Prague

We took a family day trip to Prague, Czech Republic yesterday. This was the first time we've left Germany since our arrival here, and it was eye-opening. We learned so much on our short trip. I'm thankful for the opportunity to live in Europe and expose our children to the world like this. Without the Army, we would likely not have had the opportunity to travel with our children. We likely wouldn't have left the United States until the kids were grown, owing to the economy. As it is, we have to budget so very carefully to experience things here, but we do so because it's so important to experience these sights while we can, while the Army keeps us stationed in Europe. 

I think travel is the best way to education. Getting to see, touch, hear, taste, and smell other cultures (yes, smell, sometimes good, as in the cuisine, sometimes bad, as in the alleys that are public restrooms): there is nothing equal to it. Here are some of the things we learned in our one day in Prague:

Prague is a beautiful city. The architecture is breath-taking. 

Human Statues are a lot of fun. 

There is not a shortage of ways to get around the city: tram, train, subway, segway, horse-drawn carriage, bicycle, taxis, hired classic cars, and our personal favorite: by foot. 

Driving oneself is ill-advised. European city streets are every man for himself. 

The historic Charles Bridge is said to be haunted by a baby. There are peddlers selling their wares. And the further into the bridge you get, the cheaper the wares. 

These statues tandem peeing have rotating hips, so they can spray all over. 

This teeny, tiny alley has its own traffic light. 

People lock padlocks onto this fence and throw the key in the river. Often, their engrave or inscribe their names. This is a symbol of everlasting love. The problem is that clearly the locks are cut off at regular intervals. Still, I want to do this!

Tuna tends to stick with French fries everywhere we go. They're safe and predictable. 

The Lennon wall was colorful and there was a peddler singing Beatles tunes in front of it. Great acoustics! 

We never tired of seeing the architecture. 

The astronomical clock in Prague

Sort of a miniature Eiffel Tower, the Petrin Tower offered us a great view of Prague. 

We were able to identify several of the key landmarks in the city that we had just visited hours before. The Charles bridge. The theater. The palace. 

Prague was our first trip out of Germany and has whet our appetite for travel. Tomorrow, we're off to France for the day. Seems surreal: Going on a day trip to France.