This week Melissa, Zach and I decided it was about time to do a day trip somewhere in the Czech Republic. In our hostel in Vienna a couple weekends ago we spotted a newspaper article about a town 3 hours east of Prague called Olomouc. The article called Olomous a 'mini-Prague' that was not as well known for some reason to travellers. I checked our Rick Steves' guide book and didn't find any information about it, so with help from "Uncle Google" (direct quote from a student) I did a bit of research about this ancient town in Moravia. Saturday morning we hopped on a 7:15 am train to check it out.
It was indeed a scaled-down version of Prague which made it even more walkable and quaint. It is known for its statues and fountains from mythology as well as its gothic and baroque style churches (like everywhere else in Europe, right?). It had a nice botanical garden area and an old palace that has now been renovated into a health center.. rather strange but it was still lovely. We had brisk but sunny weather and spent the whole day taking photos, reading about the town, and enjoying a new part of the Czech Republic.
27 February 2011
09 February 2011
08 February 2011
a weekend in Wien
Since Friday was a day off from classes Matthew, Melissa and I decided to venture to Vienna for a long weekend. Just under 5 hours by bus ,Vienna was the perfect place to spend 3 relaxing days going in and out of museums, palaces, and restaurants.
We learned a lot about Vienna's history including-and most importantly- the royal family that reigned for over 600 years, the Habsburgs. We toured both of their palaces in Vienna, the Hofburg palace right in the city center and their quaint 'summer home' just a 20 minute walk from Hofburg. At the first palace we saw a great collection of diningware and silver that was actually quite fantastic. Then we learned more about the Empress Elisabeth 'Sisi' from the 1800s and her dramatic entrance into the world of royalty... and its equally dramatic exit. Finally we were able to tour the imperial apartments and see their digs. With a nice audio guide we left both palaces feeling the spirit of Sisi et al around us for the remaining time in Vienna.
With nice weather all weekend we successfully completed Rick Steves' walking tour of the city on Saturday afternoon. One VERY important stop was to the original Sacher cafe, home of the Sacher torte aka the best chocolate cake I've ever had in my whole life. I got a recipe but to be honest I don't think that magic can be recreated in my current kitchen-condition.
Habsburgs, museums, german, schnitzel, and good company took over the weekend and here I am back in Prague in the middle of another work week. Time is flying by and school is as busy as ever with Cambridge exam prep round the clock and new business clients scattered throught the city.
PS pictures to come--I'm uploading over 200 now to my Picasa web album but the central European internet speed is taking it's precious time... will share the link soon I hope!
We learned a lot about Vienna's history including-and most importantly- the royal family that reigned for over 600 years, the Habsburgs. We toured both of their palaces in Vienna, the Hofburg palace right in the city center and their quaint 'summer home' just a 20 minute walk from Hofburg. At the first palace we saw a great collection of diningware and silver that was actually quite fantastic. Then we learned more about the Empress Elisabeth 'Sisi' from the 1800s and her dramatic entrance into the world of royalty... and its equally dramatic exit. Finally we were able to tour the imperial apartments and see their digs. With a nice audio guide we left both palaces feeling the spirit of Sisi et al around us for the remaining time in Vienna.
With nice weather all weekend we successfully completed Rick Steves' walking tour of the city on Saturday afternoon. One VERY important stop was to the original Sacher cafe, home of the Sacher torte aka the best chocolate cake I've ever had in my whole life. I got a recipe but to be honest I don't think that magic can be recreated in my current kitchen-condition.
Habsburgs, museums, german, schnitzel, and good company took over the weekend and here I am back in Prague in the middle of another work week. Time is flying by and school is as busy as ever with Cambridge exam prep round the clock and new business clients scattered throught the city.
PS pictures to come--I'm uploading over 200 now to my Picasa web album but the central European internet speed is taking it's precious time... will share the link soon I hope!
Aussie invasion
Aunt Marilyn and Uncle Bob arrived from Sydney this weekend for their first visit to Prague! Lucky for me Bob was invited to an international Army Chaplain conference here in the CZ and Marilyn was able to tag along and hang out. They will then continue their trip to London to visit Ben and Gerry for a week before returning to summer weather down under.
We were very dedicated tourists the past two days and I am just now regaining the feeling in my toes. During their visit we were able to try different traditional Czech restaurants, see the Prague symphony orchestra at the Municipal House, and go to a church service at St Vitus Cathedral at Prague Castle.
It was so nice to see some family and to show them around Prague. Their visit got me excited to have Erica come in April!!
We were very dedicated tourists the past two days and I am just now regaining the feeling in my toes. During their visit we were able to try different traditional Czech restaurants, see the Prague symphony orchestra at the Municipal House, and go to a church service at St Vitus Cathedral at Prague Castle.
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| Municipal House concert hall |
It was so nice to see some family and to show them around Prague. Their visit got me excited to have Erica come in April!!
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