DECEMBER 7, 2006

THE CADRE @ 10

TRAVEL

Where in the world is Kristi Kelly???

Kristi Kelly Contributor

The Czech Republic, though tiny as a country compared its much bigger neighbour Germany, was nothing short of impressive! Prague (also known as the “city of spires”) is the largest city found in the Czech Republic and what a place to be! It was chalked full of history and gorgeous sights - buildings were colorful and spectacularly laid out and some of the skyline views seem right out of a magazine. Though parts of this city were devastated by WWII with even to date, scars to be found - but holy cow, what a place to be! Unique, authentic and not like anything I have ever seen before, this city was hard NOT to fall in love with. This place is all about the sights! Not surprisingly, this place was littered with tourists from all over the world, especially in the heritage city where stone walls and remnants of days gone by allow you almost lost in time. Perhaps my favorite experience was the Prague Astronomical Clock - every hour, hundreds of tourist would gather and wait, just to see the hour change. It’s mounted on the wall of the heritage city’s town hall and its golden dials represent the position of the sun and moon in the sky. The months, astronomical symbols and hours all beautifully displayed on this magnificent clock. Talk about cool engineering! Rumor has it, that the city itself loved the clock so much, that they ordered the creators eyes to be removed, so he would never have the opportunity to make another... hell of

a way to show gratitudel! So after exploring the city, we

made our way to Old Prague Castle.

The weather had been cloudy the whole time, and it was at this very moment that it started to pour. So... after, I swear, like 500 escalating steps, dripping wet and soaked to the bone... I made it to the top of the mount to see the castle in all its glory. After taking a moment to gain feeling back in my legs, I took to exploring the enchanting atmosphere. This place dates back as far as 870! It is apparently one of the largest castles in the world and housed royalty throughout the ages. What I would

have given to have been a princess

running through those hallways! The castle wasn’t even the best part. The view from the top spread literally for miles, and even with the cloudy sky, the rows of red roof tops and white washed houses absolutely mesmerizing.

Upon, leaving the palace, I took the route most traveled - the Charles Bridge. Known for its picturesque layout, it was more like integrated art than a travel way. Artist and talent alike lined the bridge ways, displaying their work with pride - in hopes that eager tourist walking may be interested in investing! Apparently this was a practice that dated back centuries. Even in the pouring rain, this city was able to delight me!!

Now, if you have been reading my articles, you will notice that I always mention food... why? Because I have absolutely no self restraint

was

The Charles Bridge. Known for it’s picturesque layout,

when it comes to a good meal, and baby! With Prague you are in for a treat!! Okay, rule of thumb, you never eat “street meat” (e.g - hot dog outdoor vendors) but man oh man... the selection of food you could pick up for cheap, and with beer!?!! Snitzel, sausages, huge buttery pretzels and other foreign delights were found everywhere!! So let’s add this up... beer, pretzels and sausage, in the street, available 24 hours a day...

Prague Astronomical Clock

Photo: Kristi Kelly

and it is all completely legal and accepted. If the locals are doing it, it must be safe... right!? If you are going to do the traditional restaurant thing, golauche was the way to go!

So... after a long day of walking, nothing was nicer than getting back to the hostel, showering and changing into fresh new dry clothes. There are

Photo: Kristi Kelly

some things in this life that we take for granted, and trust me, soft clean laundry is one of them!

Overall, Prague was great city to visit, wouldn’t to have wanted to come in the summer when tourism gets really busy... but none the less, a complete blast! Best part, everything was CHEAP! Though the language

was ridiculously complicated 49 understand, and _ the

service was sh*t in most places... overall, Prague was a great spot to explore and lived up to its highly praised reputation as a “must see”!

Id like to take this opportunity, as it is the final issue of the semester, to wish everyone good luck on their exams and to have a_ great and wonderful Christmas holiday! See you in 2007!