Prague, Czech Republic

The Czech Republic was ruled by a communist government only 20 years ago.

The Charles Bridge

Prague remained steeped in this cold blustery fog for the last three days of our trip, but the rain that had been predicted for our whole 10 day holiday held off until we flew out.

I was overwhelmed by the architecture here.  Not only were the cathedrals and palaces beautifuly designed, but the common apartments down sketchy back alleys were just as ornate and unique.

Every town I visit, I love to point out my favorite door to Jesse.

We wore 3-4 layers of clothes when we walked around town.  We weren't prepared for winter just yet.

The astronomical clock.  The oldest part of the clock, dates back to 1400s.  At 1100, the clock chimed as blue doors opened up to reveal the 12 apostles passing by to watch the crowd gathered below in expectation of this hourly event.

From Wikipedia: "Some speculate that the government purposely gouged out the original maker's eyes in order to prevent him from making a similar clock for another country. After this he died touching the clock, at which point the clock stopped working and remained unrepairable for a number of years."

Night is the time to visit the Charles Bridge.  Musicians play for a few coins and the crowds from the daytime have dissapated.  The lights bring a gleam to old worn towers and the grime is covered by the shadows.