Some of my best

Here are my best photos from my last adventure.

Prague

Like much of Europe, the Czech Republic has a long and distinguished history.  Originally part of both the Holy Roman Empire and, the until the end of WWI, the Austria-Hungry empire.  After WWI, the Czech and Slovak lands formed Czechoslovakia.  Due to its location, being west of Berlin, its fate was tied to the Soviet Union and "guided" into communism.  Shortly after the fall of the Soviet Union, Czechoslovakia dissolved into the two separate nations of Slovakia and the Czech Republic.  In 2004 the Czech Republic became part of the European Union, but has not yet accepted the Euro as its currency.  More information can be found on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Czech_Republic.

As for the touristy aspect, a visit to Prague is worth it.  One of the top destinations in Europe, Prague is 5th most visited city in Europe.  Due to its reputation, it can be crowded, but it also means that people who work in some form of a public service (waiter, tour guide, street vender) speak English.  However, if you want to get a good picture of St. Charles Bridge without people, try it at 6 am.

St. Charles Bridge at dawn.

Prague Castle at dusk.

Prague boasts one of Europe's largest castles, the St. Charles Bridge, and an active town square.  It also has a sufficient Jewish quarter, Lennon's Wall, and their own version of the eiffel tower (which is highly recommended since it offers a magnificent view of the castle and Prague).  For all of you history lovers out there, Prague has a large collection of Medieval torture weapons in a museum near the bridge.

View from the "eiffel tower".

You will be well fed in Prague.  Its food is heavy and the portion sizes are consistent with those of the United States.  Prague's specialties consist of dumplings, meat kabobs, and goulash.  What really makes Prague special, in the culinary department that is, is its beer.  A large number of restaurants in Prague brew their own beer.  

Visit Prague if you like getting your moneys worth, filling your belly, and rich Bohemian architecture.

Don't visit Prague if you don't like walking, you want to take pictures without people in them, or you don't want to gain some extra weight. 

Lennon's Wall.

$1=18CK

I hope this is helpful in deciding whether or not to visit Prague.  Stay tuned...

Awards

After visiting 7 countries, 10 cities, and countless tourist attractions, here are my bests and worsts of the trip.

Best country: Austria
Even though both the Czech Republic and Germany have always been two of my favorite countries and Italy surprised me, I have to go with Austria.  When you combine the pristine lakes with the backdrop of rocky, rolling green mountains, you can't lose.

Worst country(ies): France & Switzerland
It was bit unfortunate for France that the only city we visited was Mulhouse (the dirtiest and most unkempt city in France).  This coupled with the outrageous prices for the less than mediocre food that we were served made me dislike France.  Switzerland, on the other hand, is just ridiculously expensive.  When it costs $37 to get 5 items at McDonalds, something's wrong.  Also, we were unfortunate to not see any of the Alps due to the bad weather that we had.

Best city: Salzburg
The creators of the classic film the Sound of Music did a wonderful job selecting such a picturesque city for the backdrop of their masterpiece.  Everywhere one looks they may find nothing less than magnificence.  Breathtaking landscapes, impressive buildings, and marvelous gardens captivate its visitors and force them to come back for more.

Worst city:  Mulhouse
Just a hole in the wall.  Buildings in the old town being patched up left and right.  Garbage scattered throughout the city.  Its beautiful main square and efficient tram provide the city with potential, but not enough to look past its obvious lack of effort to upkeep the city.

Most touristy city: Prague
Streets, bridges, and restaurants are filled with hoards of tourists and everyone speaks English.  However, Prague is worth the struggle.

Least touristy city: Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany
Its a nice little city nestled in foothills of the Bavarian Alps.  It seems as though it plays host primarily to German tourists, although there was a British film company filming while we were there.

Stay tuned...

Basic Spanish: vino tinto - red wine

Advanced Spanish: Capullo - idiot (literal translation - cocoon)

Basque: N/A

British English: N/A

A travel gift idea

"7.  Make sure that they won't miss experiences because they're worried about money.  I took the liberty of sending an email to family and friends asking for donations from them to spend on my parents in lieu of Christmas, birthday, or anniversary gifts."

Tasty meal in Prague

Here is where I gave my 15 tips on planning your parents vacation.

Education in Montreaux 

-When I knew that my parents were finally coming to see me in Europe, I decided I wanted to do something nice.  I knew that my parents didn't need any money, but I did know that everyone wanted them to have a unforgettable time, even if it was just to pay for small things (carriage rides, nice dinners, or the Sound of Music tour).  Therefor, I took the liberty of seeing if anyone would like to help me make it a "worry-free" vacation. 


Here is the email that I sent.

Beer Garten in Salzburg

Hey everyone,

I was brainstorming after looking at mom and dad's itinerary and I was thinking that they're going to spend all of their money on hotels and transportation and won't be as willing to eat nice meals or do other exciting things.  Now Liz and I would gladly pay for dinners and such if we had an infinite supply of money, but as it is we are going to supply them with some pocket money when they get in.  I was wondering if any of you were interested in supplying donations for Mother/Father's day (sons), birthdays, anniversary, or early christmas presents for Mom and Dad.  Aaron would be in charge of collecting any donations and putting them in my bank account.  I would use the money on things specifically for mom and dad (nice dinner, spa treatment, wine tour, etc.) that would make their "Once in a Lifetime" vacation more memorable.  

Neuschwanstein castle, Baveria, Germany

I know it seems a bit cheesy, like a wedding gift idea when you pay for certain part of a honeymoon, but I think that it would be a good idea.  I would send you a postcard in the mail stating what I used your money for :) and then come time for any of the events that you paid for you could show them the postcard that I sent you in the place of a gift.  Anyway, I think that it's a great idea, so get back to me if you wish to participate in this little idea and get in contact with Aaron.  Then email me the amount you wish to donate and I will distribute it as I see fit (unless you have a specific request, which I will of course take into consideration). 

Thank you all very much.  Suggestions are of course welcome, and this is a secret so please don't leak this information to my parents.

Sound of Music tour, Salzburg

Just thought that you might find this to be a useful idea when planning a trip for a mother, father, sister, brother, relative, friend, or someone you love.  Stay tuned.

Salzburg castle tour, Salzburg

Basic Spanish:

me gusta - I like

Advanced Spanish:

pantalones cagados - baggy pants that girls wear (literal translation-s*** pants)

Basque:

komunak - restroom

British English:

N/A