Where in the world is Prague???

[MichelleCarmen]

ah, okay this is crazy. Very unexpected. . . but, a relative of mine called me and has offered me the opportunity to go to Prague with her in two weeks from now!!! I am overwhelmed with the notion, but talked to my husband and my best friend and both are saying, "Go, go, go!", so I may go. The only obstical is I do not have a passport. Yes, at nearly 35, I never bothered to get one! So, tomorrow I am calling to find out how to get an expedited one. . .

In addition to the passport, I''m FREAKED about going to the Czech Republic! I''ve never been to Europe and DH and I plan to visit France in the spring, but not a country,with SNOW and freezing weather in the middle of winter, and scary people who may not speak english. Do ANY of them even speak english??? What language do they speak there? Czechlian? Praguelian?

AHHH. . .

Okay, has anyone visited Prague? I asked on another forum and the majority of responses were from people who loved it there. It''s so close to Christmas that it would be fun, right?

Keep in mind, I will be ON MY OWN for at least half the time (days) as the relative is there for business. I speak ONLY english!

Can anyone provide insight as to the reality of spending a week there in winter basically on my own? Would it be fun or scary?

 

[neatfreak]

Take a deep breath. You will be FINE! It is a modern country, with very smart (and not scary!) people, many of whom speak English. You will have no problems and it is a GORGEOUS city with a lot to do. I would go back in a heartbeat and last time I was there it was January and I had a blast anyway. So I say GO GO GO!!!!

EDIT: And they speak Czech there...it's hard to learn but learning a few phrases like "hello" and "thank you" will really make you a lot of friends there among store merchants, etc. To get an expedited passport you will have to make an appointment at the closest passport processing agency which often is in a big city and go there in person. Small cities usually don't have one. And call NOW.

EDIT 2: And here is the link for the regional passport places you will have to visit:

http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/about/agencies/agencies_913.html

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Thank you. The closest regional city is less than an hour away, so that should be okay and I''ll call in the morning. The trip will be a few weeks before my birthday. Quite the present!

How expensive is food and entertainment? I''m wondering how much I should bring. Thanks.

 

[scarleta]

MC you will be ok and will have lots of fun.You may even be able to speak little Chech after your return.The young crowd will most likely speak some Englih.Go and enjoy...take warm clothes..or go shopping..

 

[decodelighted]

GO GO GO. I hope T.Gal weighs in soon ... think she''s been there. I haven''t been but I did venture out of the US for the first time at 30 & haven''t looked back yet. MORE MORE MORE. Don''t worry too much about language. You only need a few phrases to get by since so much of the world is bi/tri-lingual (shame on us!

)

Just don''t put too much pressure on yourself to go crazy seeing stuff while there. Just strolling around & shopping & having coffee & trying out foods etc. is just as important and sometimes more fun than dutifully visiting "tourist attractions".

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 11/15/2007 12:30:42 AM
Author: MC
Thank you. The closest regional city is less than an hour away, so that should be okay and I''ll call in the morning. The trip will be a few weeks before my birthday. Quite the present!


How expensive is food and entertainment? I''m wondering how much I should bring. Thanks.

It depends on how far outside of the touristy area you are brave enough to venture! In the scheme of things, Prague is not a particularly expensive city, but like any other touristy city the closer you get to landmarks the more expensive things are. You really can eat/shop/etc. there for as much or as little as you like really. So just bring what you are comfortable spending and once you are there ration it the way you see fit.

 

[TravelingGal]

Date: 11/15/2007 12:17:12 AM
Author:MC
ah, okay this is crazy. Very unexpected. . . but, a relative of mine called me and has offered me the opportunity to go to Prague with her in two weeks from now!!! I am overwhelmed with the notion, but talked to my husband and my best friend and both are saying, 'Go, go, go!', so I may go. The only obstical is I do not have a passport. Yes, at nearly 35, I never bothered to get one! So, tomorrow I am calling to find out how to get an expedited one. . .

In addition to the passport, I'm FREAKED about going to the Czech Republic! I've never been to Europe and DH and I plan to visit France in the spring, but not a country,with SNOW and freezing weather in the middle of winter, and scary people who may not speak english. Do ANY of them even speak english??? What language do they speak there? Czechlian? Praguelian?

AHHH. . .

Okay, has anyone visited Prague? I asked on another forum and the majority of responses were from people who loved it there. It's so close to Christmas that it would be fun, right?

Keep in mind, I will be ON MY OWN for at least half the time (days) as the relative is there for business. I speak ONLY english!

Can anyone provide insight as to the reality of spending a week there in winter basically on my own? Would it be fun or scary?

MC, first of all, make sure you can get a passport. There have been all kinds of horror stories lately with how long it's taking...even expedited.

Secondly, is your friend paying for the ticket? It would be pretty pricey this time of year.

Thirdly, Prague is awesome. I went in the winter after christmas and yes, it's cold and can be gray. I got lucky and got sunny crisp days. TGuy and I met in the Czech Republic, actually.

Do yourself a favor and do some searches on the net...a little research and understanding of the country will go a long way. I still know some czech words and it was much appreciated by the locals. Calm yourself down a bit...this is a great opportunity. These people are not "scary" and you will find English spoken all over Europe, actually. Some will speak it in the CR, some won't. Don't expect them to...after all, it's not America.

As for whether it will be fun or scary. Depends how adventurous you are and if you LIKE spending time by yourself NORMALLY. I loved it...I was in Europe for 4 months by myself. You'll be able to be selfish and do what you want! And how often do you get to be selfish in your current life with the hubby and kids? My guess is not often!

Prague (called Praha in Czech) is magical. Gorgeous and one of my favorite cities in Europe. I can't imagine how gorgeous it would be during the holidays. Europeans, in general, aren't goofy grinners like Americans (I do love that about America though). I find the French especially non-smiley, but it's cultural. They just don't nod and smile at people as much as we do, so don't take it personally (if you want that, go to Ireland. I LOVE Ireland!). I didn't find the Czech people especially warm, but they were always helpful when asked. Especially when I asked them if they could speak English in Czech.

Don't forget to try Czech beers. Probably the best known in the U.S. is Pilsner Urquell (not sure if that spelled that correctly). The "original" bud is Czech and is called "budvar" (sold in the U.S. under czechvar). There are ton of others...and I think I went through all of them. Raise your glass, say "Na zdraví!" (cheers in Czech), bring your glass back down to the table and then drink! Good fun.

There are a million things to do in Prague, but there are other places you could go as well. I believe Kutna Hora has a church or something made of human bones...I didn't go, but I think it would be trippy. TGuy and I met in a wonderful little town called Cesky Krumlov.

I am not sure how savvy a traveler you are, but certainly Europe can be intimidating for the first timer. Just keep your wits about you and you will be fine. There are tons of articles of cons and scams that you'll find in Europe, so read up on that too.

 

[decodelighted]

Here is the New York Times' "36 Hours in Prague" feature. That should get ya started!

ETA: I found this in the "comments" section
Prague is indeed a spectacular city, great for walking (be sure to bring good shoes -- many of the streets are made of cobblestone, so forget about high heels!), and full of colorful surprises. The Jewish Quarter is the most lively part of the city; not only for its historical resonance, but also for contemporary street music, great shopping, and interesting ethnic restaurants of many varieties. However, the language barrier in this country can be insurmountable (the Czech Republic is not one of those places where you can assume that "everyone speaks English") so be sure to bring a phrase book, and study up on the language a bit before you make your trip. Also be prepared for a level of grumpiness amongst the general public previously reserved for Parisian waiters.

 

[TravelingGal]

Date: 11/15/2007 12:30:42 AM
Author: MC
Thank you. The closest regional city is less than an hour away, so that should be okay and I''ll call in the morning. The trip will be a few weeks before my birthday. Quite the present!

How expensive is food and entertainment? I''m wondering how much I should bring. Thanks.

MC, I would have to look up whether they are still on the crown or not (it''s been 5 years since I''ve been there and I remember that they were going to go Euro), but when I went it was DIRT cheap. If you go slightly out of the tourist areas, I am talking about beers for 25 cents and full on dinners for two bucks. Keep in mind though that the US dollar is in the DUMP.

Now that I think about it, let me look it up....

OK, ICK! ICK! I see the Czech Koruna is still on the exchange list. 1 USD will get you 18 crown/Koruna. Ugh! When I was there, we got 30 crown to the dollar. That means everything now costs double.

Can you manage paying 50 cents for a beer now?

In touristy areas, I remember it cost about 1 buck or so. Now it may be 2 bucks. Either way, this is still good news for you. I had read it was going to be 2008 when they go Euro, but apparently I did a quick search and now they are saying 2012, if ever. The CR was one of the cheapest countries I went to, in terms of food and drink. Tourist areas will charge accordingly. You can haggle with vendors. Do it even though you feel uncomfortable...they expect it.

Oh, and stay away from Czech wine, unless it got better over the last 5 years.

 

[TravelingGal]

Date: 11/15/2007 12:48:28 AM
Author: decodelighted
Here is the New York Times'' ''36 Hours in Prague'' feature. That should get ya started!

ETA: I found this in the ''comments'' section
Prague is indeed a spectacular city, great for walking (be sure to bring good shoes -- many of the streets are made of cobblestone, so forget about high heels!), and full of colorful surprises. The Jewish Quarter is the most lively part of the city; not only for its historical resonance, but also for contemporary street music, great shopping, and interesting ethnic restaurants of many varieties. However, the language barrier in this country can be insurmountable (the Czech Republic is not one of those places where you can assume that ''everyone speaks English'') so be sure to bring a phrase book, and study up on the language a bit before you make your trip. Also be prepared for a level of grumpiness amongst the general public previously reserved for Parisian waiters.

LOL, good to know my impressions weren''t totally off the mark.

Cobblestones...definitely. This isn''t Paris, so IMHO, you don''t have to dress stylish. It''s winter. Be warm and comfy.

 

[Sparkster]

Borrow the movie Casino Royale (the one with Daniel Craig) if you haven''t seen it yet. Some of the locations were filmed in the Czech Republic. And my word, did they take my breath away.

My sister went a few years ago and she said Prague was one of the most beautiful cities she had ever visited.

 

[TravelingGal]

Date: 11/15/2007 1:05:26 AM
Author: Sparkster
Borrow the movie Casino Royale (the one with Daniel Craig) if you haven't seen it yet. Some of the locations were filmed in the Czech Republic. And my word, did they take my breath away.

My sister went a few years ago and she said Prague was one of the most beautiful cities she had ever visited.

I believe it was filmed in Loket. Prague is so cheap that many movies are filmed there. I believe Bourne Identity was also. When I was there, Hugh Jackman was in town filming Van Helsing.

 

[TravelingGal]

MC, because I believe that a pic is worth 1000 words, here are a few of my Prague pics. You''d be nutso not to go.

Looking at the city from across the Vtlava river...

 

[TravelingGal]

On the Charles Bridge (Karluv Most) listening to a glass musician...

 

[TravelingGal]

And you want snow! It makes a gray day just magic. Me and my cousin (who came to visit while I was there) stomping around in some fresh stuff!

 

[TravelingGal]

And finally, looking at the castle from the bridge at night. Yes, it was cold!!

 

[Po10472]

Lucky you getting to go to Prague. You will love it, especially if you''ve never been to Europe, so this is a good way to start. Culturally its a huge difference from the US so go with no expectations that it will be like ''home''.

I have been to Prague lots of times and there are lots and lots of things to do in the city itself and the wee towns around and about that you could visit, each unique, Kutna Hora, the church of bones but also in the town itself there''s an amazing cathedral and quaint wee restaurants, there''s Brno, with its beautiful buildings and monastry, then there''s the spa town of Karlovy Vary.

In Prague itself there is the famous Charles bridge, Prague castle and cathedral which overlooks the city, the lesser town, the jewish quarter, the old town and the new town. You can travel by tube or tram, I would recommend doing both but if you travel by tram you see much more. There are also beautiful art deco cafe''s where you can eat and 500 year old taverns where you can taste the amazing beer.............the list is endless.

My recommendations - purchase a Rough Guide or Lonely planet guide to Prague and read as much as you can. Get yourself a good map, the town is split into zones, Praha 1, 2 etc. Unfortunately the dollar is extremely bad against the euro just now so you''ll find that everything is expensive, but you''ll also be doing touristy stuff so its always going to be that bit dearer. Take a camera with lots of film/memory cos you''re going to be blown away with the architecture. Lastly..........enjoy, this is an experience of a liftetime and one you should relish with excitement and fear.

I''m doing the opposite, I''m heading off to NYC in a fortnight and I''ve never been there, ok I''ve been to florida and california but never the big apple and I''ve been digesting my rough guide and looking at maps and getting my bearings.

We''ll have to share photos and stories on our return.

Enjoy!

here''s a wee taster of the old town square.......my hotel was the building on the right.

 

[chiquitapet]

Hi MC,

I am from Czech republic, specifically from Brno (2nd largest city after Prague) and I can assure you, you`ll have a great time!!! Most of us learned English since primary school, so you shouldn''t have much trouble with communication (at least not with people under 30). Prague is a very beautiful city and most tourists love it. And the fact that it`s winter and cold IMO adds to the beauty and the magic of the sights and the historical atmosphere.

As TravelinGal said, czech people do not smile too much and generally don''t look very happy (one of the reasons why I moved to Australia. So don''t take it personally, that`s just how it is over there. I partly blame the grey, depressing weather most of the year.

All the prices in Prague have double-standards - different prices for tourists and czechs. But if you`re alone without a czech companion, you can''t really avoid it. So just go with the flow, go on various tours around the city with guides - they will either have specific tours for foreigners with english speaking guide, or when you go through castles and churches you can rent an english tour "tape".

Don''t be afraid to venture alone, but I suggest you stay close to the main attractions and other tourists and make sure you have your wallet in the inside pocket of your jacket or somewhere else that`s safe. Don''t wanna scare you, but it`s better to be cautious.

Prague is a major tourist centre, so you`ll always find something to do and there`s lots of information areas that will direct you the right way. It can be scary to be on your own for couple of days in a foreign country. But try not to stay in a nice warm hotel room (I know, it`s hard!

), put on some gloves, get out there and enjoy this wonderful city.

 

[AGBF]

Date: 11/15/2007 12:17:12 AM
Author:MC
but not a country,with SNOW and freezing weather in the middle of winter right?

This threw me for a minute. I thought of Connecticut. What''s so different from home?

Have fun in Prague. I''ve never been, although I had an aunt who went there as a child to get treatments for arthritis before World War II. I remember she called it Praha and called the country Chess-co-slo-vakia. (That was before the country was divided back into its Czech and Slovak parts again.) My family is Slovak and from what I gather Slovakia might be a scary place to go because it is more wild and unsophisticated. Apparently it is the European equivalent of Montana. One may not meet many sophisticated people in the countryside. I have seen photos of isolated houses on mountain sides among pine trees. I have never been to Slokvakia either, however.

Deb

 

[ccuheartnurse]

I had a co-worker go there recently & she said it was gorgeous & more cosmopolitan than she thought it would be. I''ve never been but after hearing her stories & seeing her pics, makes me think I''ll have to put that on my list of places to visit.

Have fun! What a great opportunity!

Judy

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

My neighbours are from the Czech Republic--and revisted this summer. Enjoyed their stay despite the pants weather.... I would love to go, this destination is on my radar!! Hope it works out for you!

cheers--Sharon

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Everyone - thanks so much for all your advice. I so much appreciate it and am going to compile a list of as many tips as I can.

Last night in doing a quick search, there was a message board where comments about the lack of smiles caught my attention, so it seems that is felt by everyone and I'll try and prepare for that.

TGal - the airfare and hotel are paid for. The relative has an injured leg and is using one of those rolling scooter things and she is listing me as an "assistant" to her since she'll have a tough getting about (which is another reason I'll be on my own, since she can't walk). My only expenses will be food and LOADS of beer. Nice to hear that is a staple beverage there!

I am kind of a loner, so being on my own may be okay. I usually stay around home though and haven't even ventured into the main city close by me, so walking around Prague is an extreme move for me!

Anyhow, I'm working on the passport today and will report back when I can. With Thanksgiving next week, it may be too short of time. I regret not getting my butt to the Passport office last summer as I had planned.

Thanks again so much for all your gals' help!

ETA - also, any rules regarding jewelry? Should I just wear a wedding band or is my small .42 stone okay? What about earrings? Should I keep my studs at home? I have a pair of .50 ctw and the .82 ctw ones I just got. Would either of those be okay? That's all I'd wear. No necklaces or other items.

 

[ChargerGrrl]

yes, yes, yes- go to Prague!

Hubby and I were there two summers ago, and we had a blast! The beer and food (hungarian goulash) was yummy. And yep, things there are relatively cheap (in comparison to other European cities).

Here''s a couple of our pics

View of Charles Bridge

 

[ChargerGrrl]

Old Town Hall. We took the elevator up to the viewing gallery. Spectular views!

 

[ChargerGrrl]

oh yeah, one last tidbit.
visit U Fleku, one of the oldest beer halls in Europe. It was a bit touristy, but there were locals there and it was a must-do on our list (hubby is a beer guru)

 

[MichelleCarmen]

The city looks so cute and unique compared to all the places I''ve visited!

Passport place will expedite my application but will not allow me to make an appointment before 14 days of travel. They said I''d get it in time if it''s Fed Ex''d to me. So tomorrow I''ll shop for boots & a coat

!

 

[movie zombie]

have a beer for me, please!

movie zombie

 

[TravelingGal]

MC, I found this document that I did for a colleague early this year who was thinking of going. I thought it might be helpful for you. I HIGHLY recommend the website listed at the top...go to the tourism link. This website has been a fave on a travel forum I frequented for years!

Oh, and the czech word for beer is Pivo...very important word!

-----

An AWESOME website (and fun to read) is http://livingprague.com/ . This is a guy who lives there and gives his two cents. He writes practical stuff like what to do when you enter an intimidating restaurant, how to get seated, order, pay etc. There’s also a great article on scams, including ones that restaurants pull. Definitely worth a look.

THINGS TO SEE AND CHECK OUT

The Charles Bridge (Karlùv most in Czech) is worth seeing. Gorgeous by day or night. Night is especially pretty because of the view of the castle all lit up. Try to avoid peak times (high noon) when it is PACKED with tourists…and pickpockets.

Prague Castle – worth a look on the outside. I never went inside but I hear it can be worth it.

The Astronomical Clock. A neat clock and probably one of Prague’s more recognized landmarks. Keep your wallet in check in this area, especially when it’s on the hour and there are more people around.

Tesco – A great place to look if you are into looking at markets in different countries, not to mention a cheaper place to get anything you may need. When it went, it was interesting to observe how nothing is “free”. You had to pay to take a cart, and many brought their own shopping bags.

FOOD…and DRINK!
Areas for cheaper eats (and drink!) Wenceslas Square, Charles Square, the area around Tesco, and Zizkov. Old Town Square and the Castle is where you’ll be paying the most. From what I recall, the prices were very different. From a dollar beer in old town vs 25 cents a beer in Zizkov. The dollar has weakened in the last few years however, so that 25 cent beer may be a lot harder to find.

Pubs…
Pivnice U Rudolfina located at Køížovnická 10 I went to this one a couple of times, as we knew some locals there. It is a great traditional Czech pub that isn’t too far from city center. It’s kind of intimidating when you walk in, but worth it for the beer and simple food. Sausage, dumplings, game, are the usual Czech offerings. And by dumplings, I mean balls of dough/bread…not the chicken or meat filled kind that you are probably used to. I do believe they have potato dumplings though. Goulash is another popular dish (and it’s best sopped up with bread dumplings!). Food is hearty at best, heavy and greasy at worst. Just typical central European fare and probably won’t knock your socks off, but still fun to try. Here’s are a couple of links with a quick review.

http://www.praguepubs.co.uk/pubs_details.php?id=3
http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/3030

Often times at a pub, they will just leave a piece of paper at your table and mark it as they bring you beers/food. So don’t lose that paper…waiters can be surly! Also keep in mind that often in Europe, nothing is free. They will put bread on your table, and if it stays there, you pay for it. If you don’t want to be charged for it, reject it right off the bat.

The “Nonstop”. Lots of regular bars close early, but they have what is called the “nonstop”, which is what it sounds like…a place you can drink non-stop. I won’t recommend any to you…as I honestly don’t remember where I was. Guess that happens when you drink non stop.

Good Czech beers to try (and a spirit too)

They say that Czech Beers don’t give you a hangover because there are no preservatives in it. They are known for their beers, so it’s worth trying all you can. Here are some I remember. They are all lighter, yet flavorful.

Plzensky Prazdroj aka Pilsner Urquell (which you can get here but better there!)
Budvar (called Czechvar in the U.S. It’s the original “bud” and it’s probably my favorite)
Gambrinus
Staropramen
Krusovice
Radegast

Czech Beers are also measured in degrees. Here’s a quick rundown of what that means from a website I found.

Beer is measured here with degrees, according to the method devised by Professor Balling in the 17th century. The degree sign caused some confusion for consumers in the past, as international norms used it to signify the temperature of brewing and other things. So it was changed to a percentage sign, which causes confusion among consumers today. Many think that the percent is the amount of alcohol, but it's actually the amount of malt extract used in the brewing process. The percentage of alcohol is about a quarter of the "percent" shown on the bottle, so 12% beer is roughly 3.1% alcohol, though it's often higher. Czech beer comes in degrees from 6-19%, but 10% and 12% are the most common.

A popular Czech spirit is becherovka. I remember a bit of it, but couldn’t tell you how it tastes. Have it after a meal as it aids digestion – you’ll need it after all those stinkin’ dumplings. I prefer it neat but mixing it with tonic is popular too. You also may see slivovice (plum brandy). And of course, there is legal absinthe. Personally, I wouldn’t go there as it can make the trek back to your hotel very ugly…and make ugly people beautiful. (Although admittedly, absinthe is probably no worse than any other spirit. It’s more likely the combination of half dozen beers, a bit of becherovka, and then that final bit of absinthe that gets you. It always seems like a good idea at the time………………..)

Tips on money – try to pay in crowns…even if they say they accept Euro or dollars. If you buy something on credit card and they say they can charge you in U.S. Dollars, decline. They will give you a rate in THEIR favor. Your bank will always give the best rate, so just tell them to charge in crown.

Have fun!

 

[phoenixgirl]

I''m so jealous! Have a wonderful trip!

Prague was once a place off the beaten track for those "in the know" to visit while the "tourists" went to Rome and Paris (where you could still make the dollar go really far). I think the secret is out now, and it''s on the itinerary for many, many people visiting Europe. You''ll be fine!

Oh, I am swooning with jealousy!

 

[Dogmom]

I lived in Europe for several years and Prague was one of my favorite weekend destinations. The culture, history, and food are all wonderful. The architecture is absolutely stunning as it escaped WWII unscathed and city officials were in the process of restoring the buildings that had become run-down under the communisits. I believe it is still considered a bargain for tourists compared to western Euope. Part of "Mission Impossible" was filmed there and everytime I watch it, I feel nostalgic.

What a wonderful adventure you have ahead of you!!