Day 14-Czech Military Institute and Wenceslas Square

Today we had the priviledge of visiting the Czech museum of Military history. Vlasta had written the minister of Defence to tell him that a daughter of a decorated Czech military person was coming to Prague. I was blown away that she had done this! She did not receive a reply from him but from the director of the Military Institute that comes under the Minister's duristiction. The gentleman there was most eager to show us the display that they have set up there indicating life and the military uprising during the years 1941 to 1945. It was one of the most detailed and comprehensive displays that I have ever seen in my life.

What I did learn is that Dad's work with the Czech radio was integral in the communication between the Czech people and the outside world. The Germans were cutting Prague off from all other countries. It was his ability to transfer information gained on the street to the authorities in England that was so important. With a team of fellows with him (many of them fellow Scouts) they switched uniforms, sought out intelligence and learned how the Germans were going to move around the city. I was in awe of the work that he had done for the sake of Czechoslovakia. He loved his country. That's what makes it all the more incredible that he, and all the rest of the group, left.

At the conclusion of the visit Jindrich Marek presented me with a book (in English) that explained the situation that led to the beginning of the Prague people taking up arms and the beginning of the resistance. It is a treasure to me.

After the visit Vlasta dropped me off at the top of Wenceslas square. I was in tourist mode and was going to go to all the stands, shops and places that I hadn't had a chance to in my previous tours. It was great! Lots of people and many things to look at. I had a blast.

I decided to head to the Old Town Square to see the Astronomical Clock as I had not yet witnessed it's "show" at each hour, it was under repair when Lucie and I had out tour over a week ago. Well, there must have been a gazillion people there and I couldn't get close. Forget that try, tomorrow I will come early in the morning!

Taking side streets I headed away from the Old Town and followed the streets to where ever they would take me. At one point I stopped to consult my map and some people asked, slowly, if I spoke English! I replied that I did and they seemed relieved. They were 2 English and one New Zealander and they were all turned around and lost, even with a map. They wanted to get to Charles bridge and since I had been there a couple of times I knew where to go. So off we went. They were very happy to find it and they thanked me. I figured since I was here I'd head over it again. Always a good time to be a tourist, especially when the weather is perfect, I enjoyed my walk. I stopped to listen to the Dixieland Jazz band on the bridge for a while. It was great just hanging out listening to tunes! I had the chance to walk under the bridge and took some pictures from there. Just a different view!

Now hungry I headed over the bridge ad back through Na Kampe. When I stopped at a bench to rest my feet I found, or they found me, my English/NZ group. We laughed about finding each other again. I suggested Cafe Savoy for some nice pastries for lunch and they thought it was a good idea. So a nice (expensive) visit to a lovely cafe (espresso was to DIE for) I headed back to the other side of the river. A nice afternoon and yummy food to fuel me I set off, walking, for home.

The Vltava river is home to hundreds of swans. I've never seen so many in my life in one place. It was terrific to see so many of them.
After an hour or so of wandering I was at the bottom of the hill to head up to the apartment of Vlasta and Mirek's. Phew, I made it! Legs very tired I got home to rest and reflect on my day!

Tomorrow out early for clock viewing!