First full day in Prague

The day started out with rain, as most of our days have the past few weeks. Of course it is hottest summer ever at home and rainiest one here. But it usually lets up enough that we can keep going.Today we took a tram to the top of the castle hill and saw breathtaking views of the city. The castle has guards who change every hour. It is a huge complex with courtyards, gardens and a cathedral. We walked down the hill and to the Charles Bridge. This connects the city and has 31 larger than life statues along the railing. This is one of the oldest bridges in Europe, dating back to 1100. After lunch at a cafe on the river below the bridge, we walked along the street near the bridge. We found a nice monument dedicated to the NY firefighters who lost their lives on 9-11. Walking further, we found the John Lennon wall. In response to his death, the the oppressed people covered a wall with graffiti as a memorial and the pice would have it painted over. Until 1989 when freedom came to the people here and the wall art stayed. Alex signed the wall during our visit. Our evening was spent walking around the New Town area- new because it was created by the king in the 14th century well after the old town. The gothic buildings and churches are beautiful lit at night. Food here has been easier to navigate. At lunch, we ordered dumplings as side dishes, they wegre slices of warm white doughy bread versus the noodle-type we are used to. BUT I still miss ice so much. And I miss the oversized supersized soft drinks in the US. Here, because I guess the people aren't gluttons luke we are, the Cokes in restaurants are served in what can only bedescribed ad juice glasses at home. The beer comes in 10 gallin drums, though. (I should mention that I am writing this on my iphone- so if there are typis its most likely because I can't see what I am doing... Tomorrow we investigate the Black Light theatre ...