that wafted in and out. Still, a very warm and wonderful day for strolling back through the city. The hotel breakfast is a full European-style breakfast: eggs, any way you wish are yours for the asking; a full buffet complete with a variety of cheeses, scrambled eggs, grilled tomatoes, beans in tomato sauce, bacon, several types of sausage, potatoes, several types of ham, a multitude of bread and rolls, cucumbers, mushrooms, tomatoes, juice, all kinds of fruit, yogurt, all kinds of pastries, and, of course coffee or tea. This morning we had time to linger and chat with a couple from Agawam that we met on the ship. Their daughter and grandson had come to Prague to meet them and celebrate their 50th anniversary.
We walked across the street to the Mucha Museum shortly after 10 a.m.
Alfons Mucha (1860-1939) was a Czech artist of the Art Nouveau period.
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| Photo Credit: Wikipedia |
He painted a number of "series" paintings: the four seasons, four flowers, etc.
His lifelong work is a cycle called the Slav Epic, a project he worked on for eighteen years. This work was not displayed at this museum, but are located in a special exhibit at the Rathaus. A couple of examples of this work:
Photo Credit: Wikipedia Photo Credit: Wikipedia
The museum had a really great video of his life. He led a very colorful and fortunate life of an artist with a patron who helped him to advance his talent through art school as well as providing supplies and living expenses. I had never heard of him before, but he evidently was a major influence on the art nouveau movement.
After the exhibit we took a leisurely stroll back through the old town to the river where we had some lunch and just enjoyed the ambiance of the city as well as the spectacular view of the river, the Charles Bridge, and the Prague Castle.
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| I loved the "art nouveau" styling of this building! |
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| A view of the Charles Bridge from our cafe |
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| The Prague Castle behind the Charles Bridge |
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| Our waiter - he was a very busy man this morning! |
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| Ribs, brown bread, mustard and horseradish along with a pickle salad! Glad we decided to share one order! |
As we strolled back through the Old Town, we passed a couple coming out of church with their newly baptised baby. Jeff paused to take their picture for them. I believe the woman holding the little boy in the picture on the left is the aunt and godmother of the baby.
As we strolled the rest of the way back to the hotel, I noticed this statue atop a large bank building. It is a symbol of the Czech peoples -- Freedom riding on the back of a lion. Freedom through courage and bravery seems to be the motto of these strong people - a people who have struggled long and hard to achieve what we take for granted: freedom! They have been part of a large Austro-Hungarian Empire, were subjugated by the Nazis and then by the Communists, and are now a free Czech Republic.
And on that note, I will close this series of blog posts centered on our Grand European Vacation. I have learned so much, seen so many beautiful sites, and experienced peoples and cultures beyond my imagination.
I have a friend who taught there at the American University for many years. She teaches in the US now, but she really misses Prague.
ReplyDeleteAfter spending only 3 days there, I can certainly understand how she could miss Prague. We really loved every moment of our time there and look forward to going back. Friends of ours plan to go there in a trip next fall.
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