I got a lot of site seeing done between feedings today. And yes, my bike is once again operational.
First the food.




First visit was to one of the locations of the Prague National Gallery. It was near the bike shop and was on my list anyway. There I learned that I’m not a huge fan of Czech paintings. Sorry! There was, however, an interesting exhibit on architecture during Soviet rule. The control that regime sought is astounding. There was a ministry of clothing! Nothing they didn’t try to engineer.
Then I spent some time at Holešovice Market. Holešovice is a neighbourhood (Prague 7, I believe) that’s industrial and arty and being gentrified. The market is interesting. It’s a mix of st. Lawrence market, Chinatown and the distillery district sort of, but also different. I realize folks who don’t live in Toronto have no idea what those neighborhoods are. In any case, it has a mixture of food trucks and restaurants, an indoor food market, some arty spaces and then a weird mix of Chinatown like stores that sell general housewares. All in these almost barracks like buildings.

After that came some antiquity. I went to Vyšehrad, a castle, and a nearby cathedral, then Prague castle and St Vitus cathedral. I didn’t pay for the tours but you are able to walk around the grounds and poke your head into many of the buildings. Mind blowing. The detail of these buildings is truly stunning.







Next I rode to Letna Park. Its a big park up on a hill overlooking the city. It’s where a lot of protests and organizing happened during the velvet revolution. I think I wrote a paper on Vaclav Havel and that revolution in university. I just sat in the park for about an hour. The longest I’ve sat since getting off the plane I’m pretty sure.
Finally rode back into old town to see the clack.

And a few random building shots for good measure. Prague just being Prague.







When I went to the bike shop at 10 this morning as instructed, my hockey speaking friend wasn’t there. It took a few minutes to sort out with the mechanic what I was there about as he doesn’t speak English either. When we get to my bike he points out a few small issues but nothing about the loose chainrings, so I wiggle it. He nods. I use a translation app to ask if he can fix it all, he doesn’t really answer but kind of nods and tells me to come back in an hour and a half. I go to leave and turn around and say I have another question. He says “I don’t want more questions. I have enough problems.” OK! I can respect that. Curious that he now speaks English, however :). When I return he’s done everything he pointed out, the main issue and a variety of other things too. He somewhat sheepishly tells me he had been stressed out earlier. I told him I really appreciate the work. My bike rides like it’s brand new. And I washed it at camp, it was a mud caked mess.
At the national gallery there was this painting. It feels like my trip to now. I think from here on out it’s going to be a pretty different experience. A lot less rain, a little more site seeing and heat wave ☀️ brewing that I promise not to complain about.

Night night.

What a lovely day, beautiful photos. I want to know how far you rode your bike. I think you tried and did see everything. Boar goulash…..no thank you . Good night.
It’s just pork and it was pretty good! I rode about 25 km I think. I didn’t track it but that’s the number I’m sticking with.
That was the best in a host of wonderfully great blog posts.
Gobsmacked by the architecture, how do they have SO many incredible structures! Lots of carbs in you today, I see nothing has changed on that front. Hurray for sunshine, I know it lifts the spirits when you are soaring along, admiring new terrain, on your bicycle! Your happy place. Sounds like a really fun day. And 5 stars to all of the amazing bike mechanics along the way!
Just caught up on your posts! Glad to hear the bike is okay. Sad to hear it keeps giving you so much trouble! That is tough.
Really loved the photos of the architecture. Prague seems like a beautiful place to visit. I think it’s great that you took a day to look around. It might feel weird after all that biking, but throwing in some art galleries and new meals can’t hurt!
And yes, I absolutely see a cloud tethered to the ground .
I scrolled down to see your architectural photos, they were all in black and white: I thought you’ve gone all arty on us.
Turns out, was just my phone going into power saver mode. 🙂
Looks like you had a wonderful day. Amazing what a mechanic can find wrong with a bike, given time. Glad it’s all fixed up.
Toronto had big winds and sone rain today, but we avoided the flash floods that Ottawa got.
Prague is my favourite place on your journey, yet. I agree with everyone that the architecture is glorious!!! I could stand under and look up at those cathedrals all day! BTW, that plum cake looks suspiciously like pie. Or is it that people in Prague call pie, cake?
I see a storm cloud tethered to a cat’s head 🙂
May sunshine reign supreme!