Prague Continued

Have already done 3 nice museums.

"The Museum of COMMUNISM" is brilliant with its mock torture room and grocery shop that carries a single brand. Met two Texans who had just taken the Bar Exam. They sure were happy.

Also visitted the Museum of Spiders and Torture where i noticed a particular medieval fondness of anal torture. YIKES

The Prague Castle with its museum was also nice but too touristy. On a rainy day it was still crowded and, as a cause, i almost got into a fight with an American college student. A group and i were walking up a cylindrical staircase of 280 stairs. It was a narrow pathway, enough room for one and a half of me. This guy and his fellows were walking down and were upset that they had to do so within the circle, where the steps are narrow. He actually stopped next to me and started a conversation with his half-witted dits of a girlfriend that was 4 persons behind him. While he is chatting, our group is holding still so they can pass without incident. So i told him that there are no rules as to how to climb and descend these things, no posted signs, and ignored his silly rebuttel of that's how they climbed by telling him to keep walking. He obliged. Pussy!

People, American young college backpackers, such as himself are the reason why Europeans are weary of American tourists. They consider us rude, ill-informed, and lacking any degree of proper manners. Who can blame them?

"The Kubista (Cubist) Museum" was a real treat and i discovered some works that i fell in love with. I ended up purchasing a numbered replica (42/1000) of Janak's "geometric box" for more than $200. It is amazingly captivating. I simply had to have it. Check it out for yourself.

Last night, after making my expensive purchase, i decided to see an opera. The Prague production of "Don Giovanni" was done at the actual opera house where Mozart himself had premiered it. Great hall, awfull casting of Don. Left at intermission. And to think that i bought a brand new dress-shirt for that evening.

Tonight i will hear an organ concert and call it a night.

Hello from Praha (Prague)

I have finally arrived and am very excited.

The last few days in Vienna were fun as i met an interesting, and smart, Saudi who's father is a member of the government and has close ties to the new king. A trip to Saudi Arabia is in the works.

Learned a lot about Islam, Saudi democratization efforts and other vital Muslim world issues, as well as had 2 days of fun with him. We saw "The Island" in English and ate at some of the best restaurants in town including the Albertina annex. Also went to a lovely classical concert.
I also visited some contemporary art museums ( the MAK is a must) where i offended locals by asking them to speak in English when they actually were. No blood was shed.

Prague seems more interesting than Vienna as it is still modernizing and its economy has yet to find its means. There are high-end restaurants, dirty casinos, and many unexplainable economic ventures that are purely experimental. It will take a few years until their economy stabilizes and finds its way in a manner that is worthy of Euro conversion.

Today was spent walking around the touristy sights. I also stumbled across some glass and metal works of art that i think will make for good souvenirs.

Days 3, 4, & 5

Day 3 was spent at the upper and lower Belvedere’s. Both house impressive collections; the former has a new exhibit on post WW2 Austrian, and the latter has a cute collection of Baroque art including some of the most detailed “squinting face” sculptures I have seen.
Around the same area is the majestic Karslkirch cathedral. Luckily there was an ongoing renovation and we were allowed to climb to the very top of the dome. Truly grand.

Right outside the lower belvedere is a pub/restaurant that has its own beer. I tried it, both the dark and light, but am still not fond of beer in general. I guess it’s a gay thing. I would much rather have a wine spritzzer, the summer drink of the Viennese. It is mineral water mixed with white wine. Truly a pretentiously fabulous drink.

Day 4 was a lazy day. The weather got cooler, finally, and my feet were killing me after 2 days of jogging. Hence I was forced to use the subway to go into the city. I dined at the highly recommended Café Demel. Had three cakes, 1 cup of pear bandy, and ice-tea. SWEEET

Day five, today, I went on a 4 hour boat tour around Vienna. It was relaxing and gave me the opportunity to try new coffee and ice-cream drinks as well sunbathe some more. Very relaxing. Tonight I will be hitting the gay town with a local friend.