Cam's in Europe: Day 45 - I Love Prague

We past the half way mark this week, will the next 5 weeks go just as fast?

We've had the very fortunate experiances of visiting both Barcelona and Prague this week. Two of the most beautiful and interesting cities I've visited (it's very much a photo blog this week with just so much to see).

Last Sunday was my special Day. I couldn't ask for much more than being so lucky to enjoy it with my girls in Barcelona. No gifts needed just a special message!

With Dad and Christine meeting us in Barcelona we were treated to lovely hotel for the 4 nights. We dinned at some great Tappas bars and restaurants. Birthday lunch was a nice restaurant, which did some great dishes and some great wine. Ange and I finished the night in a small cocktail bar - a special day.

Getting a selfie is not my thing- but Cheers anyway!

Barcelona as mentioned above is a beautiful city and the architecture takes front and center stage. Unlike Paris, its seems to constantly change with different influences and statements constantly being made. Just like Paris you must walk looking up!

We did the hop on hop off bus which really gives a great chance to get a city's perspective and obviously a easy chance to see the stand out sights.

The Olympic precinct was a area I'd love to wander again some time, along with the Marina area (where we did do dinner on Tuesday).

Remember the lit arrow lighting the Olympic cauldron
at the opening ceremony?

The old town area offers again amazing architecture and beautiful buildings that really is hard to stop looking at and and being amazed by.

Gaudi is an obvious influence in Barcelona and we visited his buildings, park and the most famous Sagrada Familia - his church which is just amazing and one of the worlds most visited attractions (we seem to be ticking a few off on this trip). Now with only 20 years to go until complete. A booked tour is the only way to beat the lines which isn't anymore expensive and with a guide or self audio guide you get so much about Gaudi and the building.

Drinks on Monday night with friends from Ivanhoe - Ken, Nora and family - Catherine one of our favorite baby sitters, her brother and sister Jacob and Stephanie. Great to meet with them and catch up.

Tuesday was shopping - Yes Barcelona was the place and we all scored a few items and enjoyed some retail therapy - I'm also proudly now wearing my pink shirt.

Wednesday it was time to move on. Good bye to Dad and Christine as they left for Madrid, and we left for Prague - The Czech Republic. This was a long time coming where we finally caught up with out great friends Paul and Sherridan, along with Pia and Paige - playtime for the girls.

Paul is a long time friend of Angela's from Uni, was a brilliant MC at our wedding and a bloke I love catching up with and more so having as a mate. A modest guy who is now climbing the ladder with SABMiller - the beer giant, and whose passion for sales and team cohesiveness is infectious (along with following the Sydney Swannies and all things AFL - we even rang into SEN driving home from the brewery - "Paul from Prague", the regular on SEN, good calling too Brett P. Loved your tones from the GC. )

We arrived into Prague Wednesday afternoon and enjoyed some home cooking and more so great Hospitality from the Barnett's. They've now been in Pargue near 12 months.

On moving to Prague PB told me 2 important facts. 1 - Prague is the biggest beer drinking nation in the world per capita and they have an amazing amount of super models. Hmm is it all about work? The Barnett's have lovely house over 5 levels using space like I've never seen before and PB influenced the decision in renting it for two very good reasons -

1. Paul loved the indoor pool. And most importantly 2. The small local pub just 7 steps from the front door - you literally take across your mug and Viera fills it. Unfortunately 'Viera' wasn't the super model Paul had told me about.

A large glass of about 400ml is aprox $2. AUD.
Isn't she a beauty!

Thursday we did a walking tour of Prague and the Palace grounds, pictures say it better than words and there's more at the end - needless to say nothing short of beautifully amazing.

We had a casual but great lunch with Sheridan and a sleeping Paige (Pia's last day of school before 8 weeks summer holiday). Sheridan is another great food amd wine lover and is quickly learning all the great spots and she didn't disappoint.

She took the kids home play and left Ange and I to continue wandering the most beautiful streets of Prague (looking up!) And enjoying some nice time together.

My beautiful wife - looking and feeling relaxed.

So many don't understand my love of
Stainless Steel - does this help?

The following days were relaxed. We jogged, walked the streets more, visited more places of interest and enjoyed our time.

Saturday PB orgaised a tour of the brewery in Pilsner. Another amazing experience where the beer is made in part unpasteursed and needs to be consumed within 2 weeks. I drank hard to avoid any being wasted. After the tour we visited a great pub to enjoy the famous Pork Knee - The chicken parma of Prague.

Beer fermenting in barrels at 12 degrees 20m below ground.

The pork knuckle and the mighty Pilsner.

The girls meanwhile enjoyed the Ballet - Sleeping Beauty. Prague is very well know for its interest in Arts and culture. Prices (for everything) are so reasonable and its kept this way to ensure everyone gets a chance to come along. The theatre's and playhouses are amazing and just another part of this beautiful city.

My beautiful girls and the lovely Pia Barnett, already
enjoying the Ballet.

Food is another great part of Prague varied in style and availability - the city has so much to offer everyone, and its story is just so interesting.

So Sunday we leave for Milan and touch down in Italy (our 6th country so far). Our excitement is up againand looking forward to seeing amd tasting Italy.