On Prague Castle, the Changing of the Guard and...Starbucks

Fuelled on a huge breakfast, we decided to walk through the city and make our way towards Prague Castle, loftily situated up a winding road, and overlooking the city.
First off though, we spent an inordinate amount of time inside St. Nicholas Church - with some of the most impressive interiors of any church I have ever seen. From the frescoes to the statues, we took our time taking it all in. Who knew that spending time in a church would hold everyone's attention that much. The church is still used for masses, and the solemnity within probably explains why we didn't rush the visit.


The hike up the hill was strenuous, and we were 'forced' to sample a local pastry called staročeské trdlo, a mouthful, yes. And a delightfully tasty one at that. It is a crunchy yet soft pastry that is rolled over a metal rod, baked over an open flame, then coated in sugar and cinnamon. All this to fuel our energy you understand.
At the top of the hill, as Prague Castle - which is more of an ensemble of various buildings that create the Castle - came into sight, this majestic culturally and historically significant monument steeped in much history-  we saw signs of a changed Prague also. Leading us to the Starbucks. I was not entirely sure whether to curse or cheer for globalisation, but the location could not have been more incongruous. We stopped for a coffee and a pause anyway.

The oddly-located Starbucks, with the Castle building in the background

The Changing of the Guard takes place daily at midday in the courtyard of the castle. It is an event in itself...the drumming, the marching, the flag raising. I learnt a day later, on a private tour,  that being a soldier of the elite Prague Castle guards not only earns one the prestige of the job, but also a  sizable salary - by Prague standards. The main requirement, and probably one that explains the uniformity and perfection of the parade, is that guards be 1.80m tall. Not  a centimetre shorter or taller.

 

Views of Prague from the top.

This group of musicians entertained the crowds gathered for the Changing of the Guard.

We had opted to walk around the city, so missed out on these vintage cars tours - which take tourist around the city.

An inordinate amount of photos later, with weary legs and tired little people, we headed back to the hotel for a pause.

Some sightings included the Gingerbread Museum, which was more of a shop selling baked good and of course gingerbread creations.

 Very interesting cookie cutters.