Czech Republic (Czechia)

May 31 Prague

Last year the name was changed to Czechia, but nobody likes that name according to our driver.  This guy was pretty interesting.  He hitch hiked across America.  Only problem was he didn't stop talking.

We stopped at Czechy Kumlov on the way to Prague.

Taken from the famous Charles Bridge.

Two wild and crazy guys. (Read the sign.)

Larry and I had pig knuckles for dinner.  We both like Chinese pigs feet better.  The driver warned us that Czech food is not very good.  However we are being good sports and at least trying the food.  Last night we had hamburgers at Bugerista.

St. Vitas Cathedral in the Prague Castle.

 Cinammon spiral donut with ice cream called tredlnik.  We had authentic Vietnamese food for dinner. You know it's authentic because it is family run with a little kid running around and the bathroom is dirty.  They also ran a grocery store in the same space.  The driver told us there is a large Vietnamese community called Sapa.  The Czech government welcomed the Vietnamese about the time their citizens were fleeing from communism.

Municipal House.  Ruth and Larry at bottom.

Jewish Museum

Over 77,000 Czech Jews were killed or missing in the holocaust.  Their names are in the Museum.

The reason the graveyard is so crowded is that Jews could only be buried in this graveyard

June 3

Jon Lennon wall.  Last day.  You say goodbye.  I say hello.

Sound of Music

May 28 Salzburg 

This morning we drove from Vienna  to Salzburg with a stop in Melk Abbey, in the picture.

This is the house where Mozart was born.

This bridge is like the one in Paris where you put a lock on it to signify your everlasting love.  I didn't actually buy a lock since they cost over 10 euro and Ruth already has a "love Locke", and I'm sure if you ask her it seems that our love has been forever.

Mirabelle Palace is where they filmed parts of Sound of Music. There is a scene where they run through these statues.

May 29

Busy day.  We bought a Salzburg pass which gives you free public transportation and admission to many attractions.  We like to get our money's worth.  We started off at Hohehsalzburg fortress, then St Peters, Hellbrunn Palace and a gondola ride.

The elevation at the top was nearl 6,000 ft above sea level.

Hellbrunn Palace had "trick" fountains which was like a water spray park, except the sprays were all natural, no pumps.  I forgot my selfie stick and my arms aren't long enough.

"I am sixteen going on seventeen".  The gazebo was made for the movie and moved to Hellbrunn Palace.

They didn't actually film in this house because they were concerned about the building.  A reproduction of the inside was made for filming in Hollywood.

This is where the Captain and Maria were married.

"Do, Re Me"

The people of Austria don't like the movie because of the liberties they made from the true story, kind of like in Sleepless in Seattle where they took a boat ride from Alki to Lake Union.

"So long, farewell, I bid to you Adieu"

That's Hohensalzburg fortress on the hill.  We took a funicular to get up there.  Tomorrow we head to Prague.

Hungary for Some Good Food

May 22 Budapest

Budapest originated from the cities of Buda, Obuda and Pest.  The Chain Bridge was commissioned by Count Szechenyi. When his father died he was not able to attend the funeral because he couldn't cross the bridge because of bad weather. 

The city is pedestrian friendly.  St Stephens Basicilica in the background has his mummified hand displayed.

The people originate from the Magyars from Central Asia, so we fit right in.

The food is heavy and salty.  Goulash is beef stew with paparika.  Those are cabbage rolls in the case.

May 25 Vienna

Vienna was capital of the Hapsburg empire.  Schonbrunn Palace is one of many.

Belevedere Palace

It is also home of classical music.  These are actual instruments that Beethoven played as a child.

There's music everywhere.  We saw a free concert at St Peters that included a choir from Louisiana.  They even broadcast the opera outside.  There are also hawkers on the street trying to sell you concert tickets. 

Continuing my tradition of going to a Chinese restaurant where ever I go.

Performance art.