Apr 07
Federico Pignatelli Gradana, Travel
When your flight land at Federico García Lorca Granada-Jaen airport, it means that you are brought 15 kilometers closer to the capital of the province, Granada. Before enjoying yourself in a colorful world of cultures, take a moment to feel the compelling aroma of the new land.
It’s time to start your journey to our prime destination. There’s a variety of transportation to take you to The Alhambra. For the budget conscious, there are cheap rent-a-cars at Granada airport. The drivers are friendly and they will surely entertain you with humorous stories along the way. There’s nothing like a local to make you feel welcome and give insider tips.
If you’re a fan of Debussy, then you must have known his inspiration for “La Porte du Vin”. It’s no other than the impressive wine gate fronting The Alhambra.
Built in the mid 14th century, it has become the very embodiment of Islamic architecture and is revered by the locals as well as all those who have beheld its majestic beauty. The entire palace complex is a complicated medley of art forms. One cannot miss the intricate beauty of the arabesques, a motif favored by Muslims because it symbolizes the infinite.
Nasrid Palace
The Mocarabe or stalactite arch is predominantly used during the Nasrid dynasty. You can see this particular style everywhere in the Nasrid Palace. Its beauty precludes the breathtaking vistas afforded by the large bay windows throughout the palace.
In the heart of the Nasrid Palace lies the Court of the Lions. A great interest in the Fountain of the Lions, located here, has spawned a number of legends for it is quite uncommon to model Islamic art from the Old Testament.
In this case, the twelve stone lions standing sentinel around the stone fountain was believed to have been inspired by the fountain of the Temple of Solomon.
Court of the Myrtles (Patio de los Arrayanes)
In the early times of Granada, water was usually scarce and precious. The pond within the Court of the Myrtles was kept full at all times, a difficult feat indeed. It was believed that if the water appears to never evaporate, then the leader may seem to be blessed spiritually. The court got its name from the myrtles growing along its sides.
Did you know that the name Alhambra came from the red clay it was built from? Nothing can be a more fitting testament to this than the sight the Alhambra presents during Sunset. Ask your driver to take you to the Mirador de San Nicolas. From here, you can view the entire palace complex. Bathed in the warm glow of the dying sun, but for a moment, the walls of The Alhambra glow more radiant than the sun itself. Once a witness, you will retain this memory for the rest of your life.
This unforgettable memory burrowing deep in your heart marks the end of your journey. It is time to climb back on your cost-effective rental car and let your driver bring you to Granada airport. Take a lingering glance and burn the precious memory in your mind.
Jun 19
Apartment Prague Phenomenal, Planning, Prague, Travel
The city offers many attractions from its medieval streets to its cosmopolitan night scene, which can require planning the itinerary well to see all the important sights and do all the exciting things. The good news is that planning a trip to Praha, as the city is called by its residents, requires little by way of phenomenal powers. Just as long as you know how to pack your bags, how to fill up forms and how to use universal sign language, you will be just fine in Prague.
So, when is the best time to travel to Prague? Fortunately, Praha is a beautiful city all throughout the season with varied activities for each time of the year. Travel to the city during the Christmas and Easter holidays when the festive mood is palpable or during the summer months when Praha comes alive. If you are the outdoors type of person, spring is the best time to see the countryside while winter is for skiing down the Bohemian slopes.
When packing your bags, the clothes and personal accessories will depend on the season in which Prague was visited. Just keep in mind that Praha has a continental climate, which means that summer is warm during the day and cool during the night. Springs are cool, wet and beautiful while winter is certainly on the chilly side.
No matter the season, pack for comfort instead of style. Prague can be a stylish city when it wants to be but casual clothes are the norm in the streets except for the truly formal functions. As for shoes, pack sturdy walking footwear as the cobblestone streets of Praha can be a challenge to navigate.
The good news for tourists traveling to Prague is that only a valid passport is required for entry for as long as the intended stay is 90 days or less for many nationalities in Europe and in the United States. It definitely makes for convenience instead of having to fall in line for visas when visiting other nations.
You may also want to pack in a few personal necessities as Prague is not exactly the shopping capital of Europe. Just make sure that whatever items are packed in the bags will pass the strict point of entry security measures. For example, people with medicines must have a valid physician’s endorsement to justify their presence.
When in the city, the usual precautions to protect personal safety apply. Your valuables must always be on your person especially in pickpocket areas like metros, trams and railways, which is true for most cities anyway. As for violent crimes, Prague is relatively free from such scourge although it is still a good idea to be vigilant about your safety.
When you have renewed your passports, packed your bags and gathered your friends, away to Prague you will go. Wait! You must also book a vacation apartment in the city before hopping on to the plane since accommodations are very important when travelling especially to a city as big as Prague can be.
Jun 16
adminDubai Visa Agcc, Al Hijra, Arab Gulf, Ascension Of The Prophet, Denmark Finland, Devided, Dirhams, Dollar Rate, Dubai, Dubai Hospitals, Dubai Visa, Eid Al Adha, Eid Al Fitr, End Of Ramadan, Feast Of The Sacrifice, info, Liech, Mouloud, Public Holidays, Shipping Goods, Travel, Unpleasant Surprises, Visa Information
Dubai Holidays: Useful information on Dubai before coming to this Emirate to avoid (unpleasant) surprises.
In this section the following topics will be discussed:
* Dubai Public Holidays
* Time in Dubai
* Dubai Currency: How much is my money in AED or Dirham?
* Dubai Maps
* Banks in Dubai
* Hospitals
* Education in Dubai
* Dubai Visa Information
* Useful addresses and phone numbers
* Dubai Insurance
* Do’s and don’ts
* Dress code
* Weather in Dubai
* Learn Arabic
* Crime in Dubai
* Electricity and Water
* Television in Dubai
* Shipping goods
* Mail / Postal service
Dubai Public Holidays, Dubai Holidays, Dubai Ramadan, Dubai New Year:
Dubai public holidays are in 2008:
1 Jan New Year’s Day.
10 Jan Al-Hijra (Islamic New Year).
20 Mar Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet).
30 Jul Leilat al-Meiraj (Ascension of the Prophet).
2 Oct Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan).
2 Dec National Day.
9 Dec Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice).
29 Dec Al-Hijra (Islamic New Year).
Dubai Currency, how much is your money in AED or Dirham?
The official abbreviation AED is often written as DH or Dhs in many shops but that is incorrect and unofficial.
The dirham was introduced in 1973 And is sub devided into 100 fils. It has been pegged to the U.S. Dollar since November 1997: 1 U.S.Dollar = 3.67290 dirhams, Or 1 dirham = 0.272264 dollar (rate of may 10, 2008).
The banknotes are 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 dirhams and the coins are in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 fils, and 1 dirham. The 1, 5 and 10 fils are struck in bronze, with the higher denominations in cupro-nickel.
Visa For Dubai:
A visa for Dubai is not always required.
There are several types of visas for visitors. Citizens of the Arab Gulf Co-operation Council(AGCC) memberstates (Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia) do not need one just like nationals of the following Countries: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany ,Greece, Netherlands, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States of America, Vatican City.
Weather in Dubai, the Climate of Dubai and Dubai Weather Forecast:
The weather in Dubai can be definitely described as hot. The Dubai weather is most pleasant between November and March.The temperatures in the winter
Varies around 23 degrees Celsius during the day. In the summer the temperature is between 40-50 degrees celsius.
Annual Weather Dubai with minimum and maximum average temperature ( in degrees C) per month:
January (14/24degrees C), February (15/25 degrees C), March (18/28 degrees C), April (21/33 degrees C), May (25/38 degrees C), June (27/40 degrees C),July (30/41 degrees C), August (30/41 degrees C), September (28/40 degrees C), October (24/35 degrees C), November (20/31 degrees C), December (16/26 degrees C).
The sea temperature during the year is between 21 and 33 degrees C. The number of hours that the sun shines varies from 8 to 11.5 hours per day while the Humidity is between 80 and 90%. So the humidity remains high during winter.In the summer both high humidity and high temperatures make the climate of Dubai a very uncomfortable one.
Electricity and Water of Dubai Rental Properties:
Electricity and Water are handled by DEWA, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, which was formed in 1992 as a merger of Dubai Electric Company And Dubai Water Department. Utility bills are settled directly on a monthly base with the DEWA when renting an apartment or other property.
Voltage: The voltage in Dubai is 220v. Most sockets are three pin (exactly the same as in the UK), although adapters for two pin plugs are available at most hotels. Those using US appliances will require an adapter to handle the difference in voltage. Appliances purchased in the UAE will generally have two-pin plugs attached.
Drinking water: Tap water is safe to use although bottled water, which is served in hotels and restaurants, is recommended for drinking. Water and electricity prices in Dubai. Residents pay 3 fils (1 UAE dirham=100 fils) per gallon and will continue to do so as long they do not use more Than 6,000 gallons, the price will then go up to 3.5 fils per gallon, and even 4 fils per gallon for consumers who sap more than 12,001 gallons from the tap.
Electricity fees will range from 20 fils to 33 fils per kilowatt hour depending if usage exceeds 2,000 or 10,001 kilowatt hours. There is no mains gas supply, so gas appliances must be fed by canisters connected via a tap outside your property. Address: Dubai Electricity and Water Authority Building, Al Karghout Street, P.O. Box 564, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Jun 05
adminDubai Visa Book, Book A Trip, destination, Dubai, Emirate, Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi, Excesses, Exudes, Flight, Grandeur, Hinterland, Holiday, Holiday Travel, Initial Focus, International Hotel Chains, Last, Last Minute Flight, Latter Day, Minute, Notch, Regional Capital, Shore Islands, Skyline, Souq, Tour Itinerary, Tourism Infrastructure, Travel, Trip, Watchful Eye
With a keen and watchful eye on the successes and excesses of Dubai, its fellow Emirate and close neighbour, Abu Dhabi has launched itself confidently and with stated and committed intent, onto the World’s tourism stage. Things are certainly changing in a city that was once looked upon as being nothing more than a sterile and soulless regional capital. These days everything about Abu Dhabi exudes class and confidence.
The modern gleaming skyline, the grandeur of the recently re-developed Corniche and in particular the statement that is the Emirates Palace. Abu Dhabi’s approach to the development of a tourism infrastructure, the aim of which is to rival any in the region, is both measured and considered. The initial focus is upon the city itself along with its immediate hinterland. With a vast interior, miles of untouched shoreline and over 200 off-shore islands ripe for development, the opportunity available to Abu Dhabi is immense.
Already, well-known recognised international hotel chains are seeking to establish a presence in the area. Indeed, many of those already present here are planning to move up a notch or two, if they haven’t done so already, in order to be able to compete. Exciting times lie ahead for sure, but right now is still a pretty good time to visit. There are a number of sites and attractions within the city of Abu Dhabi itself which are worthy of a visit. Most of these are incorporated within a comprehensive city tour itinerary which can be arranged on demand. The main ones are highlighted here.
Particularly rewarding is a visit to Al-Hosn Palace, otherwise known as the White Fort. Located in the city centre the fort was constructed in the 19th century and was completely surrounded by desert up until a few decades ago. Although most of it has been lost to latter day development a section of the Old Souq still has much to offer. At the end of The Corniche, on a short peninsula adjacent to the Emirates Palace Hotel lies the Cultural Village. Examples of a traditional way of life are on display here within a fully functional, working environment.
Away from Abu Dhabi there are two principal attractions, the first being the Oasis town of Al-Ain on the Omani border. Al-Ain is an ideal place to visit to escape the heat and humidity often associated with the coast, the climate being much drier here. Al-Ain is known for its series of splendid date palm filled Oases which can be visited year round. A visit to the summit of the nearby 1200 metre high Jebel Hafit rock outcrop provides stunning views over the surrounding landscape. Further south, close to the Saudi Arabian border on the edge of the Empty Quarter, lies the fertile strip known as Liwa Oasis. The 400 metre high dunes here are simply stunning and provide the ultimate off-road experience. Although not featured here we have access to excellent accommodation in both Al-Ain and Liwa for those wishing to extend their stay.
DUBAI
In a little over a decade and a half, the tranquil port of Dubai, once populated by Persian traders and Bedouin fisherman, has transformed itself into the premier holiday destination in the Middle East and the fastest growing city in the world at one and the same time. The pace at which this transformation has taken place and the scale to which it has been realised and continues to develop, is nothing short of mind boggling. The rulers of Dubai, recognising early on that oil was not going to be the key to their future prosperity, invested heavily in promoting this small Emirate as the ‘next big thing’ on the tourism map. In almost every respect it has succeeded. One the of the world’s pre-eminent airlines, with a worldwide route network, has evolved out of nothing inside fifteen years. Many of the world’s premier luxury hotel chains have established a significant presence in Dubai and continue to proliferate. Dubai is now home to the best nightlife and dining options in the region and plays host to the richest sporting events in the world. Theme parks and unique interactive experiences abound.
More recently numerous apartment complexes and condominiums have sprouted from the desert floor in profusion. With coastal development space at a premium, man-made offshore islands have been created to house further hotel and private accommodation developments along with over 120 kilometres of new beachfront. It is estimated by some that over 25% of the world’s cranes are currently located in Dubai.
Much of the old port of Dubai can be explored on foot and evidence of it’s trading heritage is still clearly visible for all to see. The headwaters of the Khor Dubai, or Dubai Creek, which divides the city, is the best place to start.
Crossing the Creek is made easy by the ever-present Abras, or water taxis that travel back and forth between Deira on the right bank and Bur Dubai on the left bank. The principal site on the Bur Dubai side is the Dubai Museum, housed in the Al-Fahidi Fort and featuring numerous historical and interactive displays. The area known as Bastakia, overlooking the Creek, is home to several wind towers, originally constructed by Persian traders at the turn of the century. On the Deira side the most popular attraction is arguably the gold souk. Next door to the gold souk is the Deira souk, or spice souk, which is a very colourful and fragrant encounter.
Purpose built tourist attractions and organised touring opportunities within the Dubai region are many. Along with the more specialised options featured on the next two pages we are able to assist you in gaining access to all of them. The following are of particular interest: Magic Planet is a thrilling children’s centre with bowling alleys, electronic games and theme rides. Ski Dubai is the first in-door ski resort in the Middle East. Wild Wadi features 24 rides in a state-of-the-art water park adjacent to the Jumeirah Beach hotel. Dubai’s many Championship Golf courses would keep most professionals happy. A wide range of organised tours are available covering the City, the Creek, Desert Safaris and the neighbouring Emirates of Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al-Khaimah, Fujairah and the mountainous Omani peninsula territory of Mussandam in the far north.
GENERAL INFORMATION
THE U.A.E. – ABU DHABI AND DUBAI PASSPORTS AND VISAS
British passport holders are issued with a visitors visa on arrival which is valid for 60 days. Extensions are available locally for a further 30 days at a charge. At least 6-months validity is required on your passport. Other nationalities should contact the United Arab Emirates Embassy, 30 Prince’s Gate, London SW7 1PT – Tel: 0870 005 6984.
VACCINATIONS AND HEALTH
Yellow fever immunisation essential if arriving from an infected area. Please consult your GP for up to date information.
CURRENCY
U.A.E. dirham (DH) = 100 Fils. Major credit cards accepted. ATM facilities are widely available.
CLIMATE
Both Abu Dhabi and Dubai have a sub-tropical climate. From mid-October to April it is warm and sunny with sparse rainfall and the occasional sandstorm. Temperatures soar from mid-May to September and can exceed 40 degrees C. Rainfall is virtually non-existent.
TIPPING AND BARGAINING
A service charge is added in most establishments. Those wishing to tip should add approximately 10%. Bargaining in souqs and markets is acceptable but can be exhausting. It is also acceptable to ask for the ‘best price’ in western-style shopping centres.
Resources:
Dubai Holiday, Cheap Offer, Budget Vacation, Honeymoon in Dubai
Dubai Holiday, Package Offer, Travel to Dubai, Last Minute Holiday in Dubai, Honeymoon Trip to Dubai
May 02
Apartment Prague Captivating, Jewish, Prague, Prague's, Quarter, Travel, Visit
One of Pragues key attractions is the Jewish Quarter, the former Jewish ghetto of the city. So on this bright, yet blustery day I strolled from my hotel on Wenceslas Square over to Old Town Square to meet my personal tour guide for the day who would be meeting me for an informative tour of the Jewish Quarter.
I met Richard just after 10 am a few steps away from the Astronomical Clock and learned that he is a political science student who also does tours for Prague Walks, one of Pragues most renowned tour guiding companies. Walking tours with a personal guide are a fantastic way of getting to know this fascinating city.
Standing right in the middle of Old Town Square, Richard started talking to me about Franz Kafka, one of Pragues most important personalities and an important connection to Pragues Jewish history. Born in 1883 to a middle-class German-speaking Jewish family, Kafkas writings became some of the most important literary works of the 20th century, even though during his lifetime only a few stories were ever published.
All of Kafkas famous novels (The Trial, The Castle and Amerika) were published posthumously, a move initiated by his friend Max Brod, who was a famous Czech-Jewish author and the executor of Kafkas will. Brods decision to publish Kafkas work was actually against Kafkas will. The anguished author had actually mandated that his literary works be destroyed upon his death, something that Brod fortunately prevented from happening.
Kafkas writings are often dark and mysterious, in great part due to his lifetime battles with anxiety and depression. In 1924, Kafka died of consequences of tuberculosis, not even 41 years old. Richard explained that Kafka often met with members of the The Prague Circle, a secret group of friends and writers, in a building right here on Old Town Square. Kafka came of age during the last stages of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, a time that was characterized by an oppressive feeling of government control and surveillance, something that affected Kafka greatly.
A little bit further north, on the other side of the stunning Church of Our Lady, is a magnificent Rococo palace that was built by an aristocrat between 1755 and 1765. During Kafkas youth the Goltz-Kinsky Palace was actually a German speaking grammar school while today it hosts collections of the National Gallery. Richard also pointed out that the building is not in line with the other buildings on this side of the square, rather it is protrudes ahead of the other buildings. Apparently, Count Goltz had bribed several councilmen to secure this prominent position, and by the time the other councilmen noticed it, the building was almost finished and the town council did not want to destroy it.
In the middle of Old Town Square is a monument to Jan Hus, the 15th century priest and religious reformer who was burned at the stake in 1415 after being accused of heresy. Hus was a key contributor to the Protestant movement and strongly criticized the Catholic Church for its opulence and corruption. The execution of Hus eventually led to the Hussite Wars that lasted from 1420 to about 1434. Hussites were an important force in the Czech lands until the Battle of the White Mountain in 1620, the beginning of the Thirty Years War, when this Bohemian Protestant movement was crushed and Catholicism was restored with force. Twenty seven of the Hussite leaders were executed on Old Town Square, and 27 white crosses can still be seen embedded into the cobble-stones of Pragues main square.
The battle for religious freedoms has formed an important part of Pragues history, not just for Protestants but also for Jews. Our actual start to our tour of the Jewish Quarter was a few minutes west of Old Town Square, next to the house where Franz Kafka spent his childhood. Just to the north of this location is the Jewish Quarter, which is a triangular district wedged in between the Vltava River and Old Town.
Richard explained that Jewish settlers had lived in the Prague area as early as the 10th century. The first pogrom against Jews was recorded in 1096, and over the years Jews were concentrated in a walled-in ghetto. During the Middle Ages Jews were forced to wear a yellow star to identify them, and they were not allowed to work in agriculture which made many of them enter careers in banking and money-lending. Regulations also required that they live in segregated neighbourhoods called ghettos. Jews experienced much suffering throughout the centuries, and one of the worst pogroms happened in 1389, when 1,500 people were massacred on Easter Sunday.
One of the most celebrated figures of Pragues Jewish history is Mordecai Maisel, the Jewish Mayor, who became the financial advisor of Emperor Rudolph II. He built the Jewish Town Hall in 1586 in Renaissance style as well as the Maisel Synagogue which opened in 1592. Both of these buildings still stand today.
Around the same time another figure played a critical role in Pragues Jewish Quarter: Rabbi Loew was an important Jewish scholar, mystic and philosopher. Legend says that Rabbi Loew created a golem, a living being, from clay which was intended to protect the Jews from anti-Semitic attacks. Rabbi Loew is immortalized in a statue that adorns the new City Hall of Prague.
Habsburg Emperor Josef II improved the living conditions of the Jews with the Toleration Edict of 1781 which allowed for greater religious freedom, and in the mid 1800s the quarter was renamed Josefstadt (German) or Josefov in honour of this emperor.
By the late 19th century the hygienic and sanitary conditions in the Jewish Quarter had become unbearable, and the municipal authorities decided to demolish the entire area and reconstruct it with new apartment buildings between 1893 and 1912. Only the Jewish Cemetery, the Old Jewish Town Hall and six synagogues were left of the original Jewish Ghetto.
As a result of this reconstruction, Prague has one of the most stunning collections of Art Nouveau buildings in Europe, along with Paris and Vienna. Despite recurring anti-semitic events, Prague was a hotbed for Jewish artists and writers in the early 20th century Notable authors included Franz Kafka, Max Brod, Rainer Maria Rilke and Franz Werfel. Many of these writers were German speakers of Jewish background who were strongly assimilated into mainstream culture and did not participate in Jewish religious life.
This blossoming of Jewish creativity came to a sudden end in the 1930s when German troops marched into Prague and made the city the capital of the Nazi Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia. Almost all of the Jewish inhabitants of this region were transported into the Theresienstadt concentration camp (todays Czech town of Terezin) and later to the Auschwitz extermination camp. Of roughly 82,000 Jews that were deported from the Protectorate, only about 11,200 survived.
All over Europe, the Nazis destroyed most Jewish institutions and synagogues, but Hitler decided to leave Pragues Jewish Quarter intact as a museum to an extinct race. This is the reason why Pragues six synagogues and the Jewish cemetery are still in existence today.
When survivors returned after the war, they often encountered a hostile environment and difficulties in reclaiming their property. As a result many Czech Jews immigrated to Israel and overseas in the post-year wars. Today the Jewish population in the Czech Republic is small, and the Jewish community in Prague only has about 1600 members.
Walking west from the 16th century Pinkas Synagogue, which holds a memorial to the martyrs of the Holocaust, we walked west on Maiselova Street towards the Vltava River where we stopped at the Rudolfinum, a classical building that opened in 1884 and today houses the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra. Richard explained that the building has phenomenal acoustics and is also home to a gallery.
Surrounding it is the Museum of Fine Arts, and a department of Charles University, one of Europes oldest universities. A few steps away we stopped at the tall walls of the Jewish Cemetery where there is a small square window that allows you a little peak into the cemetery. Richard indicated that the entire cemetery had to be enclosed by walls and there are very few places where you can catch a glimpse of the cemetery. This little peephole is one of them.
The Jewish Cemetery of Prague was founded in 1478 and held burials until 1787. In some cases people had to be buried on top of one another, up to twelve layers deep. In excess of 100,000 people are estimated to have been buried here. More than 12,000 gravestones can still be seen; most of them are difficult to read and they are densely packed on the small plot of land.
After a walk around the cemeterys perimeter walls we arrived at the Klausen Synagogue which was completed in 1694. This High Baroque structure today houses Hebrew prints and manuscripts and an exhibition of Jewish traditions and customs. The building right next to it is the Ceremonial Hall of the Jewish Burial Society, built in 1906. Richard explained that in the Jewish religion, burials have to take place no later than one day after death. Naturally, the people handling the burials had to be located very close to the cemeteries. A wrought-iron fence between the two buildings allowed for another peek into the Jewish Cemetery.
My guide explained that for about you gain access to the Jewish Museum which includes admission to five difference Jewish locations. Souvenir shops line the street beside the cemetery, many of them selling figures of the legendary Golem. Towards the end of this street is the Old-New Synagogue, with its construction date of 1270 the oldest synagogue in all of Europe. This Gothic building has often granted refuge to Jews over the centuries and is still the religious centre for Pragues Jewish community. Rabbi Lws chair is an authentic relic used by the 16th century scholar.
Religious services have been held every Friday and Saturday at the Old-New Synagogue for more than 700 years. Just south of the Old-New Synagogue is the Jewish Town Hall, built between 1570 and 1577 by Jewish mayor Mordecai Maisel. This meeting hall is still the location of dinners, get-togethers and festivals. Richard pointed out the clock faces on the building: the upper clock face in the tower uses Roman numerals, while the lower clock face on the buildings faade uses Hebrew numerals. The hands of this clock also move in an anti-clockwise direction as Hebrew is read from right to left.
In addition to these historic Jewish buildings I was amazed by the outstanding Art Nouveau architecture. Virtually all the buildings feature extensive Art Nouveau decorations and some also have Cubist details. Richard explained that the Jewish Quarter has become Pragues most desirable neighbourhood because of its central location and spacious apartments.
The High Synagogue is just a few steps south of the Old-New Synagogue and after a short walk we reached one more Jewish prayer house: the Spanish Synagogue was built in the location of the Old School, Pragues first synagogue, and today is a Reform synagogue. It was built in 1868 in the Moorish Revival Style and is the most elaborate of Pragues synagogue buildings. Intricate stucco details on the walls are reminiscent of the Alhambra in Spain. A poster outside illustrated the richly decorated interior of the Spanish Synagogue, referring to it as the most beautiful synagogue in Europe.
Immediately next to the Spanish Synagogue is a mysterious statue of Franz Kafka: an oversize male metal figure in a black suit without a head that has a smaller man dressed in a suit sitting on its shoulder. The diminutive man on top is Franz Kafka. This bronze sculpture was created by Czech sculptor Jaroslav Rona and was unveiled in 2003.
After this extensive introduction to Jewish history in Prague it was early afternoon and it was definitely time to have lunch. Richard and I headed into another Jewish institution in Pragues Jewish Quarter, the King Solomon Restaurant on Siroka Street, to explore real kosher food. By this time my stomach was growling and I was really looking forward to exploring Pragues Jewish delicacies.
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