Prague, Czech Republic

I know I have been very lax in keeping this blog up to date.  At one point I had considered suspending it due to the political situation in the US, but I have come to realize that this is the way things will be in the future and I should just not try to fight it.  It is difficult being an American in Europe as our president has lied to the leaders here about the activities of the NSA.  When I look at the news from the states this is barely mentioned, but here it has been the only news for the last couple of months.  That and the bumbled job the US did on the Affordable Care Act.  But, enough of politics.  There is nothing we can really do but vote and even that right is being attacked under the present administration.

What can I say about Prague?  It was wonderful!  I found the city to be magical.  I know those are a lot of superlatives, but they are true!  This will be a photo heavy post because I want to get the blog up to date.  Unfortunately the weather was quite drab while we were there so the lighting for the photos is not that great.  I have not processed these so they are "right off the card".

View of the Prague Castle

These were quite popular.  Imagine doughnut dough grilled over charcoal.  Tasty!

The main square in Prague

At night the church was illuminated.

Hey!  I thought absinthe was illegal!!

Changing of the guard at Prague Castle

The church at Prague Castle

This post really does not do Prague justice.  Let's just say it is a fascinating city and I hope to return there again!

Dresden

First of all I would like to say that I considered closing this blog because of the political situation in my home country.  The news from home that I am hearing in Europe is not good.  It seems that my government is out of control and in total chaos.  That may or may not be true, but with a superpower like the USA in disarray with an instrument as powerful as the NSA at its disposal one can easily imagine the outcome.  That being said I have decide to keep this blog at least until I return to the US unless the news from home becomes more alarming.  I am not trying to be an alarmist, but the view of the American government in Europe now is that the leaders are bumbling fools with a button to nuclear weapons.  A dangerous situation not to be taken lightly.  When I log onto American web sites for news the "bumbling fools" part is verified.  Now, back to our regularly scheduled programming.

The Frau and I visited Dresden in the summer of 2006 and found the city undergoing massive renovation.  Well, most of that renovation is complete and the city is beautiful.  Dresden is one of my favorite German cities.   The center of Dresden is dominated by the Frauenkirche.  This church as been fully renovated in since we were last in Dreseden.

The Frauenkirche

The interior of the Frauenkirche

We spent almost all of our first day here just walking around and reacquainting ourselves with the city.

The Semper Opera

The Zwenger

The square downtown

On our last day in Dresden we took a boat ride on the Elbe River and and when we returned it was dusk.  The city was lit up with warm incandescent lights and the sun was just dipping below the horizon.  This made for a great photo opportunity.

Dresden at night

Dresden was great but after spending a few days here it was time to leave and hop the train to Prague.  I had never been to Prague, so this would be a new city for me.  But, that is for another post.  Maybe tomorrow!