Seattle Gay News
Issue 12, Volume 44, March 18, 2016
Arts & Travel
Czeching it out: Exploring the historic, beautiful cities and countryside of the Czech Republic
Prague Castle – www.hrad.cz
by Albert Rodriguez SGN A&E Writer The Czech Republic isn’t a country many people go to on their first visit to Europe. In fact, it may be skipped over several times before tourists eventually add it onto their itineraries, opting instead for the wine regions of France, the snow-capped Alps in Switzerland, or the pizzeria-filled streets around Italy. But what visitors will experience here, however, just as I did, upon arriving, is a true, rustic image of Europe. The Czech Republic has yet to go through major commercialization, which has dramatically altered the culture of other nations on the continent, and it still maintains its own currency, the Czech Koruna (CZK). Yes, there are Starbucks coffee shops and brand name stores in the tourist areas and upscale shopping centers, though if you venture just a few blocks away you’ll stumble across neighborhoods that have gone virtually untouched for decades, as if you were on a movie set from decades ago. In total, the Czech Republic has twelve designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Prague, a city long beloved by LGBT travelers, is the beating heart of the country, the most integral component of it. And while I spent the most days in Prague, I was more
interested in wandering through its quiet streets in the daylight than going into a Gay club at midnight. The architecture is fascinating, the history is intriguing, the food is heavy but good, the people are reserved yet friendly when approached, and the scenery, especially outside of Prague, is stunning. Should you visit the Czech Republic? Absolutely. The home of Martina Navratilova, Franz Kafka, Milos Forman, Marketa Irglova, Petra Nemcova and Pilsner beer, it’s a wonderful place to explore – safe, affordable, mild climate and easy to get to. Here’s how I recommend spending a week in Prague and in the marvelous Vysocina region, in the Czech Republic. For trip-planning assistance, go to czechtourism.com. GETTING TO THE CZECH REPUBLIC From Seattle, a minimum of two flights are needed to reach Prague. I flew through Amsterdam, on Delta, with a brief layover and combined flight time of about 10.5 to 11 hours. You can fly out of Sea-Tac to Paris or Amsterdam (Delta), Frankfurt (Lufthansa), or London (British) – each of these flights will be between 9 or 10 hours and then tack on another hour and a half for the connecting flight to Prague. Traveling
through a U.S. hub – Chicago, New York, Houston, Atlanta – would likely extend your itinerary a few more hours. The Czech Republic is also accessible by rail from major European cities; Berlin and Vienna are two of the closest. PRAGUE Prague is the starting point for nearly everyone visiting the Czech Republic. It’s the capital and largest city of this European country, which is bordered by Germany in the west, Austria and Slovakia in the south, and Poland in the north. The greater urban area has a population of about 2 million people with the vast majority living within the city limits (1.2 million). Prague is said to be the third safest city in Europe, behind Luxembourg City and Stockholm. Though it’s big, it’s not as big as London or Rome, and many of the historical landmarks and top attractions in Prague are centralized, allowing you to walk or take public transit (subway, streetcar, bus) from a city hotel. My accommodations were at the Orea Hotel Pyramida (hotelpyramida.cz), putting me within walking distance of the famed Prague Castle (10 minutes) and City Center (15 minutes). This 351-room property operates as both a business and
leisure hotel, but during my stay I noticed two primary camps of guests, European businessmen and Asian tourists. My Superior Room, on the 7th floor, measured around 269 square feet and was equipped with all of the modern amenities I needed, including two firm beds, work desk and chair, flatscreen TV, private bath and shower, closets and drawers for all of my belongings, fast-boiling tea kettle with complimentary coffee and varied selection of teas, free WiFi and several plug-ins for my electronics. The Czech Republic has its own plug-in prong, so neither the German or international adaptor I took was compatible – NOTE: just ask the front desk for a loaner, or buy one at a store. The room was basic, yet clean, comfortable and contemporary. What I loved most about staying at Hotel Pyramida was the inclusive breakfast, a multiple-table buffet of savory and sweet items, ranging from fried eggs and breakfast meats to breads and pastries to fresh fruit and potatoes, plus orange and apple juice, coffee, tea and milk. It was a generous offering and perfect way to get my morning started. An indoor pool and a fitness gym, in addition to a lobby level restaurant, were a few of the on-site amenities see prague page 13