OUR FIRST DAY IN PRAGUE: DANUBE RIVER CRUISE PART 1

This is a multi-part series about our Danube River Cruise. 

Our Danube River Cruise vacation had its origin almost two years ago, over dinner with friends. We were discussing places on our bucket lists, and our friends asked where we thought we'd want to go next. Without missing a beat, I said a Danube River cruise. "Us, too!" was their reply, and so, the planning began. Ultimately we settled on spring of 2018, which was oh-so-far-away. But finally, departure day arrived.

PRAGUE DAY 1
Happy Anniversary to us! I can't think of a better way to celebrate than to leave for Europe. I've looked forward to this trip for almost two years, and it's hard to believe that it's finally here. We drop Sadie off at the dog sitter, make sure our important contacts are in What's App, and head for the airport.

We arrive in Prague (or Praha as the locals call it) by mid-morning. Thanks to the goddess of hotel check-ins, our room is ready early. Mr. Goo Shoes and the couple we are traveling with understandably want to nap, but my travel adrenaline kicks in, so I set out on my own to explore. We've got three days in Prague before our Danube River Cruise starts, and I'm going to see as much as possible, even if I'm sleepwalking through Day 1. The land portion of our tour doesn't start until tomorrow evening, so the first two days we're on our own.

I've heard that Prague is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. During World War II, 
it was spared the terrible bombing that many other European cities experienced. Two unrelated friends happened to be in Prague recently, and to my surprise, both were underwhelmed. I'm worried that the #1 city on my bucket list could be a let down.

I start out with some trepidation, but in less than 50 paces, I already know I won't agree with my friends' assessments. I will take 700 pictures over three days in Prague, and once home, will agonize over how to accurately portray the beauty of this European gem to my blog readers without boring them silly.

The Vltava River flows through the city, and a series of picturesque arch bridges connects the two sides. Our hotel is just steps from the Czech Bridge (or Cechuv Most in Czech). My plan is to walk along the river down to the Charles Bridge, (or Karluv Most) which is the crown jewel of Prague's bridges. I guess one could say it is the Most with the Mostest! 
It would be great to keep going all the way to the Legion Bridge (Most Legii), but for today's excursion, it's a bridge too far.

Czech Bridge

As I walk through the park along the Vltava River, it's not too long before I reach the Manes Bridge (Manesuv Most).

Manes Bridge and Castle Quarter

Manes Bridge

From here, I catch glimpses of the Castle Quarter, aptly named as this is where Prague Castle and the magnificent St. Vitus Cathedral are located. We will be heading up to this area when our tour officially begins tomorrow evening.

Looking across the river, it is as if my Pinterest board has come to life.  

Castle Quarter and St. Vitus Cathedral

Just beyond the Manes, I'm excited to see Charles, the prince of bridges. Its position of royalty is well-deserved, as construction began in 1357 making it the oldest bridge in Prague. This pedestrian-only bridge is now a top tourist attraction.

Charles Bridge

Charles Bridge

I find I can't get to the Charles Bridge without veering away from the river. I'm too tired to go out of my way, so I turn around and head back to the hotel. But I get a second wind, and wander through Old Town, and the Jewish Quarter, which is just a block from our hotel. We'll be touring that on Friday, so I don't linger. The buildings around every bend are stunning, and my shutter-button is getting a workout.

Old Town

Old Town

What must it be like to live in one of these architectural delights on a cobblestone street, far, far away from Wegman's and Trader Joe's? Could there be an Airbnb listing with our name on it?

Old Town

Jet lag is finally catching up with me, and I give in to some rest before we head out to an early dinner. We decide to keep it simple and go to a restaurant across the street from our hotel. Somehow, I envisioned tasting at least one of the "10 Must-Try Foods in Prague" tonight, but we end up with pizza instead of kulajda soup. I do a quick calculation, and figure if I cram in five of those ten must-trys into each of the next two days, I'll hit the mark. 
I don't know then that I'll be leaving Prague without crossing any of those foods off my list, but such are the perils of traveling with three non-foodies. Fortunately, I didn't pack my crystal ball, so I remain blissfully optimistic.

After dinner, we walk a few blocks to see if we can find a place for dessert (maybe I'll get to sample that kolace tonight, after all!). We don't see anything, and turn around. Dang it, if we'd only walked a block further, we would have found ourselves in Old Town Square. 

We head down to the river as dusk falls, and Mr. Goo Shoes comes up with a perfect way to start the day tomorrow!

To be continued.........

Resources:
Tauck Tours
Intercontinental Hotel Prague 

This is a multi-part series about our Danube River Cruise.

Read 10 Things To Know About River Cruising here.
Read Day Two in Prague here. 
Read Day Three in Prague here. 
Read A Day In Medieval Regensburg, Germany here.
Read Picturesque Towns Of Austria Part 1: Engelhartszell here.
Read Picturesque Towns Of Austria Part 2: Salzburg here.  
Read Picturesque Towns Of Austria Part 3: Durnstein here.
Read Scenery Of The Wachau Valley here. 
 Read Vienna: Exploring The Old Town here.
Read Bratislava: Slovakia's Charming Capital here.
Read Budapest: The Pearl of the Danube River here.

Linking With:

Best of the Weekend
Take Me Away
Our World Tuesday