+ On Thursday, September 28, we were more rested. It was Saint Wenceslaus Day. Wenceslaus is credited with uniting the Bohemians and Moravians which resulted in establishing the Czech nation back in the tenth century. He was named a saint since his spirituality was strong as well as his political skill. We took tram 9 to Wenceslas Square in New Town. At the statue of Wenceslaus on a horse we watched a religious ceremony. Of course we didn't understand a word.

We then went to the National Museum which overlooks the square. It is an impressive building inside and out. What a contrast to that totally out of place building next door built during the Communist era when the amazing architecture found throughout the city was not appreciated.

Next we took the subway and returned to Old Town where we visited the very significant Jewish Quarter where there are important reminders of Prague's past when Jews contributed so much to the greatness of Prague. Jews once made up one-third of the population of Prague. Rick Steves says this is "Europe's most accesible sight for learning about a culture and faith that's interwoven with the fabric of Central and Eastern Europe." We visited the Maisel Synagogue which contains panels detailing much of that history. We also visited the Pinkas Synagogue where victims of the Holocaust are named on several panels. One of the panels includes the grandparents of former Secretary of State Medeline Albright. A big Jewish cemetary is next to this synagogue.

Before we left the Jewish Quarter we had a delicious lunch at the Cafe Franz Kafka. The final photo shows the fountain about a block from our hotel in Lesser Town.