WEBVTT - Episode 10: Fodor's Guide to Prague 0:00:07.160 --> 0:00:10.840 As important as choosing the right destination when traveling is 0:00:10.920 --> 0:00:14.360 choosing the right travel partner. Much of the joy you 0:00:14.400 --> 0:00:17.040 will find on the road comes from the person you 0:00:17.079 --> 0:00:20.560 share it with. There is nothing better than to have 0:00:20.680 --> 0:00:24.400 someone to appreciate the view with, enjoy a meal, discuss 0:00:24.440 --> 0:00:28.800 the history, and navigate the world. But be careful and 0:00:28.880 --> 0:00:33.120 choose your travel partner well and set correct expectations, because 0:00:33.120 --> 0:00:36.240 the worst trips result when two partners have two different 0:00:36.280 --> 0:00:40.800 agendas and don't leave room for compromise. Not everything has 0:00:40.840 --> 0:00:45.400 to be perfect. You can have different tastes, beliefs, and habits, 0:00:46.000 --> 0:00:48.599 and it's healthy to go off and venture alone. As 0:00:48.680 --> 0:00:51.440 long as your needs are communicated and your partner's needs 0:00:51.440 --> 0:00:55.920 are respected, every trip should be a joyous and harmonious occasion. 0:00:56.600 --> 0:00:59.920 Jean was bud it would you please stop zoning out? 0:01:00.280 --> 0:01:01.560 Are you even listening to me? 0:01:02.160 --> 0:01:04.840 Of course I am, but it's been a long night. 0:01:05.600 --> 0:01:06.240 I'm tired. 0:01:06.640 --> 0:01:09.640 Yes, you must be exhausted keeping this double life a 0:01:09.680 --> 0:01:10.800 secret from your wife. 0:01:11.319 --> 0:01:12.360 That's not what I meant. 0:01:12.360 --> 0:01:15.880 Well, I'm tired too, tired of traveling city to city 0:01:15.920 --> 0:01:19.080 to support our business while you run around playing spy 0:01:19.200 --> 0:01:21.960 with Rebecca. Also that you can track down the father 0:01:22.040 --> 0:01:25.480 who you thought was dead and haven't seen for fifteen years. 0:01:26.040 --> 0:01:28.120 Did you stop to think that perhaps he doesn't want 0:01:28.200 --> 0:01:28.840 to be found. 0:01:29.160 --> 0:01:33.319 I did many times. But I need to know the truth. 0:01:33.800 --> 0:01:37.760 But at what cost our marriage, your life. 0:01:38.000 --> 0:01:42.279 I'm not a spy, but Martin wasn't wrong. The skills 0:01:42.280 --> 0:01:45.520 of a travel writer come in handy, and since the war, 0:01:46.360 --> 0:01:49.760 I've forgotten I'm kind of good at this, and I 0:01:49.840 --> 0:01:52.400 kind of like helping the good guys. If I can 0:01:52.440 --> 0:01:55.840 save my father while helping prevent World War III and 0:01:56.120 --> 0:02:00.080 sell a few books in the process, Maybe it's more. 0:02:04.200 --> 0:02:06.400 I know what it is like to live under the 0:02:06.480 --> 0:02:10.480 tyranny of Soviet rule, so of course I value freedom 0:02:10.520 --> 0:02:13.800 above all else, and I understand what you say about 0:02:13.800 --> 0:02:17.440 your father. I would want to know the same. I 0:02:17.480 --> 0:02:21.880 suppose I am just being selfish. I thought this was 0:02:21.960 --> 0:02:24.880 finally our chance to build the business and maybe our family. 0:02:25.000 --> 0:02:27.720 But if all you say is true, we have to 0:02:27.720 --> 0:02:28.320 do our part. 0:02:28.639 --> 0:02:32.919 It is true, and I'll never keep anything from you again, 0:02:33.440 --> 0:02:34.320 no matter the risks. 0:02:35.360 --> 0:02:38.440 Well, then I guess if Martin can help us grow 0:02:38.480 --> 0:02:41.880 our company while keeping the world free for democracy, who 0:02:41.919 --> 0:02:43.200 am I to stand in the way. 0:02:44.000 --> 0:02:47.200 You don't have to get involved, though it can stay 0:02:47.320 --> 0:02:48.000 as it has been. 0:02:48.440 --> 0:02:52.120 No now that I know, I want to help, but 0:02:52.320 --> 0:02:55.280 first I want to speak with Martin. It's time we 0:02:55.320 --> 0:02:56.560 renegotiate a few. 0:02:56.400 --> 0:03:08.720 Things, permandex industries. How my director call. 0:03:09.200 --> 0:03:11.919 Lust a photo for Martin blending, Tell him it's urgent. 0:03:12.200 --> 0:03:13.320 One moment, please. 0:03:17.160 --> 0:03:20.079 Bluster. How are you doing enjoying Paris? 0:03:20.440 --> 0:03:23.080 Let's cut the crab, Martin. I know what's going on 0:03:23.120 --> 0:03:25.840 with you and Jean. Are we on a secure line? 0:03:26.680 --> 0:03:30.359 One moment? We are now good? 0:03:31.000 --> 0:03:34.480 You should know Jean told me everything, and I don't 0:03:34.520 --> 0:03:36.960 know who to be more angry with you or Yem. 0:03:37.520 --> 0:03:40.480 I trusted you, Martin, and you put my husband in 0:03:40.560 --> 0:03:43.440 danger and encouraged him to hide it from me while 0:03:43.560 --> 0:03:49.800 lying to me every step of the way. But well, 0:03:49.840 --> 0:03:53.280 I do not approve of your methods. I do understand 0:03:53.320 --> 0:03:56.440 the importance of the work being done, although it seems 0:03:56.440 --> 0:03:59.560 that for such a high level agency, these operations are 0:03:59.600 --> 0:04:02.800 often sloppy and put GENE at unnecessary risk. 0:04:03.400 --> 0:04:06.880 Flaster. I'm sorry you're upset, but I hope you understand. 0:04:06.880 --> 0:04:09.960 We try to take every precaution and Gene has always 0:04:10.000 --> 0:04:11.480 been able to stop at any time. 0:04:11.760 --> 0:04:14.160 Oh and you know very well you'll never do that. 0:04:14.560 --> 0:04:18.320 It isn't in his nature. But I'm sure you've known 0:04:18.360 --> 0:04:21.920 which buttons to press all along, which is why I'm 0:04:21.960 --> 0:04:25.200 here to tell you there will be some changes moving forward. 0:04:26.720 --> 0:04:27.839 What kind of changes? 0:04:28.600 --> 0:04:33.120 From now on, Each destination and all intended objectives for 0:04:33.240 --> 0:04:37.520 that location will be run through my office. All information 0:04:37.640 --> 0:04:40.800 will pass by my desk, and any country Gene steps 0:04:40.839 --> 0:04:44.159 foot in will have the proper security and agenda plan 0:04:44.279 --> 0:04:49.320 for a safe, pleasant and productive journey. No longer we'll 0:04:49.360 --> 0:04:51.839 have baked schemes and ill thought that plans be the 0:04:51.880 --> 0:04:55.000 basis for these missions that. 0:04:54.920 --> 0:04:59.320 Can be arranged. You will be completely informed, though I 0:04:59.320 --> 0:05:01.280 hope you understand, and we won't always be able to 0:05:01.320 --> 0:05:03.200 accommodate every request. 0:05:04.480 --> 0:05:08.920 Good now to business, as this revelation on Gen makes 0:05:08.960 --> 0:05:11.600 me realize why all the writing samples you've been sending 0:05:11.760 --> 0:05:16.320 have been barely literate. So in the future, if you 0:05:16.360 --> 0:05:19.240 are going to try to populate our company with spies 0:05:19.320 --> 0:05:24.080 like Rebecca, please start recruiting from journalism schools and literature 0:05:24.120 --> 0:05:28.440 departments instead of civil engineers. These people might be able 0:05:28.440 --> 0:05:31.960 to disarm a bomb, but they can barely complete a sentence. 0:05:32.360 --> 0:05:35.440 Understood, I'll speak to hr and provide you with new 0:05:35.480 --> 0:05:37.839 writing samples and new candidates of your choice. 0:05:38.200 --> 0:05:42.640 How does that sound fine? And one last thing, Our 0:05:42.720 --> 0:05:47.839 next travel guide destination is Pragg, Czechoslovakia, so start making 0:05:47.839 --> 0:05:50.960 the reservations. We're going to find the pathfinder. 0:05:51.320 --> 0:05:53.480 You'll be on a flight first thing tomorrow. 0:05:54.040 --> 0:05:56.400 Thank you, Martin. I think this is going to be 0:05:56.440 --> 0:05:59.200 a beautiful new chapter in our working relationship. 0:06:01.360 --> 0:06:05.080 Sounds like you laid down the law. Did he take it? Okay? 0:06:05.960 --> 0:06:09.320 Fine enough? Why don't you pack? He's sending us to Prague? 0:06:09.920 --> 0:06:11.960 Are you sure you want to go back there? 0:06:12.839 --> 0:06:15.440 If everything you said is true, then your father could 0:06:15.440 --> 0:06:17.839 be in real danger, and who knows how long he'll 0:06:17.839 --> 0:06:20.400 be there before they move him again. So the faster 0:06:20.480 --> 0:06:23.400 the better, and you will certainly find him faster with 0:06:23.520 --> 0:06:25.280 my help and my brothers. 0:06:25.880 --> 0:06:27.960 You're going to call Gustave. 0:06:28.240 --> 0:06:30.480 To let him know that we're arriving and see what 0:06:30.520 --> 0:06:33.880 he can find out. If anyone can find something in Prag, 0:06:34.160 --> 0:06:34.880 it's Gustave. 0:06:35.400 --> 0:06:37.400 Then I better pack my bag and get some sleep. 0:06:38.640 --> 0:06:40.520 You are a remarkable woman. 0:06:40.839 --> 0:06:45.559 That's right, and you are a very lucky man. Now 0:06:45.600 --> 0:06:46.719 off the pruge we Go. 0:06:57.600 --> 0:07:01.320 As one of the city's most revered residence. Franz Kofko 0:07:01.400 --> 0:07:05.719 once said, Prague never lets you go. This dear little 0:07:05.760 --> 0:07:10.840 mother has sharp claws. Mozart even named a symphony after it. 0:07:11.520 --> 0:07:15.600 The city is a political, cultural and economic hub of 0:07:15.680 --> 0:07:21.240 Central Europe, with a rich history of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance 0:07:21.600 --> 0:07:25.440 and Baroque architectures. It was the capital of the Kingdom 0:07:25.480 --> 0:07:29.720 of Bohemia and residents of several Holy Roman emperors, most 0:07:29.720 --> 0:07:33.400 notably Charles the Fourth. Prague is also home to a 0:07:33.480 --> 0:07:37.440 number of well known cultural attractions, an astounding number of 0:07:37.480 --> 0:07:40.800 which survived much of the destruction Europe has faced over 0:07:40.840 --> 0:07:45.960 the decades. The main attractions include Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, 0:07:46.360 --> 0:07:50.360 and the Old Town Square with its famous astronomical clock, 0:07:50.720 --> 0:07:53.560 to name just a few. The city has more than 0:07:53.640 --> 0:07:59.280 ten major museums, along with numerous theaters, galleries, cinemas and 0:07:59.320 --> 0:08:03.960 other historic exhibits. But to simply walk around Prague is 0:08:04.000 --> 0:08:05.280 to get lost in time. 0:08:06.640 --> 0:08:08.800 Jean, there's my brother Alrooi Gustav. 0:08:09.000 --> 0:08:10.480 Wait a second, he's a cop. 0:08:10.720 --> 0:08:14.840 A firm hand runs in the family bluster. Jean, welcome, 0:08:16.800 --> 0:08:17.440 great to see you. 0:08:17.480 --> 0:08:20.920 Gustave, and this is only a photographer and assistant. 0:08:21.000 --> 0:08:26.040 Rebecca Ai, Rebecca new assistant. That's this Capitalism has been 0:08:26.120 --> 0:08:26.600 good to you. 0:08:27.200 --> 0:08:29.880 He've hit the big time. Look at us now, our 0:08:30.000 --> 0:08:31.240 very own police escort. 0:08:32.120 --> 0:08:34.600 Whatever it takes to bring on my little sister. 0:08:35.280 --> 0:08:37.240 It is good to see you, and I'm sorry for 0:08:37.280 --> 0:08:40.199 the short notice. But this isn't a social visit. 0:08:40.679 --> 0:08:43.200 You said there was something important. How can I help. 0:08:43.880 --> 0:08:46.559 We have reason to believe Jean's father is being held 0:08:46.600 --> 0:08:49.040 against his will somewhere in the city, and. 0:08:49.000 --> 0:08:51.280 We don't have much more information than that to go on, 0:08:51.720 --> 0:08:54.000 so any assistance would be greatly appreciated. 0:08:54.920 --> 0:08:57.439 If your father is here, we'll find him. 0:08:57.559 --> 0:09:00.920 Thank you, Gustav, Jean, Rebecca, why don't you wait with 0:09:00.960 --> 0:09:03.280 the bags, Gustav and I will bring the car around. 0:09:03.559 --> 0:09:07.880 Great a cop Gene. 0:09:08.360 --> 0:09:10.600 They are notoriously pro Soviet around here. 0:09:10.920 --> 0:09:14.480 Gustav's no idealist. He's remained loyal to the Soviets because 0:09:14.480 --> 0:09:16.600 they were the ones to push out the Nazis, but 0:09:16.679 --> 0:09:19.520 he knows the stalinization has been slow and the country's 0:09:19.520 --> 0:09:23.520 economy is struggling. Their parents died working twelve hour shifts 0:09:23.559 --> 0:09:24.760 with nothing to show for it. 0:09:25.000 --> 0:09:26.760 But are you sure we can trust him? 0:09:27.080 --> 0:09:29.520 He's family and Velosta trusts him. 0:09:30.320 --> 0:09:33.359 Well, I guess we need all the help we can get. 0:09:36.200 --> 0:09:40.520 The Hotel International Prague is a four star hotel located 0:09:40.559 --> 0:09:43.760 in the Davitz quarter of Prague. The hotel was the 0:09:43.800 --> 0:09:48.439 idea of Alexi Chipichka, the Czechoslovakian Minister of Defense, who 0:09:48.559 --> 0:09:52.480 envisioned a monument to the newly formed Fourth Czechoslovak Republic 0:09:52.840 --> 0:09:55.880 that would reinforce ties with the Soviet Union due to 0:09:55.920 --> 0:10:00.160 the socialist realism style. It is the largest stalin this 0:10:00.320 --> 0:10:03.920 architecture building in Prague at eighty eight meters tall, and 0:10:04.080 --> 0:10:07.960 was inspired by the Seven Sisters in Moscow. The hotel 0:10:08.080 --> 0:10:11.800 is divided into two symmetrical wings, with a large tower 0:10:11.840 --> 0:10:15.040 at the center. The entrance hall and the main staircase 0:10:15.080 --> 0:10:19.839 include a stucco and painted ceiling, marble columns and artworks 0:10:19.920 --> 0:10:23.760 on its walls to create a palatial atmosphere. It was 0:10:23.800 --> 0:10:27.520 completed in nineteen fifty six and quickly became a Czech 0:10:27.640 --> 0:10:32.160 cultural monument and has the largest capacity in the entire country. 0:10:33.720 --> 0:10:37.320 Here we are the Hotel Intercontinental. You get checked in 0:10:37.360 --> 0:10:38.959 and I will see what I can learn book at 0:10:38.960 --> 0:10:40.760 the station discreetly, of course. 0:10:41.120 --> 0:10:43.960 De kuyu, Gusti, Yes, thank you, Gustav. 0:10:50.320 --> 0:10:53.440 Before we go inside the hotel, just remember it is 0:10:53.480 --> 0:10:57.360 still government controlled. All rooms are guaranteed to be booked. 0:10:57.960 --> 0:10:59.480 We should be careful not to threaten our. 0:10:59.400 --> 0:11:06.680 Cover, right, we understand, Gene, Why don't you go check 0:11:06.760 --> 0:11:09.479 us in. I want to have a word with Rebecca. 0:11:09.200 --> 0:11:09.800 For a moment. 0:11:11.160 --> 0:11:13.680 Sure, I'll be right back. 0:11:16.679 --> 0:11:19.959 Rebecca, while we still have our privacy. I want to say, 0:11:20.600 --> 0:11:23.160 I know you've been lying to me, but I also 0:11:23.280 --> 0:11:26.640 know you are just following orders, so I don't blame 0:11:26.679 --> 0:11:29.080 you for your deception. I know how hard it is 0:11:29.120 --> 0:11:32.480 to be a woman working in a man's world. Okay, 0:11:33.880 --> 0:11:36.240 thank you, But I want to make it clear to 0:11:36.280 --> 0:11:38.440 you right now that I don't care if we are 0:11:38.480 --> 0:11:42.240 rescuing Jean's father or even saving the world from nuclear annihilation. 0:11:42.880 --> 0:11:46.319 All I really care about is Gene, and his safety 0:11:46.679 --> 0:11:48.200 is more important to. 0:11:48.080 --> 0:11:49.360 Me than any mission. 0:11:50.800 --> 0:11:53.880 Funny, Jean said the same thing about protecting you when 0:11:53.920 --> 0:11:57.800 we first started. But don't worry, my objectives are aligned 0:11:57.800 --> 0:12:01.200 with yours to protect Gene and co fleet the mission. 0:12:01.800 --> 0:12:04.319 As long as it is in that order without. 0:12:04.080 --> 0:12:05.400 Jane, there is no mission. 0:12:06.280 --> 0:12:09.560 Good, just wanted to make sure we're on the same page. 0:12:10.000 --> 0:12:13.280 Ladies hate to interrupt, but the bags are being sent 0:12:13.280 --> 0:12:15.559 to our rooms, and Gustav just called saying to meet 0:12:15.640 --> 0:12:17.160 him at the Charles Bridge in an hour. 0:12:17.440 --> 0:12:19.920 Good spot, nice and public. 0:12:20.400 --> 0:12:26.439 Excellent. Then let's drop our things and go meet him. 0:12:26.760 --> 0:12:30.880 Charles Bridge is a medieval stone arch bridge decorated by 0:12:30.920 --> 0:12:35.440 a continuous alley of Baroque styles, statues and statuaries that 0:12:35.520 --> 0:12:39.520 crosses the Voltava River in the center of Prague. Its 0:12:39.520 --> 0:12:43.040 construction started in thirteen fifty seven under the auspices of 0:12:43.080 --> 0:12:46.920 King Charles the Fourth, a very superstitious man who believed 0:12:46.960 --> 0:12:51.960 deeply in astrology and numerology. That's why the official inauguration 0:12:52.080 --> 0:12:54.600 of the bridge was made at five thirty one am 0:12:54.760 --> 0:12:58.160 on July ninth, thirteen fifty seven. The time and date 0:12:58.160 --> 0:13:01.200 a palindrome a numerical seque you can read the same 0:13:01.200 --> 0:13:05.839 way from both ends one three five seven nine seven 0:13:06.000 --> 0:13:12.160 five three one year, day month time. As the only 0:13:12.240 --> 0:13:15.280 means of crossing the Voltava River until eighteen forty one, 0:13:15.800 --> 0:13:19.080 Charles Bridge was the most important connection between Prague Castle 0:13:19.440 --> 0:13:23.120 and the city's old town and adjacent areas. This land 0:13:23.120 --> 0:13:26.680 connection made Prague important as a trade route between Eastern 0:13:26.720 --> 0:13:31.320 and Western Europe throughout its history. Charles Bridge has suffered 0:13:31.400 --> 0:13:35.920 several disasters and witnessed many historic events, but has always 0:13:35.960 --> 0:13:40.600 been dutifully restored and remains a crown jewel of Prague's architecture. 0:13:41.640 --> 0:13:43.160 Jean, I siecle stuff up ahead. 0:13:45.160 --> 0:13:47.959 Hello again, that was a quick turnaround. Did you learn 0:13:48.000 --> 0:13:48.760 anything at the station? 0:13:49.080 --> 0:13:49.320 Yes? 0:13:49.400 --> 0:13:52.240 I learned not to ask too many questions. The moment 0:13:52.320 --> 0:13:54.800 I mentioned the missing person held by the KGB, I 0:13:54.840 --> 0:13:57.720 get called into the captain's office. I want to help you, 0:13:57.800 --> 0:13:59.520 but it's not safe to talk there. Do you have 0:13:59.520 --> 0:14:00.959 any clue besides the photo? 0:14:01.760 --> 0:14:04.400 Just this postcard from his father. It's the reason we 0:14:04.480 --> 0:14:05.559 think he's here in Prague. 0:14:05.800 --> 0:14:07.320 There's a Kafka quote on the back. 0:14:08.679 --> 0:14:11.560 From a certain point onward, there is no longer any 0:14:11.600 --> 0:14:14.400 turning back. That is the point that must be reached. 0:14:14.840 --> 0:14:17.559 It's from his book The Trial, about a man arrested 0:14:17.559 --> 0:14:21.320 and prosecuted by a remote, inaccessible authority, with the nature 0:14:21.360 --> 0:14:23.480 of his crime never revealed to him or the reader. 0:14:23.880 --> 0:14:25.680 It feels like a clear cry for help. 0:14:26.080 --> 0:14:29.880 I see well. Kofka lived in the Jewish Quarter. Perhaps 0:14:29.880 --> 0:14:32.560 that is where we should start looking good idea, but 0:14:32.640 --> 0:14:35.840 be careful though you are being watched. Your presence raised 0:14:35.880 --> 0:14:38.280 a red flag, and the captain instructed me to escort 0:14:38.320 --> 0:14:40.440 you on your sight seeing to make sure you only 0:14:40.480 --> 0:14:42.600 see what the government wants, and that is all that 0:14:42.720 --> 0:14:43.840 makes it into your book. 0:14:44.520 --> 0:14:46.720 But of course we would never want you to do this 0:14:46.840 --> 0:14:49.400 or our orders. We are just friend let tourists with 0:14:49.440 --> 0:14:52.280 a guidebook business. Who better to show us around than 0:14:52.280 --> 0:14:52.720 my brother? 0:14:53.080 --> 0:14:57.720 Precisely, I have an idea, Gustav. How about I go 0:14:57.840 --> 0:15:00.040 with you to photograph the major sites and establish the 0:15:00.120 --> 0:15:02.640 shark cover, while Gene and Vlost to search for clues 0:15:02.640 --> 0:15:03.440 in the Jewish Quarter. 0:15:04.040 --> 0:15:04.920 That would help. 0:15:05.280 --> 0:15:07.479 We'll be careful in staut of travel. 0:15:07.200 --> 0:15:09.280 And if we learn anything, we'll leave word for you 0:15:09.320 --> 0:15:11.160 at the hotel or meet you back there later. 0:15:11.440 --> 0:15:14.000 That'll affect me, Rebecca, where would you like to go first? 0:15:18.800 --> 0:15:22.080 The Jewish Quarter in Prague is located between the old 0:15:22.160 --> 0:15:26.200 town square and Voltava River. Jews are believed to have 0:15:26.240 --> 0:15:28.960 first settled in Prague as early as the tenth century, 0:15:29.480 --> 0:15:32.480 soon followed by the first pogram in ten ninety six, 0:15:32.680 --> 0:15:35.800 which eventually led to the community being concentrated within a 0:15:35.840 --> 0:15:39.720 walled ghetto. In the thirteenth century, when Jewish people were 0:15:39.800 --> 0:15:42.640 ordered to vacate their disparate homes and settle in this 0:15:42.680 --> 0:15:46.360 one area, the ghetto grew in size, but it also 0:15:46.440 --> 0:15:50.560 grew in prosperity. The ghetto was most prosperous towards the 0:15:50.720 --> 0:15:54.360 end of the sixteenth century, when the Jewish mayor Mordecai 0:15:54.440 --> 0:15:58.200 Masel became the Minister of Finance and a very wealthy man. 0:15:58.880 --> 0:16:03.280 His money helped develop the ghetto. Over the centuries, With 0:16:03.440 --> 0:16:06.200 Jews banned from living elsewhere in Prague, and with new 0:16:06.280 --> 0:16:11.720 arrivals expelled from Moravia, Germany, Austria and Spain joining them, 0:16:11.760 --> 0:16:15.720 even more people crowded into the quarter. To add to this, 0:16:16.280 --> 0:16:19.400 inhabitants of the ghetto were forced to endure structural changes 0:16:19.600 --> 0:16:22.760 at the whim of the Emperor or whichever ruler exercised 0:16:22.760 --> 0:16:26.960 control over them. Most of the quarter was demolished between 0:16:27.000 --> 0:16:30.080 eighteen ninety three and nineteen thirteen as part of an 0:16:30.120 --> 0:16:33.680 initiative to model the city on Paris. What was left 0:16:33.920 --> 0:16:37.680 were only six synagogues, the old cemetery, and the old 0:16:37.760 --> 0:16:42.320 Jewish town hall. Despite the horrors of World War II. 0:16:43.120 --> 0:16:46.640 Much of Prague's architecture managed to survive the conflict and 0:16:46.760 --> 0:16:50.760 encroaching Nazi rule. How did the buildings of the Jewish 0:16:50.840 --> 0:16:53.560 Quarriter in the heart of one of Hitler's most desired 0:16:53.600 --> 0:16:57.560 cities manage to survive. It is believed that Hitler wanted 0:16:57.600 --> 0:17:01.600 to establish a museum of an extinct race here once 0:17:01.600 --> 0:17:05.159 the war was over, and hundreds of thousands of Jewish 0:17:05.240 --> 0:17:10.080 artifacts were transported to Prague from all over Europe in preparation. 0:17:11.720 --> 0:17:15.320 It is such a beautiful neighborhood. Where do we start looking? 0:17:16.040 --> 0:17:18.520 I think I know a good place, and I could 0:17:18.560 --> 0:17:22.040 sure use a cup of coffee. Where is that Cafe Louver, 0:17:22.440 --> 0:17:25.600 where Kafka wrote many of his novels. It's just around 0:17:25.640 --> 0:17:26.080 the corner. 0:17:26.560 --> 0:17:28.560 Seems like the perfect place to start. 0:17:29.640 --> 0:17:33.600 Cafe Louver, opened in nineteen oh two, may be filled 0:17:33.600 --> 0:17:36.760 with tourists now, but it was once the favorite haunt 0:17:36.920 --> 0:17:40.879 of the Prague cultural elite, including Franz Kofka, who had 0:17:40.960 --> 0:17:44.240 come here to write, discuss philosophy, and meet with his 0:17:44.320 --> 0:17:48.920 friend Max Brode. Broade was Kafka's best friend and closest confidant, 0:17:49.240 --> 0:17:51.639 and would eventually go on to publish much of Kafka's 0:17:51.640 --> 0:17:55.159 work after the writer's death. Other famous visitors to the 0:17:55.200 --> 0:17:59.399 cafe throughout the years include Albert Einstein and Check play right, 0:17:59.560 --> 0:18:00.439 Karel Chopic. 0:18:05.400 --> 0:18:08.840 Ohoi, what can I get for you to espressos? Please 0:18:09.080 --> 0:18:12.240 keep the change, TAKHOI, I'll bring them to your table. 0:18:12.680 --> 0:18:15.879 Excuse me. I'm a writer and I've heard this cafe 0:18:15.960 --> 0:18:17.680 is famous for all the writers who have worked here. 0:18:18.160 --> 0:18:20.600 Do you happen to know which table Kafka used to 0:18:20.640 --> 0:18:21.359 sit at to write? 0:18:21.680 --> 0:18:21.960 Oh? 0:18:22.160 --> 0:18:24.360 Yes, that's one in the back corner. 0:18:24.840 --> 0:18:26.640 Thank you, I'm a big fan. 0:18:31.760 --> 0:18:33.680 Did you think there would be a clue taped under 0:18:33.720 --> 0:18:34.199 the table? 0:18:34.840 --> 0:18:37.160 I don't know what I thought, but I don't see 0:18:37.160 --> 0:18:41.199 anything helpful yet. It's a nice table, though. You can 0:18:41.240 --> 0:18:42.400 see the whole cafe from here. 0:18:43.119 --> 0:18:47.760 Here you are to espressos, JIKOI do you feel inspired 0:18:47.800 --> 0:18:48.160 to write? 0:18:48.240 --> 0:18:48.440 Yet? 0:18:49.080 --> 0:18:51.760 Still working on it? But I guess Kafka was a 0:18:51.760 --> 0:18:54.800 people watcher. I can enjoy my espresso and observe the 0:18:54.840 --> 0:18:55.680 whole place from here. 0:18:56.200 --> 0:18:58.680 Not Kofka. He hated to be bothered. 0:18:58.920 --> 0:19:01.399 That's why he always sat in that chair facing the 0:19:01.440 --> 0:19:04.280 wall so he wouldn't be disturbed or distracted the ball 0:19:04.359 --> 0:19:06.000 he worked. 0:19:06.359 --> 0:19:09.399 Facing the wall. Huh, let's see. 0:19:11.080 --> 0:19:12.879 Hmm. 0:19:13.520 --> 0:19:17.560 Certainly not as nice a view, but definitely less distractions 0:19:18.119 --> 0:19:20.879 unless you like the west gribblings of a child. 0:19:21.960 --> 0:19:25.960 Wait a second, what's that in the corner there? The drawing? 0:19:26.920 --> 0:19:30.480 This thing here? It looks like some kind of monster. 0:19:30.720 --> 0:19:33.840 Oh, that's not just a monster. That's a gollum. I 0:19:33.880 --> 0:19:36.680 remember it from when I was a kid. My father 0:19:36.800 --> 0:19:40.680 used to draw that. What it looks exactly the same, 0:19:41.600 --> 0:19:46.200 and look on his chest, my father's secret signature. It's 0:19:46.200 --> 0:19:46.879 a clue. 0:19:48.440 --> 0:19:52.480 Oh, you're actually serious. Why does it of what kind 0:19:52.480 --> 0:19:52.959 of monster? 0:19:53.240 --> 0:19:56.520 It's a gollumn, a mystical creature from the Jewish religion, 0:19:56.640 --> 0:19:58.760 created to protect the Jews in a time of need. 0:19:59.400 --> 0:20:01.040 My father used to tell me the story of the 0:20:01.040 --> 0:20:03.919 gollum of Prague when I was a boy. That's probably 0:20:03.920 --> 0:20:06.040 where Mary Shelley got her idea for Frankenstein. 0:20:06.520 --> 0:20:07.440 But what does it mean? 0:20:08.280 --> 0:20:11.560 The most famous gallum narrative involves Judah Low, the late 0:20:11.640 --> 0:20:15.399 sixteenth century rabbi of Prague, who, legend has it, created 0:20:15.440 --> 0:20:17.359 a gollumn out of clay from the banks of the 0:20:17.520 --> 0:20:20.480 Latava River and brought it to life. Through Hebrew rituals 0:20:20.720 --> 0:20:23.919 to defend the proge Ghetto from antisemitic attacks and pograms. 0:20:24.600 --> 0:20:26.840 At that time, the Jews in Prague were to be 0:20:26.880 --> 0:20:30.159 either expelled or massacred under the rule of Rudolph the second, 0:20:30.320 --> 0:20:34.119 the Holy Roman Emperor. The gollum was called Joseph and 0:20:34.280 --> 0:20:36.560 was said to be able to make himself invisible and 0:20:36.600 --> 0:20:40.040 summon spirits from the dead. But Rabbi Low deactivated the 0:20:40.080 --> 0:20:43.159 Gollum on Friday evenings by removing the shem before the 0:20:43.200 --> 0:20:46.680 Sabbath began so as to let it rest. But one 0:20:46.800 --> 0:20:50.320 Friday evening Rabbi Low forgot to remove the shem, and 0:20:50.400 --> 0:20:54.200 the Gollum went on a murderous rampage until the rabbi 0:20:54.280 --> 0:20:56.480 was able to remove the shem and the collumn fell 0:20:56.520 --> 0:20:59.760 to pieces. The Gollum's body was stored in the attic 0:21:00.119 --> 0:21:02.600 nisa of the old New Synagogue, where it would be 0:21:02.640 --> 0:21:06.120 restored to life if ever needed, but kept locked away 0:21:06.160 --> 0:21:10.320 so it wouldn't cause harm ever again. According to legend, 0:21:10.720 --> 0:21:13.080 the body of the column still lies there and the 0:21:13.119 --> 0:21:14.359 attic is closed to the public. 0:21:15.520 --> 0:21:17.600 Where is the synagogue. 0:21:17.280 --> 0:21:18.480 Just around the corner from here. 0:21:19.680 --> 0:21:21.560 Let me guess finish. 0:21:21.240 --> 0:21:37.000 Your espresso, darling, we're going to temple. The Old New Synagogue, 0:21:37.119 --> 0:21:43.080 also called the Altnushul, is Europe's oldest active synagogue, completed 0:21:43.119 --> 0:21:46.080 in twelve seventy in Gothic style and known as the 0:21:46.119 --> 0:21:49.840 Old Synagogue, It was one of Prague's first Gothic buildings. 0:21:50.440 --> 0:21:53.960 This synagogue was demolished in eighteen sixty seven and replaced 0:21:53.960 --> 0:21:58.920 by the New Spanish Synagogue. Hence the name, or another explanation, 0:21:59.080 --> 0:22:02.800 derives the name from the Hebrew Altnae, which means on 0:22:02.960 --> 0:22:07.480 condition and sounds identical to the Yiddish Altnae or Old New. 0:22:08.359 --> 0:22:12.119 According to that legend, angels brought stones from the Temple 0:22:12.160 --> 0:22:15.919 of Jerusalem to build the Synagogue in Prague on the 0:22:16.000 --> 0:22:21.400 condition that they be returned when the Messiah comes. The Nazis, 0:22:21.560 --> 0:22:24.520 wanting to use the synagogue as a museum, did not 0:22:24.640 --> 0:22:28.280 destroy the building, and forbid any soldier enter the attic, 0:22:28.800 --> 0:22:32.239 where it is said the body of the Gollum is 0:22:32.359 --> 0:22:33.120 still hidden. 0:22:35.040 --> 0:22:38.240 Where should we look first? And don't tell me the attic, 0:22:38.280 --> 0:22:40.480 because there is no way I'm going up there. 0:22:41.560 --> 0:22:44.480 Let's check for closer symbols on the walls. That's what 0:22:44.600 --> 0:22:45.560 my father did best. 0:22:46.119 --> 0:22:47.960 But there are symbols everywhere. 0:22:48.359 --> 0:22:58.960 M I'm gonna go check by the Bema, Eugene. 0:23:00.119 --> 0:23:00.560 Is that you? 0:23:02.560 --> 0:23:02.720 Oh? 0:23:02.760 --> 0:23:07.800