Jiřská 3/1

Prague had a number of events on during the day to ring in the new year.This ranged from classical performances at various theatres and music halls through to huge fireworks tonight. We were keen to view the extended changing of the guards at midday today up at the royal castle. We had a lazy morning and didn’t leave till 11.30 and we had to rush to the nearest tram stop. We made it to the entrance of the palace with 10 mins to spare but there was a huge line of people going through security to enter. I managed to work our way to the front and made it in just in time. The front of the palace was very full of onlookers so we found a spot at the rear entrance. Some of the guards marched right past us which enthralled the kids.

We then spent another hour walking through the castle and the grounds. There was also a huge cathedral which had some exquisite carvings. The kids and I spent about 20 minutes just looking at various aspects and everywhere we looked we saw something incredible.

We walked down the hill and made our way across Charles Bridge, which is the oldest bridge in Prague. It is closed to traffic and is full of buskers and statues. The kids copied the pose in every statue as we walked along. I was again amazed at how busy it was and the bridge was teeming with tourists.

With the help of the concierge at the hotel i had scoped out an ideal location to watch the 6 pm fireworks. I headed out with the older kids while Bron stayed back with Thomas at 5 o’clock. It was lucky we left early as we got a prime location where the kids were sitting on an elevated spot with a clear and unobstructed view. To keep them entertained for the next hour while we waited I told them stories about setting off fireworks at Diwali as I was growing up.

By the time 6 pm came along the area was throbbing with onlookers. The fireworks were very impressive and went on for about 12 minutes. Unfortunately it was a very still night with no breeze and the smoke from the fireworks lingered.

I guess that is one of the advantages of the sun setting early, in that fireworks can be organised for as early as 6 pm.

Powered by Journey.