CZECH REPUBLIC (2003): Very affordable, friendly people, and more great beer.
Podebrady– Quaint spa town in Bohemia. Lovely little castle with a nice restaurant and a gorgeous waitress. Nice lake and great base for a bike ride through the Bohemian countryside.
with a pinched nerve in my neck
Prague– Beautiful city! Stunning really. The castle complex is like a highlight reel worthy and you can get a good view of the city from there. Great city to walk around in and explore. The Charles Bridge was surreal. Very crowded though. Kafka’s house was a disappointment. It basically became a touristy crap shop. Definitely a city I want to return to.
Kutna Hora– The Bone Church is awesome! Some might find it creepy or even distasteful, I thought it was very respectful.
AUSTRIA (2003, 2004, 2007, 2011, 2012, 2013): My homeland in a previous life.
Vienna– My favorite city! Been there 5 times. I just feel very connected to this elegant city for some reason. Maybe I was a Habsburg in a past life. It has the perfect combination of honoring and showcasing its magnificent history while still being a modern lively metropolis. Nice gateway to Eastern Europe. Great coffee! The only place in the world where I actually indulge in non-chocolate sweets.
Baden– Cute town in the Vienna Woods. Beethoven lived there.
Salzburg– Very touristy city, but worth it. Delightful architecture and its natural setting near the Alps is marvelous. Yes they do love their Mozart there. All the Sound of Music sights are available for a tour, but just note that Austrians are not fond of that movie.
Werfen– Small town (with a lovely little church) but the famous Eisriesenwelt ice caves are within the mountains nearby. I was terrified going on the cable-car so high up, I had to blindfold myself on the way up. I did gut it out on the way down. The caves were magical and drinking a beer so high was quite an experience.
Innsbruck– Lively attractive city set amongst the Alps. The Christmas markets were packed, but the hot hazelnut flavored milk that melted an entire chocolate bar was worth it.
Seefeld– Charming little town in the Alps. Exquisite setting and Christmas market made it feel like a Christmas movie set. The horse and carriage rides didn’t hurt either!
SLOVAKIA (2004): Trying to forge an identity separate from its former sister state.
Devinska Nova Ves– Was here for a wedding. Lots of cows. Really nothing to do in this depressing town.
Bratislava– Nice colorful old town, like a mini-Prague. Had some wonderful cheap food, but the only ones eating were tourists. Apparently what Americans consider cheap is expensive for Slovakians. Ugliest bridge in the world connects the pretty old town with Communist Blocville. I knew I was behind the former Iron Curtain then.