Blogs from Prague, Czech Republic, Europe - page 5

An International Breakfast Eight people around the table from six countries. This is one of the pleasures of being at IBTS, getting to know good people from many countries and cultures. On this morning eight of us sat at one table from six countries. Countries represented were: Hungary The Ukraine The Netherlands England Lebanon The USA Somehow we didn't publish this in September and here it is February and we have had many more breakfasts (especially these last two weeks of PhD intensive study time) with even more nationalities present at the breakfast table. Once again some of these same people were back for good food and lots of talk. Sadly, David our Hungarian student was not able to continue in his studies and we all miss him everyday and wish him wel... read more

In Prague Again -- Here we are at IBTS in Prague again and if all goes as we hope we will be here until May 28th, 2013. The trip went well. In fact it was as easy as any trip we have made from the States to Europe. Both of us were able to sleep on the plane as it winged its way across the Atlantic and we felt pretty good when we arrived at Heathrow in London. At Heathrow we had to change terminals, from terminal 5 to 3. On the British Air web site it said that the minimum requirement was 90 minutes. It took us only about an hour and our transit would have been faster if their magic machine had not kicked our backpack with our prescription medicines to one side for ... read more

Rich people are a riot! Well not really; but they do make for interesting people watching. I've always been a low key traveler; mud floors, hostels, train station benches are not beyond me. So when I joined Trafalgar I had to adjust my thinking somewhat and be welcomed to the high life. I'm staying at the Hilton Prague, which we use for our guests as do other operators, including 2 river cruise companies. Let me preface this by saying all the Trafalgar clients I've met are honest, down to earth, fun people who have saved and worked hard for their vacation with us, and in general are great! But it appears the "other" type of people also stay here; rich, arrogant, snobby this hotel better revolve around my every whim people. Annoying as hell but fun ... read more

While I realize this is out of order, I will catch up and just wanted to post this before bed. There's a title to start off with:-) today has been my best day here in Prague, not only because of the sights but what I accomplished and how happy I feel, sipping on a Czech beer or 2, as per my boss's suggestion. I'm really struggling with jet lag for some reason and was up most of last night in the wee hours between 12-5. Despite being exhausted, I still wolfed down some breakfast and raced to the Prague Castle, probably the most important historical site in the city. My Lonely Planet warned to get here early, while I still made it by 09:30, the crowds were multiplying in droves. Regardless, I had the pleasure of ... read more

Day three Ned travel tip number ??: if you want to find something in Prague, leave the map in your pocket. Sleep was a bit out of whack, but today was my first full day in Prague and I was looking forward to it. Quickly got ready and went down for breakfast. Remember those 500 odd guests checking in I mentioned yesterday? Well apparently they wanted bkft too, the hotel had even set up a secondary buffet and eating area to accommodate us all. Wow! Food was amazing and I stuffed myself realizing I'd not really eaten much yesterday. Then, horror of horrors; I saw them, sitting innocently whispering sweet nothing's in my direction....... Fresh true, buttery, light, European croissants! Damn diet!...... It lost and I happily ate one of those buttery, fresh little pieces of ... read more

Day One and Two A relatively easy journey: YEG-YYZ-FRA-PRG, with perfect connection times, just long enough to stretch your legs and not panic about missed connections if flight is slightly delayed. Random Ned Travel Tip:A great way to ensure not making friends with your airplane seat neighbor is to pull out your hand wipes and obsessively wash your tray table with crazed enthusiasm! It worked, he started leaning away from me when I fervently wiped the tray table, on both sides:-) I got to travel business class to Toronto, Frankfurt flight was economy but at least I was the aisle on the 2 seater side. I realized I'd never flown Lufthansa before, good German staff, bad movie and TV choices but what do you do? FRA airport is, shall we say, a very efficient airport. Other ... read more

It's off to Europe I go!... read more