London Life: "Czech"ing out Prague!

"Czech"ing out Prague was fantastic -- what a field trip! We were crazy about this Gothic city and its intriguing architecture, classic music concerts and Easter markets.

An all-inclusive Prague tour spirited us all over the city and on a lovely boat trip to the city's famous Little Venice. What stunning views! Powder Gate, Prague Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral, Strahov Monastery, St. Nicholas Church, Lennon's Wall, Charles Bridge, misc. synagogues, Old Town Square, Tyn Church and the Astronomical Clock were among the spots featured. We loved it!

Good morning Prague! . . .

From there, we explored on our own. Here are some of the oodles of highlights . . .

* Sunday at a local ward. The Spirit is felt in each ward, wherever we are and is so uplifting. It's a blessing to know the true Gospel is the same worldwide. Nice to have headphones for sacrament meeting talk translation, but I love hearing the prayers and songs in the native language of the people, too; beautiful!

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* A "World Musicals" concert in a Baroque Hall filled an evening with beautiful selections from favorite theatrical productions. Dozens of concerts large and small take place in venues all over the city almost every afternoon and each night -- it's a city of melodies everywhere!

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* Dining and dancing at Folklore Garden where performers made Czech traditions come alive through traditional Czech costumes, music, instruments, and songs. Set in a huge and comfy space, the atmosphere was garden-party-esque. Our yummy, four-course meal included dishes based on the old original recipes of the owner's grandmother and included cheese bread, potato soup, pork and chicken, mashed potatoes with fried onion, cabbage salad and apple pie.

When some members of the audience were chosen to participate in the folk dancing, Mike and I were each selected and what great fun that was; brought back memories of folk dance festival days when we toured with the Brigham Young University performance group. Such good fun!

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* Gazing on Church of Our Lady Before Tyn -- the most intriguing Gothic church we've ever encountered. Dominating the Old Town Square since the 14th century, it's soaring spires and distinctive architecture captivate the eye. Horse-drawn carriages clop along the square amidst bundles of people socializing and strolling. It's like a storybook that's come to life.

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* Navigating the famed Charles Bridge, lined with 30 imposing statues of famous saints and figures. Built starting in 1357 and completed in the early 15th century, it crosses the Vltava River and connects the Prague Castle and the city's Old Town. It's a magical-looking pedestrian walkway, now filled with art vendors and merchants with small stalls of goods to peruse while strolling.

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* Taking in a National Marionette Theater production of Don Giovanni. Prague is famous for their marionette shows and their puppets are fantastic! This show was of particular interest to us because we learned Mozart composed Don Giovanni, "the opera of operas" as it is often known, especially for Prague, where he personally conducted its first performance in 1787.

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* Touring Old Town Hall and lingering over the indescribable astronomical clock which adorns it's facade and has since 1410. The clock is mesmerizing in beauty and function. It has several parts such as the astronomical and calendar faces and a mechanism that features twelve apostles that appear at two small windows as the clock strikes the hour.

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* The stirring music of Bach, Vivaldi, Strauss and Mozart in a concert by the Prague Music Orchestra at the beautiful Art Nouveau Municipal House. What thrilling music and performed in such a gorgeous venue!

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* Colorful Spring and Easter markets dotting the Old Town Square and several plazas throughout town. Ribboned trees laden with colorful eggs, Spring decorations, traditional painted eggshells, handicrafts and food such as their famed Trdelnik (rolled pastry on a stick, covered with caramelized burnt sugar) welcomed the holiday in cheerful fashion.

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* A classical music feast at the Rudolfinum (once the seat of the Czechoslavoak Parliament, now home to the famous Czech-Philharmonic orchestra) with fantastic pieces by Vivaldi, Pachelbel, Brahms and Mozart, among others. Such uplifting music, such a treat of talent!

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* Golden Lane (tiny, colored houses by the Prague Castle), the unique dancing house (nicknamed "Fred and Ginger" because it resembles a pair of dancers), and world-famous gingerbread!

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* Mozart's house, Lennon's Wall (a graffiti-filled tribute wall to John Lennon also includes pieces of Beatles' lyrics), and a street performer playing classical music on the glass harmonica -- amazing!