Prague, Day 4 ... March 25, 2012

Last day in Prague.  

We ended our trip with a visit to the Jewish Quarter.  

The first thing we saw as we entered was the Star of David on the front gate.  Yes, this area was completely gated off from the rest of the city.  There is the synagogue, museum, and graveyard.  There were no pictures allowed in the first building we entered and I completely understand why.  

On the walls were the names of all the Jews who were killed during the holocaust from the Czech Republic.  They were listed under each city with their names and birth and death dates.  It was an overwhelming experience that brought me to tears more than once.  So many innocent people who died due to the insane ideas of one man.  In the upper level of the building were drawings of children from the concentration camp just north of Prague, Terezin.  I learned later that this was a "model" concentration camp and ghetto for the Jews.  This was a place to show the outside world that the Nazis were treating them with care and respect, in reality, we know they were doing no such thing.

We then walked through the cemetery.  This is a very unique cemetery as it has been built upon itself over and over again.  There are over 10,000 estimated visible graves at this time but they estimate that there are well over 100,000 people buried there.  It is beautiful and haunting all at the same time.

Trees had even grown over headstones.

After walking through the cemetery, we went into the Jewish Museum.  It was filled with artifacts and items used in ceremonies.  So much history and culture.  It is really fascinating to me to learn about other religions and how they practice their faith.  Even the way they honor their dead was done in a very precise way from the moment they die to the moment they are put into the ground.  

We were then given time to get lunch before heading back to Olomouc.  

The group resting post visit to the museum.

Ann, Caleb, Elin, and I found a funky little club that serves food during the day.  It was all black and white themed and the food was excellent of course!  

Elin's lunch.

My lunch.

Caleb not so thrilled about his lunch considering his salad ended up being about 50% tomatoes and he hates tomatoes.  No worries, I helped him out there and gave him 1/2 my sandwich and I ate the tomatoes.  Teamwork!

I did a little bit of shopping before heading back to the hostel to get my things.  The square was set up for Easter, so many little stands selling all sorts of items.  My favorite things that I purchased were some decorated eggs for myself and my mom and at the Jewish Quarter I purchased a water color of the Charles Bridge.  So many memories created in such a short time.

 After arriving back in Olomouc, we wanted to EAT!!!  There is a place in Olomouc called Drapal  .... amazing food all around.  It really doesn't matter what you order, you will love it!  

I happen to LOVE croquettes. 

A great end to a great trip.  I think this trip sets the stage for all of our other adventures and it shows that we have a great group that we are traveling with!  Ciao for now!