Land of 1000 Steeples
Tuesday, September 21, 2004
Presenting Prague
I was pretty excited to meet Marcella in one of my favorite cities in the world. There is so much to see and so much to do. Lots of museums, churches, shopping, and restaurants. The city is known as the “City of 1000 Spires”. Somehow Prague survived both World Wars so the city is full of architecture dating back several hundred years. We had a couple of days before and after our week in Karlovy Vary. I took Marcella to all of the popular spots: Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, and of course the Castle (the largest castle in Europe). I was so surprised at the mobs of people in and around the city. It was just crazy. I did run every morning around town. I love doing that. The streets are more or less empty except for the old ladies walking their dogs. A couple of times I got lost but that was part of the fun and the experience of the morning run. Funny thing, I never saw anyone else out running ever. That seemed a bit strange.
One morning we took a short river trip along the Vlata river. This runs right through the middle of town. Shortly after my last visit a couple of years ago, there was a major flood that came through. The river flooded most of the downtown area and overtopped most of the bridges. As we were going along the river it was hard to imagine that much water. The bridges were a good 25-30 feet above the river.
We ate lots of chocolate, ice cream, fish, venison, pork, potato dumplings, and Marcella’s favorite croquettes.
Although Marcella wasn’t ready to come home, I was. Being away from home for almost three weeks was a bit long for me.
I was pretty excited to meet Marcella in one of my favorite cities in the world. There is so much to see and so much to do. Lots of museums, churches, shopping, and restaurants. The city is known as the “City of 1000 Spires”. Somehow Prague survived both World Wars so the city is full of architecture dating back several hundred years. We had a couple of days before and after our week in Karlovy Vary. I took Marcella to all of the popular spots: Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, and of course the Castle (the largest castle in Europe). I was so surprised at the mobs of people in and around the city. It was just crazy. I did run every morning around town. I love doing that. The streets are more or less empty except for the old ladies walking their dogs. A couple of times I got lost but that was part of the fun and the experience of the morning run. Funny thing, I never saw anyone else out running ever. That seemed a bit strange.
One morning we took a short river trip along the Vlata river. This runs right through the middle of town. Shortly after my last visit a couple of years ago, there was a major flood that came through. The river flooded most of the downtown area and overtopped most of the bridges. As we were going along the river it was hard to imagine that much water. The bridges were a good 25-30 feet above the river.
We ate lots of chocolate, ice cream, fish, venison, pork, potato dumplings, and Marcella’s favorite croquettes.
Although Marcella wasn’t ready to come home, I was. Being away from home for almost three weeks was a bit long for me.
Kan’t say Karlovy Vary
I couldn’t come up with a better title than that??? After meeting Marcella in Prague we took a bus through the countryside of Czech Republic to the wonderful spa town of Karlovy Vary. It is also known as Karlsbad. A very popular place for Germans and Russians, the place is known for it’s special healing powers of its hot springs. There are 12 of them in all. There are old people walking around sipping the hot mineral water from these special cups. We got upgraded to the Grand Hotel Pupp (a 5 star hotel and the nicest place in Karlovy Vary). Very good food, very nice people. Every morning I got up and ran around the town. Usually I would run through the nearby forests and climb the small hills for a spectacular sunrise over the city.
One night we went to a castle in a nearby town called Loket. We had medieval food (a flat piece of bread was our plate) and entertainment (sword flights, belly dancers, music, and a dart contest which I took second). It is so different from anything you would see here in the States.
One night we went to a castle in a nearby town called Loket. We had medieval food (a flat piece of bread was our plate) and entertainment (sword flights, belly dancers, music, and a dart contest which I took second). It is so different from anything you would see here in the States.
Tuesday, September 14, 2004
Friday, September 10, 2004
Finding Freiberg
After missing a chance a couple of years ago to visit Freiberg, I was determined to visit and find the Temple. How big could Freiberg be anyhow? So I drove down from Berlin and starting searching. And searching, And searching. I turned away disappointed but what did I expect. No map. No idea what I was even looking for. I came back to Berlin, looked up the address on the Internet and determined to go back and find it. It being the Freiberg Temple, the first temple build behind the Iron Curtain. Tonight I drove right to it (I was just a street away the first time). What a treat! I met not only Temple President but also a group of Hungarians on their first visit to the temple. What a treat!
Afterwards, I strolled down the walking/shopping area of town and found what…a dürüm
shop! So good I just had to have two. I topped it off with a cup of ice cream.
Afterwards, I strolled down the walking/shopping area of town and found what…a dürüm
shop! So good I just had to have two. I topped it off with a cup of ice cream.
Arrive Alive! The Autobahn
“Slow dow!” she says……”You’ll get a ticket!”…..Have you even just wanted to drive and know that no matter how fast you went, you would never see those blue and red lights in your rear view mirror. Try driving on the Autobahn. Sure there are some areas where the speed limit is posted but once you pass construction areas or on/off ramps, it is time to go go go. But beware! Do not get in the inside lane unless you’re prepared to go fast. Even going speeds of over 190 kph I was passed like I was standing still. The Nissan that I was driving didn’t go much faster than 200 but that’s fast enough for me
(that’s 125 mph). Driving fast is fun but it sure is expensive. Gas here in Germany is more than $5/gal.
(that’s 125 mph). Driving fast is fun but it sure is expensive. Gas here in Germany is more than $5/gal.
Back in Berlin
Well after just a few short days in the Canterbury neighborhood, I traveled back to one of my favorite cities, Berlin. After some last minute rerouting, I went through Houston and Amsterdam before arrive in Berlin. The weather has been nice and I’ve had an enjoyable time (even though I’ve been working 14+ hours a day). I decided that every morning I’d get up and go running. It’s been hard but I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.
Went to a “Beer Garden” to watch the friendly match between Germany and Brazil. No way I was getting a ticket in the recently renovated Olympic Stadium. We strolled around Berlin after the match looking for a dürüm MADE FROM BEEF. We had to settle on falafels from a Lebanese eatery. Afterwards I witnessed first hand the party scene (Berlin style). Lots of drinking, smoking, dancing, and loud music. Just what I pictured.
Wonderful food and courteous people!
Thanks, Berlin!
Went to a “Beer Garden” to watch the friendly match between Germany and Brazil. No way I was getting a ticket in the recently renovated Olympic Stadium. We strolled around Berlin after the match looking for a dürüm MADE FROM BEEF. We had to settle on falafels from a Lebanese eatery. Afterwards I witnessed first hand the party scene (Berlin style). Lots of drinking, smoking, dancing, and loud music. Just what I pictured.
Wonderful food and courteous people!
Thanks, Berlin!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)