After safely returning to Prague from Karlovy Vary by bus,husband Pete, son Henrik and I took on Prague, Czechoslovkia. You can't go wrong visiting this city no matter how you choose to visit. If by DIY, check out our inn recommended by friends.
The House At the Big Boot - it's location in the government district makes this a perfect spot to call home base. The neighborhood is quiet and is a short walk to the Charles V bridge, museums, and loads of restaurants.
As easy walk into town from The House At the Big Boot
Prague's City Square - a Beehive of Activity
The Czech people are friendly and welcoming. Our innkeeper told us how happy the Czechs are to now live in a democratic society. "Our parents had so little", he said before explaining further that the Communists took over his family's home for decades. After the end of Communist rule, the "Boot" was returned to his family and since then, he has been lovingly restoring his Renaissance era home.
The German Embassy is directly across the street from "The Boot"
The three of us took two tours: "The Best of Prague, an all day affair which I highly recommend if your time in Prague is limited, and a bus trip to Terezin, a concentration camp thirty miles outside of Prague. Both side trips were enlightening to say the least.
In my opinion, every person under the age of 40 should visit at least one concentration camp as a reminder that we must never let this particular horror happen again. The only time we experienced rain during our trip was appropriately during the time we toured Terezin.
Politics aside, Henrik loved the medieval dinner I found on Tripadvisor complete with fire eating, live snakes, and fun songs.
Travelers Tip: It's a great idea when traveling to carry you own personal supply of cleaning wipes. Bathrooms are usually in good order but the one at our medieval restaurant is described as a "horrible Medieval bathroom" in my travel diary. It must have been a nightmare because I've completely erased the experience from my memory.
And what should you always have with you during your travels?
Cash!
Always inquire first before ordering if the restaurant takes credit cards. Our last meal in Prague was fabulous but what a surprise to be told when the bill arrived, "No cards". Fortunately Pete and I were able to produce just enough euros to cover our bill.
Travelers Tip: Even if traveling in a country which doesn't use euros as a standard, many establishments will accept euros as payment. Always check ahead in case you have to make a quick run to an ATM.
And one last thing, it's a great idea to keep on hand 50 cent and one euro coins to enter public bathrooms anywhere in Europe. Bathrooms are usually well kept in return for your small admittance fee.
As much as we enjoyed our time in Prague, we had to bid farewell to son Henrik. He departed for the US before Pete and I boarded a train for our next stop - Budapest, Hungary.
I say, if you have the time and inclination, treat yourself to this amazing train journey back into time.
First, our train compartment seemed to be taken straight from an Agatha Christie movie. Our seats were inside a compartment fitted out in soft velvet fabric, our space encased by lovely glass doors. As much as our train companions were delightful, it was the scenery which kept me glued to my window. We passed through villages with 19th century train stations complete with station masters all decked out in uniforms and red caps. Incredibly, we passed multiple Russian tank graveyards, flattened six deep.
Nyugati Rail Station - architect, Eiffel, as in....
When we arrived at Budapest's Nyugati rail station, built in 1875, I fell in love instantly. All the romance I've ever attached to train travel can still be found here.
What's not to love?
The city is breathtakingly beautiful in an Old World way. No worries, Budapest has a modern metro system AND Uber but this city is to be walked. Surround yourself in the midst of Neoclassical, Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, and Romanesque architecture in remarkable good shape given what Budapest has endured these past centuries.
Travelers Tip: Budapest deserves your time to soak up its history and beauty. Tour the Opera House, the Parliament, walk across the Elizabeth Bridge, and trek up the myriad of steps for an up close view of the castle district.
Take a river boat tour at night! The city lights are incredibly beautiful.
The Parliament Building at night - exquisite
There are shops galore and dining in Budapest is extremely reasonable. Dinner for four, including a delicious wine, came to a whopping 50,000 forints (about $150 US dollars)
Danish cousins Christian and Mette toured Budapest with us
Our most intriguing tour was at the cave hospital, called Hospital in the Rock, created during WWII. Later used as a nuclear bunker, the tour guide gave us wonderful insight of how hard Budapest was bombed during WWII and residents suffered again during the Revolution of 1956.
A MUST SEE - Budapest's Cave Hospital
Prague and Budapest - two great cities to put on your travel list. I highly recommend taking the train, instead of a river boat. It's a bit more challenging but what you experience is definitely worth your effort, especially if you are a romantic at heart.
All Aboard!!!
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