Since she’s originally from Central America and we are blessed to travel to South America on a regular basis, we wanted to try something new to both of us.  Additionally, my family fled parts of Eastern Europe before World War II, so we decided to forgo the normal beach and sun spots, for a city with much more history: Prague.

Old town square, Prague, Czech Republic by Claire for Europe Explored

The capital of the Czech Republic (America’s of a certain age are likely still calling it Czechoslovakia) Prague is a historic city, largely spared destruction during both world war’s because Czechoslovakia was among the first conquered countries during both wars. That leaves the country will an interesting and still developing culture, as well as one of the most picturesque cities in the world.

My memories of Prague are still vivid despite being there close to a decade ago.  My first memory is that of my wife being in essence trapped at the airport, behind two huge metal doors which shut, as they allow only one person at a time to pass through customs.  Eventually they figured out a quirk or two with her passport and we were in a cab going toward the city center.  It’s an interesting and thought provoking drive.  You leave the airport and see row, after row, after row of Soviet era housing projects.  Then, almost majestically you see the spire of the Castle looming over the river in the distance.

Vltava river and Prague Castle, Czech Republic by Claire for Europe Explored

As you get closer to central Prague, the streets turn to cobblestones, traffic slows and you are instantly entered into a city which looks like something of a fairy tale.

Since we there on our honeymoon and had close to a week to explore, we decided to rent a small hotel room with a winter garden across the street from the Castle.  The area is more residential than the area by the historic city center, where most tourists spend their time.  But, it’s cheaper (we paid about $60 for around 250sq feet) and feels a lot more authentic.

Of course, getting down to the square and the city center is pretty easy and it involved about the prettiest part of a walk I’ve ever been on, being able to wander across the Charles Bridge, which was built in the 14th century.  It’s gorgeous and is a good reminder of something that the locals told us often: Paris is the other European city built around a river.

Charles Bridge, Prague, Czech Republic by Claire for Europe Explored

Lastly, I have to mention the one thing that sticks out in my mind more than anything else.  I own and operate a wine business, so I’m not exactly afraid of alcohol.  That being said, it was incredible to see the amount of beer that the locals go through.  In fact, they go through so much, my wife learned rather quickly that the universal sign for I’m Done! Is putting your coaster on top of your mug. I won’t admit to ever having done that myself, but the beer was memorable for a number of reasons.  After all, the Czech Republic is home to the original Budweiser and Pilsner seems to be being made on virtually every street corner.  The quality of course, would make even the best microbrew here in America, blush!

Mark Aselstine is the owner of Uncorked Ventures.  He loves to travel and is insane enough to bring his toddler on international flights, thereby amazing his fellow passengers when they realize the toddler knows exactly how to behave.

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