Honza needs to start his own Czech Tour Company, because we saw some things that we are sure more than a few people who live in Prague never see. Not only are there many sights off the tourist trails, but there are plenty of stories and conspiracy theories to go along with the sights.
We are sure that there aren't many tour guides that start you off with a trip to a graveyard. As a result, many people miss the stories of some of the famous people that have made this city what it is today. It was interesting to listen to Honza explain what the people did during their lives, and what it means to the people that live in Prague today. Other things that people will miss are the beautiful statues, unique examples of architecture and the peacefulness that this sanctuary can possess in the middle of a big city.
Honza thinks he heard someone yell for help. Go ahead Honza, we dare you to put your hand in there!
This is just one example of the many beautiful statues, but this one was by far the most amazing. She has the wings of a butterfly, and when you look closely at her face, she actually looks like she has been crying - how amazing is that?
The next field trip brought us to the beautiful hills southwest of the city for incredible views and a relaxing walk through the meadows. Here is where an urban legend comes in: it is believed by some that under these hills there is a Soviet underground bunker where the former USSR is still in operation. We are sure that they can not be too happy with a couple of Americans snooping around.
Sure, these look like beautiful red poppies lining the path, but we know better - they are actually little microphones picking up everything we say. Why are these wild flowers only along the path, and not in the field? Exactly.
Here Honza is explaining that there have also been multiple UFO sightings on these hills. We are outta here!
"Man on the Horse". The man is Jan Žižka and this is the largest horse statue in the world. It stands nearly 30 feet high (over 70 feet including the pedestal), and is the crowning jewel on the Vitkov Hill war memorial. Jan Žižka is the most famous military commander in the history of this country. He lived during the early 1400s, and defended the people of this land against many enemies.
Two things set Žižka apart as a great leader. Most of his troops were peasants and farmers, and he taught them how to fight and defeat much larger armies with weapons created from farming tools. His military tactics would change the way wars would be fought for centuries to come.
The second thing that created an unbreakable loyalty for Žižka was that he led his troops into battle with just one eye. If you look closely at the photo, you can see that he has a patch over his right eye. In one of his last battles, he was severely wounded, and lost the use of his remaining eye. Even though he was now totally blind, he continued to command his armies. It was that fearlessness that led his soldiers to call themselves orphans when he died of the plague in 1424. They felt like they had lost their father. His enemies said that "The one whom no mortal hand could destroy was extinguished by the finger of God".
Here's a disturbing note: Žižka's dying wish was to have his skin used to make war drums so that he could continue to lead his troops even after death. We told you that it was disturbing! Let's hope that was just another urban legend, but with the history of this man we believe this one. Standing at the foot of this incredible tribute, and listening to the stories of his battles that took place on the ground beneath our feet, was absolutely chilling.
Honza, being a musician, always has songs going through his head. Much like everyone else, he may not always have all of the words correct. Somehow he has turned the band REM's song "Who can believe, they put a man on the moon, man on the moon" song into "Who can believe, they put a man on the horse, man on the horse". I'm sure Jan Žižka would be very proud. Since we suffer from LSS (Last Song Syndrome), we were finding ourselves singing "...man on the horse, man on the horse..." for the next 5 days!
In one of the main squares in the city, we purchased a brick with the proceeds going to help those in need. The bricks would actually be used for construction to help create affordable places for people to live.
Check out the Honza, Becky and Steve "Flower, Flower - Peace" brick. Keep in mind that it was for a good cause, and not to be on display at the National Art Museum!
Another field trip took us cherry picking. They were delicious!
A few additional random moments:
Here, Steve and Honza are conquering a Soviet tank that has not rolled in 50 years.
And here, Honza and Becky are practicing for the 2010 Winter Olympic ice skating team?
Honza in deep thought. Probably wondering why that kid is staring at him.
When Honza is not playing music, he is creating some very unique and beautiful clocks. To see some of his creations, go to www.sestka.com. If you don't buy one, then when you visit Prague, you need to sign up for the "Adventures with Honza!" tour package, you will not be disappointed. We can not pronounce it correctly, but děkuji (thank you) Honza! You made our trip to Prague special, and we'll never forget it!
We are sure that there aren't many tour guides that start you off with a trip to a graveyard. As a result, many people miss the stories of some of the famous people that have made this city what it is today. It was interesting to listen to Honza explain what the people did during their lives, and what it means to the people that live in Prague today. Other things that people will miss are the beautiful statues, unique examples of architecture and the peacefulness that this sanctuary can possess in the middle of a big city.
Honza thinks he heard someone yell for help. Go ahead Honza, we dare you to put your hand in there!
This is just one example of the many beautiful statues, but this one was by far the most amazing. She has the wings of a butterfly, and when you look closely at her face, she actually looks like she has been crying - how amazing is that?
The next field trip brought us to the beautiful hills southwest of the city for incredible views and a relaxing walk through the meadows. Here is where an urban legend comes in: it is believed by some that under these hills there is a Soviet underground bunker where the former USSR is still in operation. We are sure that they can not be too happy with a couple of Americans snooping around.
Sure, these look like beautiful red poppies lining the path, but we know better - they are actually little microphones picking up everything we say. Why are these wild flowers only along the path, and not in the field? Exactly.
Here Honza is explaining that there have also been multiple UFO sightings on these hills. We are outta here!
"Man on the Horse". The man is Jan Žižka and this is the largest horse statue in the world. It stands nearly 30 feet high (over 70 feet including the pedestal), and is the crowning jewel on the Vitkov Hill war memorial. Jan Žižka is the most famous military commander in the history of this country. He lived during the early 1400s, and defended the people of this land against many enemies.
Two things set Žižka apart as a great leader. Most of his troops were peasants and farmers, and he taught them how to fight and defeat much larger armies with weapons created from farming tools. His military tactics would change the way wars would be fought for centuries to come.The second thing that created an unbreakable loyalty for Žižka was that he led his troops into battle with just one eye. If you look closely at the photo, you can see that he has a patch over his right eye. In one of his last battles, he was severely wounded, and lost the use of his remaining eye. Even though he was now totally blind, he continued to command his armies. It was that fearlessness that led his soldiers to call themselves orphans when he died of the plague in 1424. They felt like they had lost their father. His enemies said that "The one whom no mortal hand could destroy was extinguished by the finger of God".
Here's a disturbing note: Žižka's dying wish was to have his skin used to make war drums so that he could continue to lead his troops even after death. We told you that it was disturbing! Let's hope that was just another urban legend, but with the history of this man we believe this one. Standing at the foot of this incredible tribute, and listening to the stories of his battles that took place on the ground beneath our feet, was absolutely chilling.
Honza, being a musician, always has songs going through his head. Much like everyone else, he may not always have all of the words correct. Somehow he has turned the band REM's song "Who can believe, they put a man on the moon, man on the moon" song into "Who can believe, they put a man on the horse, man on the horse". I'm sure Jan Žižka would be very proud. Since we suffer from LSS (Last Song Syndrome), we were finding ourselves singing "...man on the horse, man on the horse..." for the next 5 days!
In one of the main squares in the city, we purchased a brick with the proceeds going to help those in need. The bricks would actually be used for construction to help create affordable places for people to live.
Check out the Honza, Becky and Steve "Flower, Flower - Peace" brick. Keep in mind that it was for a good cause, and not to be on display at the National Art Museum!
Another field trip took us cherry picking. They were delicious!
A few additional random moments:
Here, Steve and Honza are conquering a Soviet tank that has not rolled in 50 years.
And here, Honza and Becky are practicing for the 2010 Winter Olympic ice skating team?
Honza in deep thought. Probably wondering why that kid is staring at him.
When Honza is not playing music, he is creating some very unique and beautiful clocks. To see some of his creations, go to www.sestka.com. If you don't buy one, then when you visit Prague, you need to sign up for the "Adventures with Honza!" tour package, you will not be disappointed. We can not pronounce it correctly, but děkuji (thank you) Honza! You made our trip to Prague special, and we'll never forget it!
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