Thursday, November 26, 2009

Wenceslas Square


It's not really a square, it is a broad boulevard lined with fancy buildings that now houses fancy shops. Here we are heading towards the old town square. It is named after one of the Czech Republic's heroes, King Wenceslas of the Christmas time favorite, 'Good King Wenceslas'. He was credited with bringing culture and education to the Czechs. The Czechs were never a military power and they have always chosen heroes that enhances their culture and intellect rather than their fighting strength. It is very admirable. At the other end of the square is the museum. We didn't have time to visit the museum.




I was surprised to see this giant building that now houses a huge bookstore. I love bookstores, most of my disposable income goes to Barnes and Noble, Amazon.com and Alibris.com. There are a few English bookstores near the old town and they are usually staffed by American expatriates. We chatted with one of them. They come to teach English and end up staying. This square is home to a few architectural styles, notice the beautiful Art Nouveau exterior of the Grand Hotel Evropa.
1989 was the year Communist rule ended in Eastern Europe. In November that year, some 300,000 Czechs and Slovaks were gathered in this square chanting at the communist government, 'it's time to go.' Today Prague feels like any other European city. There's something to be said about freedom.

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