More adventures

This morning we ventured out on our own. Took the tram to the first stop and did some shopping at the Interspar---a local three-story shopping center. Found an ATM outside of a bank located on the lower level. It felt secure. We explored a large grocery store where we admired the wonderful supply of baked goods. It was somewhat like a Walmart in that it had groceries and lots of other non-grocery items. Also enjoyed a cup of McDonald's coffee. Back on the tram and carried our purchases up the hill. Put our feet up and had a snack while we waited for Gloria. This afternoon we explored New Town. St. Wenselas Square is the centerpiece of New Town with a huge statue of St. Wenselas on a horse. Later we were walking through a palace and there in the intercourtyard was another statue. This time the horse was upside down and St. Wenselas was astride the underside of the dead horse! Gloria showed us an ice cream shoppe that had been beautifully restored--crystal chandeliers, ornate ceilings, marble floors, etc. Gloria ordered a scoop of ice cream for each of us and Chuck paid. We picked up our dishes of ice cream and sat down. The waitress came over and plopped down an elaborate sundae. Turned out that Gloria had inadvertenly ordered a sundae in addition to our four dishes. Gloria is taking Czech language classes and has for several years. Czech is a difficult language, hard to understand and impossible to read. We had a good laugh and then split and enjoyed the sundae! Next we visited the Central Post Office. It is an ornate building where everyone takes a number when they walk in the door and then sit on the benches (arranged like pews) until their number is called. Phylis and I started to take pictures. All of a sudden an official started yelling " No Photos." Then he demanded that we delete any pictures that we had taken. He wanted to show us the sign that said we couldn't take pictures. Oh well. We then visited a 'communist' department store. It is really a store of the old style --much like the US department stores in the 40's and 50's. Then we set out to find a Pivovarsky Dum, a beer hall. A few wrong turns, but we did find it. It was quite modern, light and clean. All kinds of bottled beer lined the walls. Chuck consulted the fellow sitting at our table and asked him what kind of beer to order. We ended up with small, light beers on tap. Even Phylis had a beer. Also sausages, olives, beer cheese, and rye bread. Later we headed home. The metro and tram were body-to-body. Ramdom thoughts. 1. Lots of dogs. Many are not on leashes, but do not seem to be ferral. We did see a paper bag dispenser on a pole downtown. The sketch on the bags made it obvious what was to be put in the bag! Phylis took a bag for 'Bama. 2. Most of the young women wear tight jeans with sneakers or boots with high heels. 3. Very little English is spoken by the people in the stores or restaurants. We have overheard very little when out in public. Stay tuned.