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CZECH THIS OUT... three awesome eastern European tourist
destinations!
In the 5th century BC a Celtic tribe settled in the
land called Bohemia. Over 1000 years later, in the 6th
century AD, Slavs migrated to Bohemia and became the ancestors of
today’s Czechs and Slovaks. In 1355 Charles IV was elected Holy
Roman Emperor and Prague became the capital of the Holy Roman
Empire. In 1526 the reign of the Habsburg dynasty began – and in
1918 the Austro-Hungarian Empire fell. Prague became the capital of
Czechoslovakia. In WW2 Nazi Germany occupied Prague. The Prague
Uprising on 5 May 1945 was calculated to induce the Americans to
assist. Instead, the Germans surrendered to the Russians on 8 May
and Czechoslovakia became a communist state. In 1989 the Velvet
Revolution in Prague ended communist rule. In 1993 Czechoslovakia
split into two countries: the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Prague,
the capital of the Czech Republic, is divided in two by the Vltava
River. Undamaged by the flames and fury of WW2 Prague’s
architectural splendour survives intact. Commonly
dubbed as the “city of a hundred spires”, the “golden city”, the
“mother of cities”, the “heart of Europe”, Prague is one of the most
beautiful cities in the world.
Its winding streets are lined with magnificent mansions, palaces and
cathedrals in Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical,
Art Nouveau and Modernist architectural styles. The sheer scale of
magnificence appeals to the senses and emotions of aficionado and
layman alike.
Mozart loved Prague and he reciprocated by composing many great
masterpieces, like Don Giovanni, which premiered in 1787 in Prague,
conducted by Mozart himself.
Bratislava,
the capital of Slovakia, straddles both sides of the Danube River
and is a scant 50kms from Vienna. The city marks the beginning of
the Carpathian mountain range and ethnically comprises of Slovak,
Czech, Hungarian and Romany. Bratislava is one of the most sensuous
cities of Europe and offers the liveliest nightlife imaginable. The
city is widely regarded as being Europe’s “eat, drink and be merry”
capital, and its innumerable restaurants, bars, pubs, discos and
clubs rock after dark. Bratislava is a delightful destination famous
for “stag-hen” tourism and lays claim to unspeakable romances and
adventures.
Poland
is a paradise for romantics, lovers of nature and restless drifters.
The soft green mountains, peppered with traditional wooden churches,
are one of the most secluded areas in Europe.
Danzig
is a cheerful maritime city situated on the Baltic Sea. The
architecture of the Old Town includes the largest brick Gothic
church in the world. In 1980 Gdansk witnessed the birth of the
Solidarity movement, which heralded the end of Communism.
Krakow
also escaped the conflagration of WW2 and
guests are soon captivated by its magical atmosphere and splendid
architecture. Thanks to an amazing density and diversity of bars,
pubs, clubs and restaurants, Krakow also sparkles with life.
Malbork boasts an imposing
red brick castle from 1274, which is the largest Gothic fortress in
Europe. Breslau boasts a huge Old Town built on several
islands connected by over 100 bridges. The Masuria Lakes
region, with some 3000 lakes, is a “must-see” destination for
sailing enthusiasts, fishermen, hikers, cyclists and those seeking
tranquillity.
The Tatras
is the highest part of the Carpathian Range. Considered by many to
be the most beautiful mountains in the world their spectacular
peaks are covered with all-year snow. Pristine ponds, waterfalls and
valleys make this place the most spectacular landscape in Poland.
About 250 km of trails and a wide range of slopes please the most
demanding hikers and skiers. A stay in Zakopane at the foot of the
mountains is highly recommended. Warsaw is
Poland’s capital city and was rebuilt from scratch after WW 2. Today
it is a vibrant business city with many skyscrapers. Its alluring
skyline is dominated by the enormous Palace of Culture and Science.
Be sure not to miss the enchanting Old Town, the Royal Route, the
Chopin museum, several magnificent palaces and the former Jewish
ghetto.
Meat and beer obsessed South Africans will enjoy the cuisine in
all the Eastern European countries, but especially so in the Czech
Republic, which is
home to the first Pilsner, the first Budweiser, and takes
first place for the world's per-capita beer consumption. The Czechs’
also have an insatiable appetite for meat, the world’s greatest at
about a kilo a day per person! A traditional lunch or dinner tends
to be a hearty affair dominated by no-nonsense slabs of meat
accompanied by simple dumplings, potatoes or rice and a source. Fish
(carp and trout) and fowl (roast duck with bacon dumplings and
sauerkraut) are popular, as are strudels and pancakes stuffed with
fruit, jam or ice cream. Speciality sausages and sliced baguettes
with a range of fillings make up nourishing snack foods.
For trips and tips concerning all eastern European countries
contact
richardvanzyl@telkomsa.net
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