This is the blog of Mark Wordsworm, the travelling worm. I’m a 36-year-old bookmark (give or take a few years) and I proudly boast my own Hallmark serial number, 95 HBM 80-1. You’ll probably want to read all about me and my Travelling Companion (the TC).
Today’s travel notes
Me and the TC recently spent a few days in Prague. We climbed the hill to visit St Vitus Cathedral, which is tucked somewhat uncomfortably inside the walls of Prague castle. The cathedral is well worth the visit.
Word of the day
St Vitus’ Dance (three words for the price of one, dear reader!) is the colloquial name for a neurological disorder named Sydenham’s chorea. The illness causes people to move jerkily and suffer involuntary movements in various parts of the body. It’s named St Vitus’ Dance because in olden times people used to call on St Vitus to lessen the suffering of people with epilepsy. St Vitus is the patron saint of dancers and actors as well as epileptics. He can also ward of insomnia. A multi-talented saint!
The book I’m in
Semiosis, by Sue Burke. Man meets plant on a planet far away, some time in the not-too-distant future. Your faithful bookworm highly recommends this book. It feeds the intellect and entertains the mind.
Travel tip
Arrive early, and stand in line for entry even before the doors of the cathedral open. The crowds can be intense.
Recommended accommodation
Vienna House Andel’s Prague, Stroupežnického 21, 150 00 Praha 5-Smíchov. Elegance and comfort combined.
The photos
You may notice the lack of a photo of me, dear reader. Despair not, but examine my other Prague posts to see this worm’s handsome visage.
On entry into the courtyard of Prague Castle, the towers of St Vitus Cathedral loom high above you. The castle wall is so close that the TC could not step far enough back to get all of the height into the photo. The first photo shows the two towers on the cathedral’s western facade, below which is the main entrance to the cathedral:
Another face of the cathedral:
Gargoyles leer from the cathedral walls:
Inside the cathedral, baroque intricacy and the simplicity of stone combine to feast the eye. The next photo shows the main nave:
Stained glass windows glow with colour:
The sumptuous silver tomb of St John of Nepomuk:
The tomb contains two tonnes of silver, guarded by silver angels high above:
From the opposite wall, a supplicant leans:
The chapel of St Wenceslas, patron saint of Bohemia, has walls lined with golden panels inset with precious stones, paintings, and frescoes:
The Baroque pipe organ looks as if it should make a magnificent sound. A little bird told this worm that they’re planning to build a new organ this year (2019), but I don’t know if it’s installed yet:
This impressive mural is surrounded by an array of skulls and six- and eight-pointed stars. I think the painting depicts the assumption of Mary. Do let me know if that’s not right:
A view of Prague from the castle:
Towards the middle right of the above photo is Charles bridge, which you can read about in a previous post of mine.
That’s all for today, folks.
Travelling Worm 
Talk to the Travelling Worm!