Trip to Cesky Krumlov and Prague, Czech Republic (June 2016)

Czech Repuglic was established after the breakup of Czechoslovakia in 1993, which included Slovakia. It is frequently called as the Velvet Divorce as a reference to the Velvet Revolution of 1989 that led to the breakup.

Czech Republic has a population of 10.5 million and Prague, its capital, has 1.3 million inhabitants.

We visited Cesky Krumlov, called little Prague, and Prague that has many nicknames.

Cesky Krumlov:     This cute town has a small number of inhabitants, but the town has a river running through it and the castle around the town is stunningly beautiful. The entrance to the town is in the valley but a bridge-like building provides a connection over the valley. The window-like holes made in the walls pass the sunshine through and the town's view from the hilltop was just breathtaking.

We climbed up to the hilltop and enjoyed the beautiful scenery from the lookouts. People were kayaking in the river and many people were relaxing.

On the way down, we got lost a bit and had to walk around, but we managed to arrive in time.

Prague:     Prague is well known to the world for its charm filled with castles, river, cafes, museums, arts, music and architecture. it is voted as one of the most favorite cities to visit by tourists. Prague has many nicknames. They include: they are "a city of hundred spires" "the golden city" "the left bank of the nineties" "the mother of cities and "the heart of Europe."

We visited this city a few years ago, so we decided to take it easy this time not to be exhausted and to prepare for our next upcoming trips of five more weeks.

Nonetheless, we were able to visit a few places, particularly the Jewish Quarter and Jewish Cemetery, Jewish Synagogue where we learned a lot of the tragic destiny of the Jewish people just because they were born as the Jews. It sounds unfair and sad, but what can we do. Blame the depravity of the human race...? Oh well...

We also visited Rudolfinum, where the Czech Philharmonic is housed, and the Old Town Plaza where Astronomical Clock and Twin (Adam and Eve) Towers located. We missed the clock show that is being performed by twelve apostles in the Astronomical Clock at every hour, but we already watched it before.

We missed the Vltava River cruise, Charles Bridge, and a visit to the Prague Castle, but our rest was well worthwhile. - Jeffrey