Hi! First, thank you for visiting my website. I am really excited about it and hope you like it too.
I recently returned from spending an amazing 8 days in the Czech Republic. Let me just say….WOW! It was an unexpected pleasure. I had no preconceived expectations before my departure but I have returned amazingly and pleasantly surprised at this country. The sights, the people and, let’s not forget, the food were all great! The country is a land of beautiful landscapes, castles and small towns and villages. There was so much to do everywhere I visited in this country. The Czech Republic is home to 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and many are easily visited while staying in Prague. I’ll talk briefly about the 3 places I stayed with in the Czech Republic.
Prague was a city full of life and activity with many historical sites to visit. It’s a very walkable city and has good public transportation. There are many sidewalk cafes to stop and people watch while enjoying a good Czech beer or Moravian wine. There are lots of shops located around the town to purchase a souvenir from your visit but you need to be careful where you purchase your souvenirs….not all things are created in the Czech Republic. Oh, let’s not forget about Charles Bridge, Prague Castle and the Jewish Quarter. All places are a must see with great stories and history. Many of the hotels I visited are close to sights of historical significance and within walking distance to everything.
A visit to Marianske Lazne is a also must see. A city known for it healing spas and mineral springs. It is located in the Karlovy Vary region of the Czech Republic. You can easily walk around the town and partake in the waters at the fountains located around the town. Make sure you purchase your personal sipping cup to fit in with the locals. Also, spend some time in one of the many spas located around town for a relaxing soak in some healing mineral water followed by a soothing or invigorating massage. Many Czechs visit this town under their doctors orders. To achieve the full healthful benefits prescribed by their doctors, sometimes a minimum stay of 4 weeks is necessary. They treat ailments holistically. People are not in rush and take their prescribed health regime seriously. In addition to taking in the waters and therapeutic spa treatments, activity and getting enough sleep are part of the overall treatment. Suffice it to say, no one is in a rush to get anywhere expect to the fountains with the mineral waters!
I also spent too short of a time in Cesky Krumlov, home to the second largest castle in the Czech Republic, Prague Castle is Numero Uno. While touring the castle, one can picture the royal court going through their daily routines and plots to entice or destroy each other. The castle gardens are split in two….an English garden and French garden and both are beautiful. The flowers in the garden were winding down for the season but I could imagine how beautiful the gardens would be in full bloom amongst the fountains. This picturesque little town has winding cobblestone streets that meander through the town. You can’t get lost in this town as long as you don’t cross the bridge that goes over the Vltava River and I never did get lost or cross the bridge. There are many shops and sidewalk cafes along the square and river. The streets and main square get quite crowded with tourists during the day. The tourists are brought by tour bus from Prague but are gone by late afternoon and you have the whole town to yourself in the evening, if you’re staying at one of the quaint hotels located in town.
If you are so inclined, you can visit 3 countries in 1 trip. It is very easy to spend a few days in Prague, take the train to Vienna and then on to Budapest but the Czech Republic does have alot to offer an inquisitive traveler, why would you want to leave? If you’re interested in finding out more about the Czech Republic and/or any of the places I visited. Feel free to contact me at 312-213-6863 or wboverini@gmail.com. Stay tuned for my next adventure coming up at the end of October. In the meantime…..Happy Travels!