Výtopna restaurant

This was very nice dinner place on the side of Václavské náměstí. Too bad my son wasn't with me this time, he would have loved it! ;)

Pivovarský Dům

A nice microbrewery in Prague, with some exotic beers to taste, and "beer based" drinks.. The place is located a few metro stops from the old town.

Tourism - what a wonderful way to exercise!

My pedometer's logged results for a weekend in Prague:

Friday 13535 steps (~7.17 km)
Saturday 17733 steps (~9,39 km)
Sunday 16498 steps (~8,73 km)

Although there were not that many aerobic steps it still kinda proves (to me at least) that "I did my part" to enjoy a few beers with good conscience. ;)

"The Golden Tiger pub"

(Admitted, I wasn't going to mention this place in the first place.. until I read later about Václav Havel favouring this place. Bill Clinton and Angela Merkel have also visited here, among many other famous people. So special thanks to George for showing us this place!)

And come to think of it, this place offered something a bit different really. I found it kind of refreshing to feel like a tourist, but in a very different way than in most other places (totally contrary to what I wrote in the previous entry). I recall it took us some 10-15 minutes to get service, and we couldn't find a seat to sit down, but in this case I don't mind.. And yes, naturally I tipped the waiter as he wasn't asking for it.

Nothing much to Prag about

Tourism is what tourist does. Now don't get me wrong.. I understand that people work to get money, and price level in Prague is ovbiously higher than in Ostrava (for example) so either you need to get paid more, or work more. Also, Prague is crowded with tourists from all over the world. Including Americans. And Americans especially have this "tipping culture" for good service. So, tourists are supposed to give tips when they think they've received good service.. right?

I was faced with the situation several times in Prague's old town pubs and restaurants: usually I wasn't even getting much of service, barely even a smile, but I still was supposed to pay more as "please note that service is not included, in general you can give ten percent" was frequently stated when getting the bill (usually after waiting five minutes to get it).

Now again, don't get me wrong, but I was happy to give tip in Ostrava, especially when not being constantly reminded to do so. Really, waiters were more friendly and I was getting served fast. And everything didn't cost so much in overall. I don't even want to imagine what things might be like during the high season..

But well, I guess that is how the world turns these days. Deset bodů pro Olomouc..

Vyšehrad

A historic and very beautiful area. But somehow it almost spells the same as "Suo-men-lin-na" for Finns. ;)

Hard Rock Cafe @ Prague

Last time the cafe wasn't open, but now I had chance to czech it out. It sure is a big venue..

Praha

What can I say.. still one of the most beautiful cities in the world, without a doubt..

My last meal (in Czech)

The price is quite dreadful, but the taste is simply unbeatable - greasy cheese ("hermelin") with spicy chili and a large Pilsner. At the Ruzyne airport. Do I need to say more?

CU in Finland, folks.. Shouldn't take more than a few hours. :)

U Fleku

Being a tourist in Prague is serious business. After Ostrava, yesterday night was like a culture shock.

Loud crowds of drunken Brits or German boys roaming the streets. Different people asking for things, usually for money.

Quiet saturday morning at classic and world famous U Fleku brewery therefore seems calming. I survived last night to tell all about it.

I had a brief visit to the newly opened Hard Rock Cafe rock shop for some souvenirs. Too bad the cafe itself isn't open yet.

Today in Prague they will run the half marathon, so I'd better start moving towards the airport earlier than usual, if I intend to make it home tonight.

Still, Prague was nice but I kind of miss the athmosphere at Olomouc.