'Prague' is...

...not a very imaginative title to a post all about a place that truly inspires the imagination. Walking through Prague, with its narrow, winding streets and amazing and varied architecture (from gothic to modern; there's even two buildings that look like they're dancing; locals call them Fred and Ginger), is like walking in a fairy tale.

These pictures should give you some idea.

Above is a nice shot of pretty buildings and narrowing streets. Below are views from either Prague Castle or the top of Staromestske Radnice (the clock tower of old town hall) ...

Cathedrals, churches and castles ...

... Tyn church ...

... the church of St. Nicholas & St Geroge's Basilica ...

... also the church of St. Nicholas.

Views from a cruise boat on the Vltava river of ...

... Prague castle ...

... the National Theatre ...

... and Charles Bridge.

Here are some pictures of Maddie and Isabelle on the boat (I especially like the one where Maddie is pretending to abandon ship):

Maddie liked the Orloj (a 15th century astronomical clock, which not only tells the time, but shows the position of the sun, moon and stars, while its lower dial shows the signs of the Zodiac and the changes of the seasons. It's carved figures also put on a little show at the beginning of each hour).

She was also really into the fountains and preferred dancing in the courtyards of the buildings much more than she enjoyed going inside them.

Charles bridge is lined with statues of Mary, Christ, various saints, etc. Touching certain of these status is considered good luck.

Isabelle just smiled the entire time we were there. She's not a great sleeper, but she is a very happy baby.

And the following is the requisite picture of Maddie following the changing of the guard (we've got a version of this picture in just about every European city we've visited).

We recommend Prague to everyone. While you're there, remember to see the sites listed above, plus:

• Josefov (the Jewish section of Prague, with its amazing synagogues and ancient cemetary).
• St Vitus's Cathedral (it's actually part of Prague castle and it's hard to miss (as it towers over everything else; inside, make sure you see the chapel of St Wenceslas and Alfons Muchas stained glass windows).
• Golden lane (also part of Prague castle; it's the lane in front of the small cottages built into the walls of the castle's northern ramparts).
• Wenceslas square, including the statue of St. Wenceslas on his noble steed and a the beautiful art deco Hotel Evropa.
• Browsing the many narrow streets for souvenirs, including Czech crystal.
• The Obecni dum (beautiful art nouveau building).
• Etc. etc. etc.