After my magical experience in Bruges, I continued my holiday journey to Prague and Vienna, two cities that couldn’t be more different yet equally captivating. From the stunning architecture of Prague to the musical charm of Vienna, each destination offered its own unique gifts—and challenges.
Prague: A City of Beauty and Complexity
Prague had been on my list for a while because I was thinking of teaching English as a foreign language (and still may), and Prague is one of the cities that has the most need. While I encountered a mix of experiences, including some challenges, the city’s beauty and rich history left a lasting impression.
The flight over was absolutely breathtaking. My friend, Carol, & her beau, Don, said that it looks like the entrance to heaven. I agree!
I stayed in the consulate area (which I did not know), so my Uber was scanned on the way to my hotel. Kind of scary but interesting. Then the next morning when I got up for my walk to explore, these are the sights I saw.
The Highlights:
Charles Bridge: Walking across this iconic bridge, adorned with 30 statues, felt like stepping back in time especially since the bridge is over 600 years old. Learn more about Charles Bridge
John Lennon Wall: Created in the 1980s, this evolving mural is a tribute to peace, love, and art. Visitors are still allowed to spray-paint parts of the wall, making it a living piece of history. Read more
Art and Artisan Shops: Prague’s streets are filled with vibrant shops showcasing local crafts, from handmade jewelry to unique artwork.
One unforgettable moment was attending the Best of Czech & World Music String Quartet Concert at St. Martin in the Wall Church, a venue dating back to the 1100s. Four talented musicians filled the historic space with exceptional, high-caliber music for just $20—a true cultural gem.
More on the Church of St. Martin in the Wall
A Cozy Refuge:
One of my favorite spots in Prague was St. Martin’s Bistro & Café, where Jaroslav kindly accommodated me with a quiet seat to relax, enjoy my wine, and write. (Thanks Jaro!) Although I missed their jazz performances, the ambiance was perfect. Visit St. Martin’sBistro
Tastes of Prague:
The city’s cuisine is hearty and comforting. My favorite meal was a classic beef goulash with bread dumplings at Balcone’s. The service was lacking, but the flavors made up for it.
When I first got to Balcone’s, the restaurant had 3 people dining. I asked to sit at the front window so I could watch out onto the street, and the waitress said it was going to get busy. I told her that I would be gone by then, so she, reluctantly, accommodated and brought me a glass of wine.
I was so surprised when the song “Oh Marie” came on! I used to play it on my accordion and sing it with my parents—who SO enjoyed it! I immediately started crying, and the waitress came over and asked if I was okay. I said No and we talked and talked. It turns out that she was Serbian and we both spoke a similar language (me being Croatian). She ‘immediately’ softened and was SO kind from that point on…another example that we are all connected. 🫶 Here is the best version I could find to what I used to play & sing with my parents (and NO—I was NOT that good! LOL!!)
A special treat… here is the Italian version by Perry Como. How wonderful is he! 🥰 Maybe I will learn this one day, take my accordion to Italy and play it! I did find out through Ancestry.com that I am a Gherardini—which is the name of my cousin, Lisa Gherardini Giocondo. You may know her as Mona Lisa. Her picture is hanging in the Louvre Museum in Paris. And, my 36th GGrandmother was a Medici! (From Florence)) 🇮🇹 🪗❣️ That would be a great blog…returning to Florence after nearly four decades!
A Challenging Moment:
Unfortunately, my time in Prague wasn’t without setbacks. I experienced a fall on a staircase, and to my surprise, no one offered assistance. Thankfully, a kind couple from Spain came to my aid, and I was able to thank them in Spanish. Though my elbow still hasn’t fully healed, their kindness reminded me of the good in people. And I had a nice, huge bathtub where I could soak my hurting body after the fall and walking over 10,000 steps a day (WAY more than I’m used to!).
Despite its ups and downs, Prague’s history, culture, and art made it a worthwhile stop.
A Birthday Stay as Charming as a Capricorn ♑️
My stay at Hotel Capricorno in Vienna was nothing short of delightful, adding a personal and memorable touch to my January birthday celebration. The hotel was incredibly welcoming, with a staff that made me feel at home and spoke excellent English, making everything seamless. Each afternoon at 3 p.m., they offered a charming coffee and tea service accompanied by a delicious Bundt cake—a very thoughtful treat. The Capricorn-themed details, from the embroidered towels to the subtle nods throughout the decor, made it feel as though the hotel was celebrating with me as a fellow January Capricorn. You could grab a coffee, tea or wine and a book and just sit in the library nook and read. It was those little touches that turned an already wonderful stay into something truly special.
Vienna: A Musical Birthday Celebration
Vienna was the final stop on my holiday journey and the perfect place to celebrate my birthday. Known as the City of Music, it offered the most magical gift—a front-row seat to a Vivaldi Four Seasons concert by Orchestra 1756 at the stunning Karlskirche (St. Charles Church).
Built in the 1700s, the church provided a breathtaking backdrop for the 90-minute performance. The orchestra and guest soloists were fabulous! Having played 10 instruments myself and classical music for 15 years, I just sat there in awe of their talents. And they played non-stop! The toughest part was sitting still on the wooden pews, but the music made it all worthwhile.
More about Karlskirche
Watch a snippet of the concert
A Capricorn’s Toast:
After the concert, I returned to my hotel and enjoyed a glass of bubbly with Marco, the hotel’s bartender. It was the perfect way to end my special day.
Final Thoughts
Prague and Vienna each left their mark on my journey. Prague challenged me but also rewarded me with its art, history and music, while Vienna celebrated my birthday with elegance, music and bubbly. These cities are reminders that every travel experience, even the imperfect ones, shapes our perspective and enriches our stories.