Prague, Vienna, and a wild A380 late go-around

[OZDUCK]

Thanks for bringing back memories of Prague. I am surprised at the size of the crowds at this time of year. We were probably lucky that we went there in the summer of 2022 just after covid restrictions were lifted as we never saw anything near that many people at any of the various sites.

 

[offshore171]

Dinner is at a local restaurant near the hotel called U Mateje. They specialise in Bohemian cuisine and also offer a very wide range of drinks at the bar.

Moderní česká kuchyně v Praze 1 – U Matěje Kotrby

Navštivte moderní českou kuchyni, pivo a signature koktejly ve dvou podnicích pod jednou střechou v srdci Prahy. Přijďte si vychutnat poctivé jídlo!

www.umatejekotrby.cz

Really solid offering, great atmosphere. I can vouch for the Pan Fried Duck

 

[offshore171]

Next up is a Sunday afternoon Ice Hockey game.

It turns out the Czechs are fanatical about this sport, and by all accounts the matches in their national league are extremely competitive.

We know very little about hockey, but "when in Rome".

This fixture was between home team "HC Sparta Prague" vs visitors "Kladno", a fierce rival from the Bohemian region.

It was an incredible evening. 17000 fans in fine spirits. I walked away realising that there is no better team sport to watch live than Ice Hockey. Wow.

Arrival at the 17,000 seat O2 arena


One of the senior players was retiring. This was the tribute from both teams


We were seated right next to the away fans supporter zone. They were just incredible to watch, with their enthusiastic chants, accompanied by drummers, and an MC leading them with a bullhorn. All of it warm and good natured, backed by boundless energy. European soccer supporters could learn from these people!


Home fans celebrate a goal


4-4 at full time. That means sudden death overtime.


And the visitors took it! An incredible match to have experienced in the flesh.


Anyone going visiting Prague, put this on your list, even if you're not into sport. You won't be disappointed.

 

[jase05]

Anyone going visiting Prague, put this on your list, even if you're not into sport. You won't be disappointed.

Absolutely agree. I’m a massive ice hockey fan so try to catch a game when in Europe if the planets align