We are tired of struggling with city maps and since today has clearing skies, David looks on line to find a bike rental place here. We do not easily find the shop, but finally arrive and get registered for mountain bikes (as the guide book says they are best for the cobblestones), get instructions to find the bike path along the river, and set out, cautiously threading our way among the crowds between us and the Charles Bridge. When we do get to the path, we find it blocked by construction, and have to detour around a couple of city blocks to reach an unobstructed place. The path follows directly beside the Vltava River. It is relatively flat and easy to ride. We stop often to take pictures, have a drink of water and just enjoy the natural scenery, as there are tall trees on both sides. There are lots of moms with strollers on the path, as well as in-line skaters, walkers, lovers, and of course, other bikers, most of whom seem to be locals speeding by. People are fishing from the shore. Some moms or grandmothers are feeding the ducks and swans, much to the delight of their young charges. There are a variety of water craft on the river, including people who seem to be practicing rowing. There are boats along the bank which are bars or restaurants with patrons enjoying views of the river. Through underpasses, we cross under several bridges which span the river. It is peaceful and a welcome change from the hectic sightseeing crowds.
We return on the same path and turn the bikes in about 3 pm. We find a sidewalk cafe to rest and have lunch. We have not made a plan for this evening, so go back to the hotel to get information about dinner cruises. We also consider a theater production, but settle on the cruise. So that we are certain about the meeting point, we walk to the nearby address and confirm it as the pick up spot. Back at the room, David naps while I blog.
Later, we walk back to the pickup spot and ride a mini-van with others to the pier on the river
where we board the boat. The advertised live music is a man playing an accordion. Not the most accomplished musician. The dinner is a buffet. We sit with three people from California, and as usual share travel stories. The cruise, to our surpise, includes going through a lock. We go outside after eating to watch ths skyline and take photos of the bridges and the beautiful castle on the hill. People are smoking so we go back inside. David and I talk about Prague. He asks me what was the best sight here. I think it is the medieval castle. He says his is the St. Vitus Cathedral, and I have to agree it is spectacular. The ship turns a couple of times so we cover the same stretch of river more than one time. Near the end of the cruise, we begin to see fireworks and watch from the outside deck to see an impressive display. I tell David it is our farewell celebration.
The ship pulls up to dock and we all get off. Folks begin to board a bus, but the guide asks us, did you come here on this bus with me? We say no. He says, "I am sorry. But you must not have paid for a return ride." How can that possibly be? we wonder. We paid what we thought was a full fare--the advertised price. But the bus drives off without us. It is 10:15 and we are on the side of the river. We are still in town, but where? I whisper a prayer for our safety and protection. We cross a street and climb some stairs up to another street level. We think it can't be far to a metro stop and we can figure out how to get to the hotel from there. There are people on the street, so it is not an isolated area. We walk a few blocks in the direction that seems to be approaching a public area. We emerge on a square, and see the bright sign of a shopping mall. There is one by that same name near our hotel. But can this be the same one? We look around and recognize other landmarks. We are indeed very near the hotel. God is taking care of us! We walked in the correct direction, away from the river, and on a direct course to our hotel. How could we have known we were that close? Thank you, Lord! We get back to the room and deicde to finish packing in the morning.
We will be checking out early to leave on the 9 am train tomorrow for Munich. It will take six hours, as we are due to arrive at 3. Time for bed!
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