Prague
I took the train to Prague from Wiener Neustadt. The train passed through Vienna, including the main station which is under reconstruction.
The route across Austria into the Czech Republic passes through some very picturesque countryside. As you cross the border, there is a noticeably difference in the quality and state of repair of the buildings.
Town Square
I arrived in Prague in the late afternoon. The route from the railway station to my hostel took me down Wenceslas Square into the Town Square area.
After checking into my hostel, I took a quick walk around the nearby area. Starving, I decided to eat in restaurant in front of the Astronomical Clock. I was amazed at the crowded that formed to watch what it does, which is not much. I had a rather amusing FB conversation with an old Canberra mate on that very subject.
Great City
In the morning I headed off to do the tourist stuff. Like all old European cities, Prague is compact and very walkable. It is probably more compact than most cities.
I suspect that one of the benefits of communist rule was that the fabric of the old city was virtually untouched in the period following WWII through to the fall of the Iron Curtain.
The benefits of being a major tourist attraction are clearly well known to the city’s administration. They are in the process of restoring the cobbled streets and other aspects of the old town. It runs the risk of becoming a bit like Disney Land, but it seems to be able to preserve or establish some ‘old charm’. There are any number of pubs and restaurants to choose from and they are mostly full.
The views from the Castle on the other side of the river has to be one of the world’s great city scapes.
There is one modern building of note. It is the ‘Dancing House’ co-designed by Gehy. It has his usual odd shapes.
Pommie Invasion
On Friday night the place was seemingly invaded by English people in their mid 20’s to early 30’s. Most seemed to be on ’ bucks’ or ‘hens’ night. They are serious drinkers, covered in tattoos with poor dental health. The blokes are worse!!!!!
Trip to Pilsner
I decided to take a trip to Pilsner which is about 100 klms from Prague. As the name would suggest, it is famous for its beer. In particular, it is the home of Pilsner Urquell, probably the best know of that type of beer.
I was introduced to Pilsner Urquell by a neighbour in the street in which I lived in Mosman. He was drinking it long before it became well known in Australia.
The bus trip out of the Prague was quiet interesting. Prague is divided into some 19 districts. Some of these are in the old of the city. The other are removed from the centre and many were built in the communist era. These were effectively dormitory towns. They are typical ‘soviet’ style with stark concrete blocks of flats. We passed a couple these places. I am not sure they would be the greates places in which to live.
Pilsner
The road to Pilsner seemed to be relatively new.
As we approached the town the guide pointed out the three breweries that operate there including the main one, which we were going to visit.
The company Pilsner Urquell is yet another brewer, along with Carlton and United (Fosters) and Miller that has been taken over by South African Brewing. As I post this, SA Brewing is attempting to takeover Heineken. At least in Urquell’s case they have retained the main operations in the original location.
We had a quick walk around the town. One interesting thing was a very large Mosque. Apparently it is one of the largest in the world.
Tour of the Brewery
We walked from the town to Brewery for lunch. After lunch we were introduced to our very attractive guide. The Flickr photos do not do her justice. She is OTT.
The tour took in all the parts of the operations. The most interesting part was the underground tunnels where the beer is stored during the fermentation stage. The fully automated bottling plant was very impressive.
The best bit however, was tasting the unfiltered and unpasteurized version of the beer. This is not sold and can only be tasted at the brewery.
Back to Vienna on a New Czech Train
I travelled back to Vienna on a new Czech Railways train. I was very impressed.
I had the misfortunate of sitting next to a couple of Americans who were so anti- Abama is wasn’t funny. They were wondering if it would also be as safe in “communist Austria” as it was in the Czech Republic. I should have followed the example of a Canadian who was sitting with us. He refused to speak to them apart from ‘yes’ or ‘no’.
Flickr Links
Prague
Pilsner
billrider2013 