Street Snapshots in Prague

Photos were taken while rambling Prague downtown...

Anthropoid

Swastika and old-fashioned tram

No No No, I am not talking about Apes, cranes or the assessment of the female pelvis in this entry...

In October last year in Prague, I happened to encounter the footage, Anthropoid. 

Official poster-Image from Wiki

When I was in front of the Jubilee Synagogue (Jeruzalémská Synagoga in Czech), a bizarre scene caught my eye. The Hakenkreuz flags were everywhere, streaming in the wind... 

My jaw was about to fall off... Well, my first thought was "Is the Buddhist temple exhibition taking place in Prague???" I finally realized that movie filming was going on when filming crews grabbed my arms and said "You can't cross the street. Hang on here"

The movie is based on the true story of "Operation Anthropoid", the code name for the assassination of SS-Obergruppenführer and General der Polizei Reinhard Heydrich, who is a head of the Reich Main Security Office, RSHA, the combined security services of Nazi Germany and acting Reichsprotektor of the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia.

The operation was carried out in Prague on 27 May 1942 after having been prepared by the British Special Operations Executive with the approval of the Czechoslovak government-in-exile. 

Although only wounded in the attack, Heydrich died of his injuries on 4 June 1942. His death led to a wave of merciless reprisals by German SS troops, including the destruction of villages and the killing of civilians.

The film has its world premiere at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival on the 1st of July, 2016, and will be released on the 12th of August this year by Bleecker Street.

It looks like the military alliance between Nazis and Japan. Where is Italian Empire??

Old trams, classic cars, and posters written in German decorated the street.

Jeruzalémská Synagoga In Prague

Although I haven't visited many synagogues, Jubilee Synagogue in Prague is the most impressive one for me. It is also known as the Jerusalem Synagogue because it is located on Jerusalem street (Jeruzalémská).

It is within a few minutes walk from the Prague main station (see the map below). It is open from Sunday to Friday (11:00-17:00) during the summer season.

Sir Nicholas Winton

It was almost three years since the first time I arrived at Prague railway main station (Hlavní nádraží), however, it was very recently when I noticed the statues of a gentleman and two children on platform 1. The statue, created by Flor Kent,  was unveiled on the 1st of September 2009 as part of a larger commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the last Kindertransport train (also called the Winton train).

The name of the gentleman in the statue is Sir Nicholas Winton (19 May 1909 – 1 July 2015). 

Who is he?

That was my first stupid question when I found his name. Then looked him up and I was stunned! He is a British gentleman born in a Jewish family. Later on, his family converted to Christianity and he was baptized. 

If you are interested in him, please visit his Wiki site and/or his HP.

In brief, he organized the rescue of 669 children, most of them Jewish, from Czechoslovakia on the eve of the Second World War in an operation later known as "children transportation". Prague railway main station was the embarkation point for the children who were evacuated to London Liverpool Street station via the Port of Harwich.

Due to his exploits, the British press dubbed him the "British Schindler", however, Winton's humanitarian exploits were recognized over 40 years later by his Danish wife, Grete Gjelstrup. In February 1988 his exploits were broadcasted in the BBC television program "That's Life!". 

Winton was awarded the highest honor of the Czech Republic, the Order of the White Lion, by Czech President on 28 October 2014.

Street Performance in Prague Part Three

I still can't figure out how it works.... Any idea???

For those who are curious about previous street performances in Prague, click the photos below.

Part Two

Part One

St. John of Nepomuk

The Prague Castle (or Wiki site) is the largest coherent castle complex in the world, according to the Guinness Book of World Records... This is also the official residence and office of the president of the Czech Republic. It took almost one day to explore the Castle. As I have zero knowledge about Christianity architecture (Gothic style? or Renaissance style??), please visit the links above...

This is the tomb of John of Nepomuk in St. Vitus Cathedral. You have to pay to see it... It's Prague, you know.

It caught my eye as I like shiny metallic colors.

You can also meet him in Charles Bridge. He is a national saint of the Czech Republic and is often portrayed with a halo of five stars, the palm of martyrs. He also carries s cross (crucified Jesus). This statue is the oldest on the bridge.

In 1393, he was thrown into the Vitava river at the site where his statue is currently standing.

Iron Forged Grid with St. John Nepomuk carving

The great majority of tourists come to touch him, anticipating to bring good fortune and ensuring to return to Prague soon.

Me? 

Of course, I did not touch him.

Street Performance in Prague Part Two

This is part two entry of the street performance in Prague... at night!

As you can see, it was a very slow shutter but he did not move. He was professional.

Happy Halloween!!!

Powder Tower At Night

I find it more interesting to ramble in Prague downtown at night. It's still safe, lots of drunk tourists are there and light-ups are everywhere.

The 65 m tall Powder Tower is one of my favorite buildings in Prague.

Street Performance in Prague

No wording necessary. 

Kinds had a lot of fun playing with soap bubbles in the sizzling summer.

This is Our World Tuesday - Bastille Day entry.

Statues On Charles Bridge

Oh, Jesus!!!

It's been over 4 months since the last entry. Sorry for that.

Eventually, I had a chance for sightseeing the capital of the Czech Republic, Prague! That was my first time spending free time in Prague during my 19 months stay in the Czech!

As expected, I headed to Charles Bridge.

This is Our World Tuesday End Of June Edition entry.

Národní muzeum

I happened to have around an hour of waiting time to catch the train to come back to Olomouc at Prague main station and decided to walk around the station.

The National Museum main building is currently closed due to reconstruction from July 2011 to the end of June 2015...