Farewell to Prague

~On the final day of my seminar in Prague (the day before my flight), we attended a graduation ceremony at the Academy of Science Library:

^ This building that now houses this library was once a bank, and above you can see the former bank lobby. The library is a membership institution, but membership is inexpensive (around ~$15/year, if I remember correctly). Many students of Charles University use the library as a quiet, air-conditioned place to study.

Here are some close-up views of the above photograph:

^ If you look carefully, you can see this beehive crest on the wall of the previous picture. It's the logo of the bank that was once housed here. Just as bees go out and bring nectar back to the hive which they convert into honey, so to did the bank persuade people to deposit their money (look, that rhymed! Huh, I made that up...).

^ Four of these extravagant lamps light the room. Between them are marble statues of mythological figures.

^ During the ceremony, each person who attended the seminar received a certificate.

^ Afterward, we lounged around and drank champagne. Look at those smiles!

^ With the ceremony ended, we went for one last walk around the city. The Academy of Science Library is located near Legions Bridge, one of the main bridges that crosses the Vltava River, so we went across. Here's a better look at the National Theatre, where I attended the opera "Falstaff".

^ A closer look at the statue on the right side of the National Theater roof in the previous picture. Notice the netting that holds it in place. Remember, this building is well over 100 years old.

^ Charles Bridge, taken from Legions Bridge. Doesn't that balloon ride look like fun? Also, see the mansion up on the hill in the background? That's the residence of the Czech vice-president.

^ Flying over Prague near the castle is the Stars & Stripes. I'd guess that's the U.S. embassy below it.

^ We stopped to rest in a small park. Nearby was the "Pizzeria Kampa Mulino", an Italian restaurant built in an old water-powered mill.

^ Just beside the restaurant are these apartments, some of the most expensive real estate in Prague. The small canal below them is known as the "Devil's Alley", and is supposedly cursed. This in no way hinders the wealthy renters.

^ After all this walking around and sightseeing, it was time to kick back and relax one more time before leaving. A room at a pub-like restaurant had been reserved for us, so we ate and drank up. Luckily, there was a closed door between us and the old man playing the accordion.

Well, that's it from the Czech Republic. The Prague-gram was over, and it was time for us to Czech out of the hotel, and not be Slav-enly about it. I hope you've enjoyed my pictures and commentary! Here's one last picture, a panoramic of the Bohemian Paradise:

~Next: My review of a film that is connected to Prague...