Trip to Cesky Krumlov and Prague, Czech Republic (June 2016)

Czech Repuglic was established after the breakup of Czechoslovakia in 1993, which included Slovakia. It is frequently called as the Velvet Divorce as a reference to the Velvet Revolution of 1989 that led to the breakup.

Czech Republic has a population of 10.5 million and Prague, its capital, has 1.3 million inhabitants.

We visited Cesky Krumlov, called little Prague, and Prague that has many nicknames.

Cesky Krumlov:     This cute town has a small number of inhabitants, but the town has a river running through it and the castle around the town is stunningly beautiful. The entrance to the town is in the valley but a bridge-like building provides a connection over the valley. The window-like holes made in the walls pass the sunshine through and the town's view from the hilltop was just breathtaking.

We climbed up to the hilltop and enjoyed the beautiful scenery from the lookouts. People were kayaking in the river and many people were relaxing.

On the way down, we got lost a bit and had to walk around, but we managed to arrive in time.

Prague:     Prague is well known to the world for its charm filled with castles, river, cafes, museums, arts, music and architecture. it is voted as one of the most favorite cities to visit by tourists. Prague has many nicknames. They include: they are "a city of hundred spires" "the golden city" "the left bank of the nineties" "the mother of cities and "the heart of Europe."

We visited this city a few years ago, so we decided to take it easy this time not to be exhausted and to prepare for our next upcoming trips of five more weeks.

Nonetheless, we were able to visit a few places, particularly the Jewish Quarter and Jewish Cemetery, Jewish Synagogue where we learned a lot of the tragic destiny of the Jewish people just because they were born as the Jews. It sounds unfair and sad, but what can we do. Blame the depravity of the human race...? Oh well...

We also visited Rudolfinum, where the Czech Philharmonic is housed, and the Old Town Plaza where Astronomical Clock and Twin (Adam and Eve) Towers located. We missed the clock show that is being performed by twelve apostles in the Astronomical Clock at every hour, but we already watched it before.

We missed the Vltava River cruise, Charles Bridge, and a visit to the Prague Castle, but our rest was well worthwhile. - Jeffrey 

Trip to Vienna, Austria (June 2016)

When we first came to Austria, we had a schedule to visit Vienna, but my ladies, including my wife and two daughters, protested against me for a rigorous schedule. So I ended up cancelling the schedule to visit Vienna. That was 20 some years ago. But what a relaxing day it ended up being!

Later, I visited Vienna a few times to attend classes when I was still in a doctorate program. Three years ago, Kristin and I visited Vienna as part of Expat Explore tour from London to Rome. So Vienna is a city with fond memories for me. But, who would not like this fascinatingly charming city?

Austria once was a power house in Europe when it had a constitutional union with the Kingdom of Hungary. It started the World War I when its Archduke was assassinated in Sarajevo, but ended up with a defeat. Austria also joined Germany under the Nazi rule, in the World War II, which also ended with a defeat and tremendous destruction. Ever since, Austria has maintained a neutral position on the world stage, a lesson learned from Switzerland, I suppose.

Vienna is the capital of Austria, filled with fine arts, music, architecture, history, beautiful gardens and cultures. Budapest tries to compete against Vienna, but Vienna is more beautiful than Budapest or any other city in Europe. Austria shares the fabulous beauty of the Alps, another attraction. Of course, Austria has Saltzburg and Innsburg both of which are adorable to all visitors. Ah...! Arnold Schwarzenegger is from Austria.

Austria has a population of approximately 8.5 million and 1.7 million live in Vienna. It is a pretty big city.

The local tour guide was the same as before: Walter. The proud Austrian tour guide with California accent led us to several key places of interest until we were scattered for free time. The citizens of Vienna were quite excited about Austria's football game for the Europe Cup on the day we visited. But football or soccer is not really Austria's strength.

We visited Schoss Schonbrun or Schonbrun Castle that has a gigantic and beautiful garden full of flowers, sculptures and water fountains. We had a picnic for lunch, but one hour was far too short for a visit and picnic.

We also visited Belvedere Garden, State Opera House, City Hall, Parliament, Presidential Palace, Rose Garden, Pedestrian District, Trinity Statue and magnificent St. Stevens Cathedral.

It was disappointing to leave without watching any concert or opera in this city of arts and music. Perhaps next time... - Jeffrey

Trip to Bratislava, Slovakia (June 2016)...

Slovakia used to be part of Czechoslovakia which broke up into Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1993. This breakup is called a Velvet Divorce, referencing to a peaceful dissolution of the federation after a bloodless Velvet Revolution of 1989. This also represented their divorce from the communism and conversion to democratic government after the Soviet Union broke apart.

Bratislava is the capital of Slovakia. Slovakia has a population of 5.4 million and approximately 500,000 people live in Bratislava. Slovakia, a relatively new nation of 23 years of age, has successfully industrialized itself with a focus on automobile manufacturing. Reportedly, Slovakia has manufacturing plants for Kia, Jagua, Volkswagen, producing 1 million cars annually. That is quite significant in light of its total population.

We took an audio-guided tram tour to drive around the city. The highlight was the visit to the palace located on top of the mountain. The view of the city and the River Danube was spectacular from above. We found many old buildings that demonstrate the city's old history. Also I found a tiny truck that was designed to run a mobile coffee shop. Cute!

One of the city's attractions is a restaurant located above a suspension bridge, which looks like a UFO. It is indeed called a UFO Restaurant.

In our previous visit a few years ago, we walked around the city downtown and found many interesting sculptures, including Paparazzi. We did not get to see them this time. - Jeffrey