Eastern Europe: Orientation Day 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Dallas contingent, at least those who arrived a couple of days early, enjoyed a wonderful dinner at the  Hergetova Cihelna restaurant. This was recommended by our tour  guide Eva.

So why are there so many Dallas riders, and in particular members of the Dallas Area Tandem Club, on this ride.  IT IS NOT BECAUSE I’M BIASED.  These member were among the first to sign up.  It’s actually the fault of Ernie Coose. He was aware of our ride in planning and notified DATES member not only of the ride but also the day it was to be announced. See if I ever tell him about a ride in planning again!

Rick Steves says the  the Czech Republic has the best beer in Europe.  Although the Belgians may disagree I’m with Rick.  I had two of their pilsner beers yesterday and they were wonderful. In fact, if I lived here I’d probably give up my decades old wine drinking habit and switch to beer.  Pilsner beer or the Pilsner Urquell gets it’s name from Plzen, a populous city in the Czech Republic. The city is known worldwide for Pilsner beer, created by Bavarian brewer Josef Groll there in 1842. It was reportedly the first “clear” beer and is the basis for Budweiser.

I learned from our guide that the Czech Republic is mostly atheist.  No wonder I feel comfortable here.

Eastern Europe: Orientation Day 1

 

At the entry to the Sternberg Castle, home of the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, we’re greeted by Starbucks.  Sure makes you feel at home.

MacDonald's never gave us this feeling.

 

To the left, the ludicrously complex Astronomical Clock which uses revolving discs, celestial symbols and sweeping hands to keep several versions of time.  Photo to  the  right shows the wonderful natural light through the stained glass windows of the Cathedral of St. Victus.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prague (Praha) is in most ways a very cosmopolitan city, with the largest use of marijuana in Europe.  (See in photo above you can buy Absinth Ice Cream or Draft Cannabis Beer.) It has the lowest unemployment rate (1.2%) in all of Europe. But it is very backward in one way; they allow smoking in restaurants.

The city has 1.4 million residents but it seems like there are 1 million tourists walking the streets, most of which  are pedestrian only.  Everywhere we walked both last night and today the streets were so crowded you had difficulty walking. The town thrives on tourism; everyone is friendly and intent on their own commerce.  It seems that everyone speaks English and there is always an English menu.  I wonder if this will continue when we get out of the city and into the  country.

Eastern Europe: Introduction

 
Czech Republic, Austria and Hungry:  This vacation includes a bike ride from Prague to Vienna; then we take the train to Budapest.  The bike tour includes four UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Prague, Český Krumlov and Telč in the Czech Republic and Vienna in, Austria.  Budapest is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Brief history: The Czech Republic was once part of the Great Moravian Empire before being subjugated by the Romans, invaded by the Hapsburgs, overrun by the Nazis, "rescued by the Soviets" in the Communist era before finally becoming independent in 1993.

Our bike ride:  We journey amongst the Gothic castles and spires of beautiful Prague, medieval cities and impressive castles as we cycle along quiet country roads and gently rolling hills. Highlights are two rest days in UNESCO World Heritage towns:

• Cesky Krumlov with 300 protected medieval buildings and
• Telc with a guided walking tour through the renaissance hall of Telc Chateau.

Crossing into Austria, at the Mikulov border we pass vineyards, fields and small villages before entering Vienna.



Our flights were flawless. We got first grade tickets with American Advantage miles, something that doesn’t happen very much these days.  The luggage was on time and our driver was at the Prague airport. The only downer is that the UK security folks at Heathrow confiscated my sun block and chamois cream because both were greater  than 3 ounces. What the hell does this have to do with  security?
Trivia:

• Prague is one of the few European cities not bombed during the first and second world wars.
• The Czech Republic is a member of the European Union (since 2004) but does not use the Euro as currency.  Their currency is the koruna or Czech crown, 25 crowns = $1 USD.
• Prague is Houdini's home town. Other notable Czech's are Madeline Albright and composer Antonin Dvorak.
• Until 1800 Prague was four distinct towns with four town squares separated by fortified walls.  Today the town still has four unique areas.  The Vltava river divides the city onto two halves.

Boring Bicycle Blog to Resume

Coming next week: this blog resumes with a ride from Prague to Vienna and then we visit Budapest. We're looking forward to exploring places we've never visited.