The Czech Republic is one of my favorite destinations. It is a photographer’s dream with so many old and beautiful buildings. I love walking around looking at the craftsmanship that went into creating these buildings.
On my first night, I stayed at the Hyatt Lindner Castle Hotel (on the castle grounds). I walked around that evening and could see the city from on top of the hill. The next day before checking out, I went on another walk in the park and saw their version of the Eiffel Tower and several church buildings. I didn’t see the actual castle because I was told that it takes 299 steps to reach it. I would have loved to see the castle but my legs and feet were saying… DON’T DO IT!!! I listened.
That day I checked into the Marriott Prague Hotel and this was the difference of night and day. The Lindner hotel was OLD, and those that know me know that’s not gonna work. The Marriott was just my speed. The hotel was beautiful and in the heart of everything. You turn left and you’re going towards the square (1 min) and Old Town (6 min). Turn right and you’ll be at the tram and around businesses such as a Thai Massage (yes, I got one — a 1 hour neck & back and a 30 min foot massage).
From these streets there are other turns to take and you’ll see so much more. I did this everyday. The hotel’s breakfast wasn’t free but I decided to fork over the $30. I realized that when I ate a good breakfast (not pastries) I was good until about 1:00 or 2:00 for lunch. I’ve sort of adjusted to Europe’s eating schedule. They eat dinner late, around 9:00 – 10:00. It was easy when I was in Scandinavia cause it didn’t get dark until 10:30-11:00.
Prague is also where I saw the largest number of tourist. There were a lot in Amsterdam but not as many as in Prague.
While checking out of the Lindner, I was having some issues and this lady overhead it and mentioned that she had the same problems. While the manager worked it out, she and I began talking and it turns out that we follow the same travel couple (Grounded Life Retirement Travel). It turns out that she was originally from Houston, so we also had that in common. She introduced me to her family (hubby & 2 daughters). She also took a safety chain thingy from her daughter’s purse and gave it to me. She said it was bugging her that I might get pickpocketed. The type of purse I have was specially made for that. My credit cards are in a protected part of the purse where it can’t be scanned and it’s flushed against my belly. I did find the chain to be helpful and of course I shared it with my sister so she could get one for her purse. Me and the couple tried to meet up later in the week but our schedules wouldn’t align.
I also met a group of travelers while on a tour to Cesky Krumlov. One couple from Houston (again), a young high school teacher out for his last hoorah before school starts in San Diego. They all had been to some amazing places, and I also shared my adventures. Touring the castle in Krumlov was nice and walking around their Old Town square(s) was interesting.
There was an Art’s Festival almost every evening (turn left from hotel, walk 1 min and you’re there). If you’re ever in Prague, check out the Marriott and if you’re a Hilton person, it’s across the street.
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Food: I’ve still be on a search for veggies but have just learned to settle for a leafy green salad. And I usually will eat red bell peppers from the breakfast bar. I’m not sure which race/nationality eats a salad in the morning but it’s always available. I guess breakfast is when you have your veggies.
I’ve had a couple of good food options, like kebab or Chinese food, pizza, and KFC spicy chicken wings.
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People: Because there were so many tourist from all over, I can’t really speak on the Austrian people. However, I can say that the hotel staff was exceptional. They were willing to help you with your needs.
I suggest that you put Prague on your list of places to visit.
Hope you enjoy the pics.
