Czech Republic

Travelled to Terezin, which is north east of Prague (about 50 minutes by coach). There were 10 others from the tour with us. Terzin became infamous as a result of WW II when it was a holding point for political activists etc and Jews. Although there were no gas cahmbers many people persished from malnutrition and diseases as well as torture and execution. From Terezin people were transported to various concentration camps where most perished. Of 12,000 children held at Terezin only about 1200 survived the war. There were also many music composers and writers held at Terezin who also died before the war ended.

A trip to Terezin could not be considered a 'highlight' from the perspective of seeing something beautiful however it is important to remember these events and put yourself in the period during WWII in places like Terezin to appreciate the sacrifice so many people made for freedom.

After we came back from Terezin we walked back to the main square in Prague and went to the top of the astronomical clock tower. It gave a panoramic view around the city of Prague and was well worth the 140 Korunas for both of us (around $A20). The climb up was made a lot easier by using the elevator!

Just returned from a great city tour of Prague. The guide was a young Uni student ( studying human resources) who also plays the flute & saxaphone and is also a ski instructor. She was very knowledgable and very lively so we now love prague. The buildings are beautiful because it wasn't bombed in the war so it is in its original state. We saw the spot where Tom Cruise dived off the Charles Bridge in Mission Impossible and where part of Amadeus was filmed. We are off to another concert tonight as we are being cultured here, (even the buskers in Europe are good).

10th August
Travelled from Brataslava to Prague by coach today (approximately 7 hours) and after checking into our hotel The President Prague) and a pleasant meal we went for a walk through the city with our tour director Bartel. Saw the astronomical clock do its thing at 9pm before going for a walk through the streets to Charles Bridge. The buildings painted a fairy tale picture under lights so will be taking plenty of photos here. From what we have seen so far Prague is a must see. Will know more after taking a tour with a local guide today. Plan to take photos tonight and hopefully capture some of the magic!