Saturday, October 2
We have been so busy and on the go that this is the first time that I have had time to sit down to give an account of what we have been up to since the last entry. Friday was our last day in Vienna and we were on our own for the day. We went down town and Gale had 2 hours on her own to go shopping. I went of to the local market and wandered about for part of the time and ended up at the coffee shop where I discovered free internet access to send the last 2 entries. Gale and I met at our planned meeting point and went of to see Kaisergruft, the crypt that all of the Royal Hapsburg family members are buried in. The crypt is located in the lower area of a small church . A very solemn place, but very interested. We wandered looking at shops on small streets and picked up more souvenirs. We could not leave Venice without stopping at Cafe Schwarzenberg, a historic coffee house for coffee and a cake. Many many calories but so yummy. Back to the hotel for a rest before the last meal in Venice. Our destination was a small place called Grieechenbeisl in the old part of the city. Apparently this place is located in one of the last remaining parts of the old city wall and all of the young musicians used to go there for food and drink. It is a very busy establishment catering to bus loads of tourists. There are many small rooms in the place and one of them has supposedly got the signatures of the musicians and composers that have visited over the years. We had the biggest schnitzel that I have ever seen. Neither Gale or I were able to finish our serving. In the morning we left for Prague. It was about a 4 hour drive through the country sides of both countries. Lots of vine yards and other agricultural lands. We arrived early and so Tom took us to Wenceslas Square to kill some time. I was expecting a big square but the street actually is a long pedestrian only area going back from the national museum. Lots of shopping and restaurants. I was able to purchase a can of beer at a small vendor on the street to quench my thirst . Very informal and inexpensive too. Our home while in Prague is the Hotel Diplomat. It is situated in an area where many of the diplomatic residences are located. Very comfortable and away from the hustle and bustle of more popular areas. We had a buffet dinner for just our group in a private dinning room. A very nice welcome to the city. Tomorrow we go castle touring in the Bohemian country side.