(This report was filed by Roger Samuel at 12:00 midnight Prague time, 3:00 p.m., July 1, Pacific time.)
This was such a glorious day! Today was devoted to a walking tour of Prague. We tried to get to the Webcam for you to see us at home, but too late realized that it was about 4 miles from where we were. Our day started with a walk through Prague Castle. The castle is really a collection of many buildings that includes the seat of government, the parliament, two cathedrals, and much more. One of the cathedrals is St. Vitus Cathedral where St. Vitus is buried.
We visited a monastery and a park with great sculptures like the Russian labor sculptures. There was such a beautiful view of the Vltava (the Moldau) from there. We continued our visit to the outskirts of "lesser Prague," named because it isn't as old as the oldest part. These were the streets where "Mission Impossible" was filmed. We spent time on Charles Bridge named for Charles I. Then we walked through the old town where we saw the Jewish Quarter with a beautiful synagogue. In the Jewish Quarter we visited a cemetery. Because of space limitations, when they ran out of room, the would bring in another level of earth and raise the headstones to join the head stones at the higher level. The cemetery now has several levels.
Then we had free time. The students ate, shopped, toured, and browsed. They are interested in everything. One of their favorite purchases is classical CD's. While we were touring, some people approached us and asked if were from Claremont. We answered that we were. They said that they were from England and that they had gone to our concert last night. They went on and on about how much they enjoyed the concert.
We went to dinner at U Flecka, a very large restaurant with many rooms. Each room has entertainment. We were in a room that had a vaudeville act in Czech! This is so much fun.
The students have been so punctual. They are great. Tomorrow we give a concert in Bechyne, the site of the Bohemian Music Festival. It is a two hour drive from here, but we don't have to change hotels.
Links to a page with pictures and descriptions of many of the places mentioned above. It has many small graphics so it loads slowly, but is well worth it.
We hear that relatives and friends are following the tour from various parts of the U.S. as well as foreign countries. If you are far from Claremont, California, let us know where you are.
Write to lewis_johnson@eee.org.
Go on to Day 9 - Bechyne
Return to Main Tour Page.
This page is maintained by Lewis Johnson. For questions or comments please write to lewis_johnson@eee.org.
