Prague 2 October

Our first stop for the day's sight seeing is at the beautiful Prague castle which probably dates back to the 9th century but has had lots of additions and growth since that time. You don't get to go into any of the buildings but are able to wander throughout the courtyards. I've been here before but this visit wins hands down as our delightful guide Helena does such a fantastic job explaining everything. As we have had a fairly early start we have beaten the crowds and get through the security check without any delay. As it is a Sunday we are unable to have a look inside the magnificent St Vitus cathedral but as there is so much else to see, that isn't a problem at all. the network of palaces and churches within the complex is considered to be the largest in the world.Have taken heaps of photos but the uploading process is extremely slow due to limited internet access so dear armchair followers you I'll just have to trust me on how awesome the buildings are and chances are the photos won't do it all justice anyway. We have time for a cuppa and cake and then wandering through the ancient cobblestone streets we have a leisurely walk towards the old city, but first stroll across the famous Charles Bridge. We are aiming to be at the astronimical clock for midday but manage to 'lose' one of our group as she has her headphones on to hear Helena's commentary but has fallen behind and lost sight of the group. Mind you, she had probably been missing for some time but her husband only announced her not being with the group after we all gathered in the spot where the first recording of the daily weather commenced in the 18th century (and has been done so ever since). Eventually she was located but it now meant we had to hurry through a very large bustling crowd to get to the old town square, and then it decided to rain.... However, happy ending as we did get to the clock just before midday, it has stopped raining and we saw the clock strike the hour, but it really was an anti climax as we were all expecting little figures to come out and go across the clock but nothing so exciting at all. Oh well, at least can cross that off my bucket list... Time to get back on the coach where we now head to Nelahozeves Castle which is about a 30 minute drive into the countryside. It's a lovely Renaissance residence set above the Vltava River. Apparently the Lobkowicz family that owns it at one stage owned about 12 such castles dotted through the Pegaue but only have about 8 now as they had to sell some off. Poor buggers. .. Had a lovely lunch at the castle, which is really a chateau but who wants to offend the owners unnecessarily? After lunch we have a guided tour of the first floor residential quarters which is set up as a museum now and then we are treated to a local wine tasting but none of us are at all impressed with Czech wine. I'm pretty sure the white wine was drained through a dirty sock.... As we are leaving the castle it has started to rain so it's good timing as we get on the bus for our ride back into Prague. Traffic is really heavy on the motorway and at one stage we are snail pace due to an accident but no one minds as it has been a lovely day. Once back at the hotel we have time for a freshen up and cuppa and then meet D, G and M at the hotel dining room where I had booked us in for dinner. Had a lovely meal and the company wasn't half bad either. Back to the room where Jan and I need to pack our suitcases up ready to have them out the door early tomorrow morning. While I am sitting on my bed, having packed my case, I hear J huffing and puffing and making lots of 'oof' noises, plus at one stage I see her sitting on her case. As she is desperately trying to zip it closed, I thought I would do the right thing and remind her that she still has her toiletry bags and today's clothes to go in it before closing it up. With that, she simply turned slightly towards me and said 'Shut up!' and went promptly back to her forced closing if the suitcase. Well I just about fell off my bed and she totally cracked up laughing. Clearly 'no more Mister Nice Guy' happening in room 525! And if that didn't add insult to injury, when we got back from our touring earlier in the afternoon, I went on line to try and locate J's daughter and son in law's business Facebook page. Duly located, whereby J wants me to message them on her behalf. I'm happy to oblige but say ' I can send them a message for you, but they dont know me'. With that, her response was 'That's not a problem. They'll talk to any body!' Like I'm "just anybody". Hurtful......... Anyway, time for bed.