Prague, Czech Republic

Today we hopped on the train to Prague. This was our first experience with train travel in Europe, and it was really enjoyable. The train is more comfortable then a bus or a plane. You can get up and walk around and stretch your legs. You get to look at all the scenery with out having to stare at another vehicle. There are no bumps in the road, just the clackety-clack of the rails. Flying is faster, but you miss everything along the way, and you arrive feeling confused and disconnected with your destination. For me, train travel is the best form of transportation ever made.
This trip was also exciting as it was our first trip across what once was "The Iron Curtain". Intellectually, I knew the Czech republic was part of the EU and NATO, and fully westernized but I still wondered if there would be some strange problems at the border. I would have the same nervousness before each successive border, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey. All would end up being easy transitions, I think you never completely lose that nervousness at borders no matter how much you travel.

Well, The Czech Republic is very pretty, and old town Prague is simply amazing. We had never been to a city with a true old town before, and we really spoiled ourselves by visiting Prague first. Cities all over the world are characterized as "The New Prague" and for good reason. It's brightly painted, perfectly preserved 17th century buildings, surrounding cobblestone squares, linked to the 14th century Charles Bridge makes for a magical place.