Prague 🇨🇿 day 3

My last day in Prague and I had decided to head to another town to see some recommended sights.  Wasn't to be however, due to a delay at the train station and missing the connecting bus.  The wait for the next bus would mean I wouldn't have enough time to explore and be comfortably back in Prague to head to the airport.

Option 1 - jump on the next train back Option 2 ✅ explore Haje, the end of the line suburb, seeing as I was already there.  Maps showed a large park nearby and so off I went through communist styling bland apartment block suburbs to the park. 

What a gorgeous area with lots of hiking trails through the forest to a huge dam with a new paved cycle and hiking path along the shoreline.  Canoe sheds and camp huts lined the water.  Lots of runners, cyclists and dog walking along the route.

On my way back to the station, a very loud announcement was made through the suburbs that a test of the evacuation/bomb alarms would occur shortly.  Within a few minutes loud siren sounds filled the air, coming from every light pole and building.  It was a bit spine chilling and after 3 minutes it ceased and the voice announced the drill was over.  The phrase ‘we aren't in Kansas anymore’ came to mind.  Fortunately on my walking tour yesterday the tour guide warned us that it would be happening!

Back to Prague and swapped to a tram to Strahov Monastery that had been recommended. 

The 12th century library has ornate painted ceilings and walls of books, destroyed by fire and rebuilt in 1600’s.

  A Baroque church next door

and then to the Monastery itself founded in 1143. 

Then a walk further up the hill to Perrin Tower with a big stair climb and views across the city.

I walked down past the castle to the Charles Bridge, soaking up the atmosphere and watched the setting sun before collecting my pack and heading to the airport. 

London bound for 1 night and then off again to a new destination, language and currency. 

Prague is a beautiful city with many sights, but has a chequered past.  The people have endured a lot and this is evident in their interactions.  They are mostly stern, direct, unsmiling.  In Australia we would consider this rude and lacking in customer service etc, and it would be down under.

Travelling opens your eyes to cultures, and I feel empathy for these countries that are just emerging from communism and having to learn how to meet the expectations of tourists.

I have a late arrival into London Gawick, a train to the city and a walk to my hostel. I booked last minute at a hostel called ‘Pub Love' 😂😂. Let's just say my expectations are low lol.