Chapter 17 "A Two-four and 2 pizzas for $3!"

You just can't go wrong in a city where a two-four of beer and 2 pizzas cost you $3. That gorgeous and affordable city is named Prague. An quick and easy train ride from such a metropolis as Berlin, Prague is definately a city no one should miss on their travels across Europe. Even as a trip in itself, it is worth it. Prague has much of what the young and old, quiet and loud could enjoy. From the stunningly beautiful Prague castle and night time stroll along the Charles bridge to the dirt cheap food and beer, not to mention, the always enjoyable, bike rental.

First off, Prague, along with much of eastern Europe, has phenomenal architecture. It has beauty on its streets during the day, and dark mysteries line the maze like alleyways at night. Many churches loom overhead as you walk the cobblestone streets, my favorite being the "Klementinum and sv Kliment" or St. Clement Church in English. There is a Jewish section where countless synagogs replace the churches amongst cobblestone streets.

The most beautiful of the historical architecture has got to be the castle. Sitting atop a hill overlooking the city, it's just simply amazing. Countless spires and detailed columns point north and it's massive. The view is also the best you can get overlooking the entire city. A very beautiful look at the orange roofed houses amid the natural greenery. Take a walk along St.Charles bridge (Karluv most) on your way to the castle to where you can see where St. Jan Nepomucky was thrown over the side because he withheld the queens extramarital secrets from her husband, King Wenceslas the 4th. With a 60% divorce rate today, thank god they changed their ways.


Next, is a personal favorite past time of mine. Riding bikes, drinking beers! Drinking beers, riding bikes! Awesome way to see the city. For about 10 cents, you can get a pint and another $8 with get you a bike for the day. Thats it. Just ride amongst the history, old town square, St. Nicholas cathedral and even the new town, while enjoying some of the best (and most definately cheapest) beer in all of Europe. You can get off the beaten path and work your way amongst the labyrinth of streets and alleyways to really see the city.

Lastly, and it has to gather a mention, is the price. The cost of things in Prague alone is amazing. Though not on the euro, still on the Krone (http://www.xe.com/ for conversion rates) it's mind blowing how much things DON'T cost here. I'm talking like pennies. It's amazing. I met some people who were there simply to shop! They had come simply to buy the latest line of fashion because it cost so much less when buying so much of it atop the plane ticket. From a guy who hasnt bought any clothes since he stopped growing years ago, this blew my mind. I couldn't believe it, yet I'm sure the people in Prague must enjoy the economy boost that this gives them. However, I can't be so naive to think it's going to them. Most stores I saw were not of Prague decent but rather big company chain stores just offering a cheap exchange on the dollar. Whatever floats your boat I guess. Just remember, you can have a bigger lake, if you just don't make it as deep.