+ Sooner or later we had to get to the castle and September 29 was the day. We followed the Rick Steves advice and took tram 9 (a very crowded tram 9) to a back entrance where there was no line at all for tickets. The Castle Grounds are free but the main attractions require tickets (or a combination ticket). The main highlight within the castle walls is the impressive Saint Vitus Cathedral, the Czech National Church. It has striking stained glass windows. There is a chapel dedicated to Wenceslaus the patron Saint of the nation. He was a tenth century Duke credited for establishing the Czech nation. He is buried there. Another church within the walls, St. George Basilica, has the tomb of the grandmother of Wenceslaus, Saint Ludmila, credited with leading Wenceslaus to Christianity. Beautiful gardens are outside the walls on both the long North side and South side. It is the largest castle in Europe. We also got to the very crowded Charles Bridge, an icon of the city. We walked across the river on this 14th century bridge on October 1. Photos for that day will soon appear. That's the plan anyway.

A statue of Charles stands near the entrance to the bridge. Two churches are located here. St. Francis Chuch and Church of St. Salvator where classical musical concerts are held. We bought tickets and enjoyed the concert immensely.