Bad Cannstatt Volksfest

The Bad Cannstatt Volksfest is Germany's second largest beer festival and expected nearly 3 million visitors this year. Here's a few pics from this year's celebrations.

Carnival style rides and games abound and many families visit the fest.






One of the "tents" for festing.

Prague

Here's a sampling of pics from a recent trip to Prague. I highly recommend a visit, not only does it have incredible history, lovely views, and incredible architecture, it's also filled with wonderful people.

General Pics

Marionettes are a vibrant part of the local culture. You'll see shops like this one and even operas done with these puppets.

Driver side mirror of an old car used to provide tours around the city.

Posters of a cross section of the events offered throughout. Everything from DJs to plays to marrionette operas.

You know OSHA doesn't exist when a painter can stand in the open window of a 4th floor without any safety gear.

Trams run across Prague and are a fun (and historical) part of the Prague mass transit system.

Inside one of the trams at night.

Prague has a 15th century Astronomical Clock known as the Orloj. This is a detail of Right top on the clock dial:
Death who rings the bell and
A Turk - also called The Piper.

View of throne in the the old Royal Palace.

View of Prague shot from the fortress on the hill. You can see the dome and tower of the Church of St. Nicholas.

Charles Bridge Pics

View of Charles Brige with the Old Town Bridge Tower.

Hand of a fellow tourist on a relief on a statue pedestal. The statue was of St. John of Nepomuk. Touching this relief is thought to bring good luck.

A performer on the bridge with an ever-popular marrionette.

No European city is complete without a few pictures of the magnificent churches





St Vitus Cathedral

St Vitus's Cathedral started in the 14th century.

St Vitus's Cathedral interior towards the altar.

St Vitus's Cathedral Chapel Crucifix.

Light from stained glass window on statue in a chapel in St Vitus's Cathedral.

Sunlight on statue.

Church of St Nicholas

Exterior of church.

Interior of St Nicholas.

Malta Grand Priory

View of Crucifix through window.

That's all the pics for now. Hope you enjoyed it and can't wait for your very own visit to Prague!

Hercules, the Sleepyhead

This is my inaugaral post, so I thought I'd start off with my favorite furry boy, Hercules. He'd have a greater chance of being my hero if he wasn't more interested in sleeping. I don't think he cares so long as I keep his food bowl full.