" How to Take the IC BUS from Nürnberg to Prague "

There are no direct train stops from Nürnberg to Prague.
The IC train or D-BAHN would have been our first choice otherwise.

It was an easy and smooth ride, as there were no delays and stopovers and
a double decker bus with large windows and enough space for seating.
It took us about 3-1/2 hours to get to Prague,
but the ride wasn't boring because you get a nice picturesque view.

The Nürnberg Hauptbahnhof station was a bit far from where we were staying.
So we had an early check out and instead of taking the metro, we opted to slowly wheeled our luggage while taking fotos.
We arrived half an hour earlier than we expected.
But we do not mind the wait, because the train station was already busy and not sketchy at all.




The IC BUS was easy to locate and a large placard was placed up front which i'm sure you couldn't miss it.



Be sure to check this chart before you embark.
We took the 09:40 am time slot.



Then when the bus finally arrived right in front of the train station,
the queue already looked like this.



This very pompous Bus DRIVER was just one of the things that could almost ruin your day.
Maybe, you would expect just a little help from him, like at least, help you lift your luggage and put it inside.
But NO, he even muttered some un-friendly German phrases which gladly I don't understand.
Mind you, we are just petite gals and the height of the bus trunk was just too high for us!
See how this lady cradled her luggage so she can put it inside.



Once inside, everything looks clean and new.
and also, it doesn't have that musky old smell.

There are no specified seating plans, I think you can't book ahead to reserve for a good seat.
But if you book earlier, you could get a better one.

We were on the 2nd deck, just behind the front seat.



This is what the PRINT OUT looks like.
I think there is a Free Wifi, but only in selected areas as well.



Here's another interior shot.
Also enough space to put your extras * Jackets/ hand carry *



A view like these don't come often so I savored it like there's no tomorrow.














From German adverts to Czech signs.
We were a few miles away from Charles Bridge.
Look at how the architectural details differ.



The bridge along the Vlatva river.


When we arrived at the Prague's train station. * hlavní nádraží *
Our driver from the Hotel * Domus Balthasar *
thankfully carried all of our baggage. ^-^




For ticket reservations: CLICK here

A city called : Prague

Winter Twilight in Prague

" Prague’s oldest bridge was built to replace the Judith Bridge that had been badly damaged by floods in 1342. The Stone, or Prague, Bridge, called Charles Bridge since 1870, was begun in 1357 by Charles IV and was completed in 1402. The bridge is built of sandstone blocks, flanked at each end by fortified towers (Lesser Town Bridge Towers, Old Town Bridge Tower). From 1683 to 1928, 30 statues of saints were carved to decorate the bridge, the most famous of which is the statue of St John of Nepomuk. credit: Prague City Tourism

[ Karlův most ]
Charles Bridge
Praha 1 - Staré Město / Malá Strana

The weekend in Black and White

{ The Column of Marcus Aurelius in Rome }

A quick post:
I have been trying to learn some basic Italian for these past few months.
Reason? well, I just thought I'd like to learn a new language. ^-^

I try watch the news and had a hard time listening to it.

I always saw this particular column at the background whenever the Prime Minister: Matteo Renzi and his alliesa are being interviewed.
I reviewed photos from my trip to Rome.
Initially, it got me confused with the Trajan's Column.

But apparently, it's not the same.






This Doric column of Marcus Aurelius is actually inspired by the Trajan Column's itself.
The statuesque bronze of Saint Paul stands at the top of the column.
In 1589, Pope Sixtus the Fifth restored it and had these inscriptions below.
Notice the detailed works on the relief.

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You could find it right at the heart of Piazza Colonna, along Via del Corso,
where the Palazzo Chigi is located.






Palazzo Chigi is the official residence of the current Prime Minister.
On the east side, is a shopping arcade called Galleria Alberto Sordi.
It has a distinct Art Nouveau style which unfortunately we weren't able to see it
as it was closed during the holidays. More info here

{ FOOD REVIEW: ALAS LE DELIZIE GRECHE RESTAURANT }

Who would've thought there's a nice, authentic Greek restaurant right at the heart of Florence?



Back in 2013, we were walking at the back streets of Florence, around the San Marco area.
and was actually looking for the main Piazza San Marco and the Basilica della Santissima Annunziata.
but we got out of the way into Via Cavour, a sort of off-beaten path for tourists
and was lucky to have stumbled into this Greek restaurant.



It is a family run business that had just recently opened. [that was back in 2013]
I could still smell hints of fresh paint on the walls.
The interior was inviting and comforting.
I love the subdued, pastel like decor and
was immediately attracted at the food display and the overall ambiance.






I was hoping to have a slice of Pita for take-away and that's it.
A bad habit of "walking while eating", so I don't waste time. ^0^
But since only a few seats were occupied at that time, we ate there instead.

I'm no expert when it comes to Greek food and the local names are all alien to me. ^-^
But the nice lady was kind enough to explain the kind of cheese the Pita was wrapped in
and also the food and pastry trays that were displayed.



I would love to eat more but we had a heavy breakfast that morning...



It was delectably fresh, warm and very light.
Not the kind of food that's too heavy on the stomach and had too much grease on it.


[ special pomodoro, feta cheese and peppeoni ]

The service was excellent, definitely a service with a smile. ^0^
[You don't get much of that these days... ]
I can't remember how much the bill was,
but I can assure you that it was very affordable and not overpriced.

Just as we were about to leave, the nice lady served us complimentary sweet treats. ^-^



I would recommend this restaurant in a heartbeat and the place is worth a visit the next time you're in Florence.


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ALAS LE DELIZIE GRECHE RESTAURANT
Via Camillo Benso Cavour 32, Florence Italy
* Neighborhood around San Marco *