The second stop of our trip was in lovely Prague:

The first thing we did upon arriving was walk to the town square where we all went our separate ways.

The Minerts and a group of us decided our time that afternoon would be best spent paddle boating on the Moldova River by Karl's Bridge. I jealously coveted the fact that some of us got to use the Volkwagen Bug paddle boat.

Karl's Bridge

We got an hour to putter around the river and around the island in the center. It of course afforded great vantage points for photos that not most tourists to Prague get to enjoy. Take that, you masses! I was in a paddle boats with the Minerts, which was an enjoyable experience. We talked about living around the world and where I would prefer to live. They seemed a little shocked about the fact that I love Arkansas as much as I do.

Oh Arkansas, you are my little hidden gem.

After paddle boating we paid to go up the Old Townhall tower (and if I actually paid to do it you know it was less than $5). And I did not take the elevator up, although I could have. Bri has that effect on people.We got to the top and took our pictures as we walked around.

Then just as we were about to head back down we realized the sun was beginning to set over the palace hill, so we stayed up and watched the day turn to night.

And as per tradition I went to Hard Rock! I don't think it took too much convincing to get some friends to come along.

After Hard Rock we walked around the city some more. I would venture to say that I prefer cities by night. The way things are lit up, they make me want to snap my shutter and end up with millions of photos by night's end.

Here is Karl's Bridge with the Palace in the background:

The next morning we toured Prague Castle, which by the way is the largest in the world. The castle dates back to the 9th Century with the first walled building being the Church of Our Lady. The first palace was built in the 12th century and in the 14th century was restyled in a Gothic style by Charles IV. The Kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman Emperors, and the presidents of Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic have all kept their offices there.

After the castle we once again hit the road for our next stop. Dresden!