Robin headed out to wander around Prague gardens, and later took a Taste of Prague food tour. I walked up the private stairway from the Golden Well through the emperor’s garden to the Lobkowicz palace. A quiet morning spent viewing LobKowicz family portraits and artifacts that illuminated the family’s history. Not so much about the art as the story of the Lobkowicz lineage and the turbulence of 20th century losses and rebounds.

The audio guide is excellent work and the marketing aspect is a thing of beauty. That said, the portraits as works of art… not so much.  It’s the historical signifigance that gives them luster. Like a plain woman or unattractive man from a distinguished family, who has a big heart and a great personality, they are doing the best they can with what they’ve got. Objects and paintings are beautifully presented and the audio guide is lively and well-written, with an eye to the captivating historical details. The staff is cordial and helpful, no glowering. The building is clean and feels fresh. Objects are dramatically presented, like the red rooms of pistols, swords, and daggers hung in a true wheel of fortune.

The blue room of musical instruments and musical manuscripts soothed my burnt out retinas  after all the artillery. It’s clearly the room the present-day head of the family, William Lobkowicz, loves. His greatest source of familial pride, and justly so, is that his great-great-great-great-grandfathe gave Ludwig van Beethoven a stipend so the notoriously difficult composer could create his immortal works. The collection also includes pages of musical notations made by the hand of the master himself. Ah, Amadeus.

The dog room struck a chord with my dog loving heart. Maddie girl, I miss you! And there were objects you just don’t see every day, like this oil lamp in the form of an acrobat.

After hours of viewing, I had tasty lunch on the terrace over looking the gardens and distant spires of Prague, with free, blazing fast wifi.

Did a quick in and out of St Vitus – too many tourists. Preferred my memory of the choir singing from my first visit. Seeing the castle complex in good weather was a much difference experience.

Left by chance at the time of the changing of the guard, so got to witness that that bit of military performance art. Walked down the hill to the sounds of country music on my iPod, and over to the Church of Our Lady Victorious, home of the Infant of Prague. So many outfits! Reminded me of those designer replicas of Dior and Chanel made for Barbie. Just so over the top… well, here’s a sample of his lingerie.

Back at the hotel, they have a nightly light tea or coffee and canapé offering. This night was particularly exceptional. Yep, I am officially spoiled rotten.