Every Good Thing Must Come to an End

On the plane headed home to JFK, then MCO. See you soon!

Prague Sightseeing

We woke up and the hotel breakfast was just okay and very crowded so Bob went across the street for a cappucino. We headed for the famous Charles Bridge. The Charles Bridge (Czech: Karlův most listen (help·info)) is a famous historic bridge that crosses the Vltava river in Prague, Czech Republic. Its construction started in 1357 under the auspices of King Charles IV, and finished in the beginning of the 15th century. As the only means of crossing the river Vltava (Moldau) until 1841, the Charles Bridge was the most important connection between Prague Castle and the city’s Old Town and adjacent areas. This “solid-land” connection made Prague important as a trade route between Eastern and Western Europe. The bridge was originally called the Stone Bridge (Kamenný most) or the Prague Bridge (Pražský most) but has been the “Charles Bridge” since 1870.

The bridge is 516 meters long and nearly 10 meters wide, resting on 16 arches shielded by ice guards. It is protected by three bridge towers, two of them on the Lesser Quarter side and the third one on the Old Town side. The Old Town bridge tower is often considered to be one of the most astonishing civil gothic-style buildings in the world. The bridge is decorated by a continuous alley of 30 statues and statuaries, most of them baroque-style, originally erected around 1700 but now all replaced by replicas.

At night Charles Bridge is a quiet place, but during the day it changes its face into a very busy venue with painters, owners of kiosks, and vendors alongside numerous tourists crossing the bridge. Then made a quick morning stop at McDonalds for a diet coke and snack. Then made our way up the steep roadway up towards the Castle. Along the way Sandra and Bob bought some wooden girl nesting dolls. Prague Castle (Czech: Pražský hrad) is a castle in Prague where the Kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman Emperors and presidents of Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic have had their offices. The Czech Crown Jewels are kept here. Prague Castle is the biggest castle in the world (according to Guinness Book of Records the biggest ancient castle) at about 570 metres in length and an average of about 130 metres wide. Our timing was perfect as large crowds were gathering to watch the formal changing of the guards which was a neat process to view. We then toured inside the beautiful Saint Vitus’ Cathedral (Czech: Katedrála svatého Víta.) It is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Prague, and the seat of the Archbishop of Prague. The full name of the cathedral is St. Vitus, St. Wenceslas and St. Adalbert Cathedral.

Located within Prague Castle and containing the tombs of many Bohemian kings and Holy Roman Emperors, this cathedral is an excellent example of Gothic architecture and is the biggest and most important church in the country. The cathedral is under the ownership of the Czech government as part of the Prague Castle complex. I was hungry so we stopped at an outdoor cafe in the castle complex and had some delicious goulash on bread. After our break we continued our way back down and headed back to the other side of the river for some shopping. Sandra got her beloved “Prague witch.” Then we hit up some vendor stands for ham, halusky, and of course beers and brats. We continued exploring the streets of Prague and eventually stopped at a wine cafe. We enjoyed a 3-flights tasting menu (Jeremy got whites and I got reds.). We then headed towards our hotel and met a couple along the way who are from the US but are living in Germany as a military family. They joined us for a beer in a local bar, and we found out they were staying right across from our hotel in an apartment so we went over for a drink. HOW spacious and lovely! After being overserved, we made our way across the street back to our hotel. Afternoon flights back home tomorrow – can’t believe vacation is over!

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Happy Easter from Prague, Czech Republic

We woke up and ventured downstairs because we heard the breakfast was amazing at our Dresden hotel and it definitely was. Tons of choices, from fruit, bread, yogurt, cereal, cheeses, meats, sausages, bacon to custom egg dishes. The bacon-wrapped hot dog things were especially delicious and they also had self-serve mimosas. A great Easter morning brunch. So…based on our tour of Dresden the day before, we felt like an Easter church service might be a “production” in such a large tourist town (there were lines out the door the day before even), so we decided to just head for Prague. I miss my Sunrise church service tradition though. We said our goodbyes and Jerry and family say HELLO to all in Oviedo!!! There is lots of snow as we’re nearing Prague. We saw a cool castle nearing Prague so pulled over on the side of the road for a photo op. We found our Red Chair Hotel (Hotel Cervene Zidle) in the old town and got dropped off so Jeremy and Bob could return the rental car. We will miss the precious Skoda, especially since Jeremy figured our we had “sport mode” today. Our room wasn’t ready so Sandra and I stopped by some Easter Markets nearby. Although I bought some more Easter Eggs, I was somewhat disappointed, comparing this tourist town, shops, and markets to Daytona Beach tourist items or Flea World. I did find a really cool store called Manukatura (original Czech tradition) that had great items. When Bob and Jeremy returned, we hit a local restaurant for beers and brat snacks – Pilsner Urquell Original Restaurant. They were hanging stands of pretzels on the table you could eat. We then hit the town and boy was it busy – it didn’t even seem like Easter Sunday – so weird. We walked around and saw the Astronomical clock go off at 4pm and walked the old town square. We saw traditional dancers on stage performing and got some halusky from a vendor. We also tried the sweet treat of trdelnik, a cylindrical pastry. These are often sold hot with a dusting of cinnamon, sugar, and nuts. Sweet and a little flaky, they’re an inexpensive snack that will warm your fingers and satisfy your sweet tooth. The trdelnik pastry is made by wrapping dough around a stick (wooden or metal) and roasting it over an open flame until it is golden brown and fully cooked. Usually, it is possible to watch part of the process of trdelnik making when you purchase your treat – the vendors often sell from open stalls along the street. Bob also got smazene bramborove spiralky (potato chips) from a vendor. Sandra and Jeremy enjoyed a casino during the walk as well but were not so lucky this time. We also bought another small item indicitive of the Czech Easter tradition – Young, live pussywillow twigs are thought to bring health and youth to anyone who is whipped with them. An Easter pomlázka (from pomladit or “make younger”) is a braided whip made from pussywillow twigs. It has been used for centuries by boys who go caroling on Easter Monday and symbolically whip girls on the legs. There would be no Czech Easter without the pomlázka. Boys used to make their own pomlázkas in the past. The more twigs, the more difficult it was to braid one. This skill is not widespread anymore and pomlázkas can be bought in stores and street stands. Some men don’t even bother and use a single twig or even a wooden spoon! We were starting to get hungry so actually hit up the same restaurant for dinner with lots of beers, chicken wings, and a fabulous large roasted pork knee to share – delicious!!! Headed back to our room for a glass of Slovak wine and some relaxing. Sandra and Jeremy are playing cards again. Hoping to explore some historic sights tomorrow. Happy Easter!

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Snowy Day in Dresden, Germany | Magnificent Treasures

Woke up and packed, but skipped the free hotel breakfast. Instead, walked over to McDonalds for a fountain diet coke to start my day. A small market was just opening so Sandra and I looked through the shops and a large amazing church filled the background. All of the buildings are really amazing in Europe. We then left and drove to nearby Dresden, Germany. The drive on back roads and small towns was really beautiful. Another cool observation is that in front of the houses, everyone has their shrubs and trees decorated with lots of painted Easter eggs. Meat and cheese; meat and cheese moment. Thank goodness for mom Sandra who has been keeping our snacks safe – we had a great snack during our drive and I made a sandwich of salami and cheese on a baguette. I’ve also noticed there are lots of windfarms everywhere we’ve traveled thus far. So…we arrived in Dresden and found that it’s FREEZING today – weather reports predicted snow in Dresden – they were not wrong! One minute we were sweating and 75/80 degrees in Bratislava, and now we are VERY bundled up. We are appreciative that Jerry had coordinated getting us all tickets to the Dresden Residenzchloss (Palace), which was not only the seat of government of the former electors and kings of Saxony; it has been a cultural focal point within the city. It underwent a costly and complex reconstruction after it was destroyed in WWII. We saw the Turckische Cammer (Collection of Oriental Art of the Armoury) – talk about fancy and bejeweled guns, knives, and saddles! The Neues Grunes Gewolbe (Treasure Museum) also showcased amazing items, lots of jewelry, including the world’s only green diamond and it was HUGE at 41 carats. We had a special admission ticket to the Historisches Grunes Gewolbe (Historic Green Vault) and had to leave jackets, purses, etc and only be admitted 2 people at a time. There were beautiful ivory carvings, bronze statues, jewels, and other precious treasury objects. We had an issue getting our purses back from coat check but after Sandra and I got fired up, they Finally returned them – holy heart attack!!! We all loved the museum! After our museum time, we all walked around the city. Jeremy and Bob got brats from a local vendor and we all got hot chocolates because it was still snowing off and on. We did some window shopping and stopped at a cafe for soup (my potato soup had sliced hotdogs in it-weird) and ice cream. Jeremy needs to brush up on his German as he went to the wrong water closet: Damen (ladies) Herren (men). Can’t fault him because “da men” sounds like it’s for men… We also grabbed some candied nuts (just like at the MAGIC basketball games.) Finally we all met at the parking garage and drove the 20 minutes to our hotel outside of town. Schloss Hotel Dresden Pillnitz was built by Saxon King August the Strong. I walked around the grounds while others were relaxing or wandering, and again it started snowing. It is so beautiful and awesome to be staying in a palace. We all wanted to take it easy tonight so we just went out and grabbed McDonalds and I’m enjoying a glass of wine in the room. FYI – they are having the Monopoly promotion and Bob won a McCappucino. When we returned, the hotel had left us an Easter Treat which is delicious and a nice surprise. Wishing everyone a HAPPY EASTER!! Missing the family and hope everyone enjoys hunting eggs tomorrow. He is Risen – He is Risen Indeed!!!

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Hiking the “Cesky Raj” in the Czech Republic

Woke up and headed to Samuel and Petra’s apartment for breakfast – there was a fabulous spread of food with lots of selections. We all especially liked the Slovak string cheese. Soon we were off for our drive towards Prague. The weather is overcast today and the temperature has dropped a lot – we’ve bundled up. After a fast drive, we arrived at the Cesky Raj area “rock cities” and had lunch at a casual restaurant at the bottom of the mountains (actually in a bowling alley.) I had great cauliflower soup. Next we parked and began our hike of the yellow trail of the Cesky Raj. There were so many trail options. We ended up at the top of a hill at a castle house that was beautiful and we stopped for a break. Jerry was quite prepared with a thermal container of coffee and a flask of the infamous Slovak brandy. We warmed up with a group shot and some coffee, and then continued our hike back down. We saw a peacock which was pretty and found a lot of great photo opportunities. What a great day of hiking!!! We then headed to our hotel in Liberec – easily checked in to hotel Radnice. It was pretty funny because the kids had the large spacious suite rooms and the parents got the smaller rooms (just by chance.) Bob was beginning to feel the gut-pluggers/butchy taking hold so he was happy to relax in the room. Everyone took it pretty easy and Jeremy and I just ate dinner in the hotel restaurant. Soon everyone joined us for some evening drinks. We enjoyed some beers and great company, including a local summer favorite of a beer/sprite mixture. Then Sandra and Jeremy played some cards in our room before heading to bed. Off to Germany tomorrow.

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The Skoda Upgrade to Piestany, Slovakia

Started our morning early as I could hear the construction outside our window. Bob, Sandra and I ventured downstairs to try the breakfast that was included in our room price. It was great and a continental style, but each person could also custom order eggs. We packed up and checked out and had the hotel call us a cab to take us to the Budget rental car kiosk at the airport. Well…the Gaineys are traveling in style because next thing we know a private driver was at our hotel to help with our luggage (he had a special sticker to drive into the pedestrian-only old town) and we got into our luxurious mercedes for the quick 20 minute ride. There were no lines or people at Budget so we were easily able to upgrade to a larger car without and extra charge. We were lucky because they said in summer there are Crazy lines and too many people. As we waited for Jeremy to bring our car around, we saw a tiny red car in the distance…I said “I bet this is us” and Sandra said heeeeck no, we can’t fit in that”…and here comes Jeremy BEEP BEEP. We barely fit the luggage but were off in our sweet European Skoda. The drive to Piestany was pretty quick and we found the street where we would meet Petra but couldn’t find the exact apartment at first. We asked neighbors and they appeared confused. Petra finally emailed me and popped her head out and we were in the right place. There was plenty of room for Bob and Sandra so Petra was able to help us cancel the Pension Diana reservation and we will all stay in the apartments. The accomodations are SO nice and the hospitality is so greatly appreciated. Jerry and Samuel had work commitments so Petra showed us around Piestany. The downtown area is very pretty. We saw “Spa Island” and drank some of the healing water. Then we went to lunch at the Kursalon which is where Petra and Samuel had their wedding reception in the adjoining ballroom – very beautiful! We all chose from the special of the day where there were three choices for the main course. One of the choices was meatless as Petra explained it is the tradition of “no meat Thursdays” during Lent. Bob ordered Buchty (a Slovak classic) with plum sauce and we all ordered a chicken dish. We of course all shared and I loooooved the buchty. First a large bowl of soup was brought out for everyone to share – a chicken type soup with dumplings. Everything was great and very affordable. Petra had us try the waffles from a local vendor and they were so goof – similar to the Christmas wafers we eat. We walked back to our apartment and had a break before traveling to my family’s church in Adamovske Kochanovce. Petra’s mother was also able to join us. I saw the chandelier donated by the family in 1969 and also the old historic recordbook showing my grandaddy Ferdinand’s information and baptism notes. The book had entries from as far back as 1870 to 1919. Next we were back to our apartments for an hour break before dinner. We drove up to a great restaurant where there were deer pens and great food. The cabbage soup was especially fantastic and we got to feed the deer bread outside. Jerry also had us try a local plum brandy and WOW it was strong!!! Petra also presented Sandra and I beautiful ceramic Easter Eggs and we love them! When we got back, we enjoyed some local wine at the apartment with Samuel, Petra, and Jerry. Enjoyed looking at photos from Petra’s visit to the States so long ago and hearing lots of stories from Jerry about my gr grandaddy Ferdinand. We are tired so getting to sleep early tonight. We have a very early morning tommorrow. Loving our time here…

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Amazing Day in Bratislava with Slovak Friends

Arrived at the main station and took a quick cab ride to our hotel, Michalska Brana. It was easy to find in the old town and once we checked in (our room is awesome, very modern and large with a huge bathroom) we found friends Lukas and Michaela and baby Sarah waiting outside to show us the city. Michaela presented us a gift of her beautiful artwork-can’t wait to find the perfect place in our house to display it. They were so prepared with lots of detailed information regarding the main sights of the city – our own personal local tour guides!!! A few doors down from our hotel is the Michael Tower, the city’s only surviving tower gate. With a 14th century top, 16th century top, and 18th century steeple. Next we walked toward the Monument of the Slovak National Uprising. Nearby, they had set up a traditional lunch at a Slovak restaurant. It was recommended that we begin with soup and the garlic/cheese soup in a breadbowl was SO good! As a devout diet coke drinker, our friends recommended we try the “local” cola called Kofola. It has a strange taste kind of like coke but with a nyquil/licorice aftertaste. Beer was also a suggestion. Lukas ordered a variety of Slovak items served family style. We were able to try a form of perogi and also halosky a variety of ways: savory – cheese, bacon, saurkrat and sweet-poppyseed (mom’s favorite!) and sugar/nut. What a WONDERFUL meal but we are stuffed! After lunch we continued our sightseeing. We walked past the Primatial Palacean where Napolean signed a peace treaty with Austria’s Franz I in 1805. Next was the Main Square and there was a small market along it that we explored. We also viewed the Slovak National Theater and the Slovak National Gallery. We strolled along the Hviezdoslavovo square where there were local vendors and a market set up. Lukas went to a vendor and got us a version of warm honey mulled wine which we sipped as we walked – they said it is very healthy for us. Jeremy and I also visited a cool wooden tool and kitchen utensils vendor. Western end near the waterfront is the Plague Column statue named Rybne nam (fish square) as it is all that remains of the old fish market, another victim of the New bridge. Viewed St. Martin’s Cathedral, Bratislava’s foremost gothic structure with a copy of the Hungarian royal crown placed on top of the tower. We walked to the Church of St. Elizabeth also known as the “Blue Church” in Art-Nouveau style. Michaela had to go home and pick up Andre so we would meet up later. Next, Lukas drove us up to the Bratislava Castle, overlooking the Danube and the entire city. Outside there were protestors which Lukas explained to us were like the occupiers everywhere – it’s everywhere! – “OCCUPY” Bratislava. Next, we drove to the Slavin War Memorial: high up on the hill near all of the Embassy housing is this memorial and enormouus pillar erected in 1960 in memory of 6000 Russian soldiers who died pushing Nazis out of West Slovakia. Another great view. Then we went to the New bridge/UFO (pronounced ew-fo) is a modernist marvel from 1972. Another REALLY awesome view over the city and Danube as the sun was setting. We grabbed a drink in the restaurant before stopping by Lukas and Michaela’s apartment and side of town. Got to meet Ondre who is so cute and full of life! For a small dinner we found a wine and cheeseshop next store to our hotel and a market to buy salami/sausages, bread, and crackers and enjoyed a great late evening snack in the room. The Slovak reisling wines are great and Bob and I LOVE our cheeses! Sandra and Jeremy are trying out another local casino – they haven’t been back yet so it must have been a success. Such a full day of great fun with our wonderful Slovak friends. We can’t thank them enough for their hospitality and time spent with us. It would not have been such a great day without their guidance and company. Looking forward to Piestany tommorrow and learning even more about Slovakia.

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Sweets for Breakfast | Farewell Wien !

Woke up bright and early and got information about the trains to Bratislava from the concierge. Decided to grab breakfast at Cafe Demel before heading off to the train station. What an awesome breakfast of coffee and SWEETS with a great view of the kitchen area where all of the pastry chefs were making all of the fabulous treats. So neat to see the strudel dough being flattened and pulled; butter added; cinnamon and sugar added; apples added and folded up. Jeremy and Sandra also got ice cream ( Demel has made ice cream since 1786) and we also ordered the Sacher torte, black forest cake, and a vanilla cream pastry. I LOVED the vanilla crea. After trying versions at both places, we think the Demel sacher torte was better. Their store was stocked full of Easter-themed treats but the delicate chocolates would have a hard time making it in our luggage, but we did buy some apron souvenirs, and I of course took photos. Before leaving, Jeremy decided to grab one last treat for the trainride, a brioche with sugar (that looks like salt, but are pieces of sugar.) We officially check out of the Marriott and took the aboveground trams to the South station. Bought our Bratislava tickets and are on the train to Slovakia!!

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Vienna | A Grand City

Jeremy and Sandra couldn’t stand it and headed for the Casino tonight so I have time to write. We started our day pretty early, not realizing that most places don’t open until 10:00 am. But we had hit the town and started walking around the ringstrasse outside our hotel. We immediately realized that Vienna is HUGE!! We saw the outside of many large buildings including the Staatsoper (State Opera House), Burggarten, Museums, Parliament, various gardens, the City Hall, and other beautiful buildings. We made our way along the river toward the Prater area. Along the way we stopped for an interesting breakfast at a street vendor called Grillwurst. Sooo good – a large long brat/sausage with cheese in the meat inside a baguette – a MEGA pig in a blanket of sorts. We crossed the river and eventually stopped at a cafe for cappucinos and hot chocolate. Finally we made it to the Prater amusement park area full of rides, games, casinos, food stands – another large area. Jeremy decided to tempt fate and rode a CRAZY scary ride called the Turbo Booster but he could not convince any of us to join him. We then made our way to the end of the amusement park to the famous Schweizerhaus restaurant and beer garden (highly recommended by many family members). Ordered a few breWwwwskis and a fabulous lunch of pork knuckle, assorted breads, fresh horseradish & mustard potato pancakes, potato salad, sauerkraut, and cold cabbage salad. I got creative putting mustard on pumpernickel bread, horseradish, pork, and sauerkraut-yum. Next we bought subway passes and made our way to the Schönbrunn Palace area. We took the audio tour of the inside and oppulant rooms of this UNESCO world Heritage Site. It is a former imperial 1,441-room summer palace and one of the most important cultural monuments in the country. Since the 1960s it has been one of the major tourist attractions in Vienna. The palace and gardens illustrate the tastes, interests, and aspirations of successive Habsburg monarchs. The gardens around the palace were amazing and to see it all you would need so much more time. There was an interesting Easter market set out in front of the palace where I swear I saw a stall of the infamous poppyseed gut pluggers being served. We soon headed back to our hotel on the subway to rest before dinner. (Well Jeremy and Sandra are back…the Casino was a bust.) We decided to venture to the Heurigen wine taverns area in the Grinzing district for dinner. There are many of these wine taverns on the outskirts of Vienna and a short subway and bus ride away. It was such a cool and quaint area. We had some great food and local white wine from the Zum Martin Sepp restaurant, even bringing back a bottle to our room. There was also some live music. All day I have been comenting on my “cabbage belly” from lunch, so I took it easy and had a local cheese tray and cheese streudel for dinner, plus wine. Bob had spinach dumplings, Jeremy veal weinerschnitzel, and Sandra a hamburger patty and fried potatoes. Now just relaxing before bed. Off to Bratislava in the morning…

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Dinner in Vienna

Had some beers on the train to Vienna and played a game on the Ipad to pass the time. Upon arriving in Vienna we easily transfered to the subway and made it to the Marriott. Met Sandra and Bob in the room and asked the concierge for a dinner recommendation. Ate some great local food at the Purstner Gastsatte restaurant on RiEmergasse Street. Bob and Jeremy got veal weinerschnitzel and Sandra and I got beef goulash with dumplings. Afterwards, we walked through the city at night and saw the beautiful cathedral – also stopped for coffee at the Vienna Cafe Sacher. Jeremy saw a Casino and wanted to go but you needed a sportcoat to play poker. Convinced him to head back to the hotel instead where Sandra and Jeremy played a few slots at the machines downstairs/next store. Then headed upstairs and shared our Austrian sparkling wine and jeremy and sandra played cards before all heading to bed.

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