Czech Republic - Plzen

Well it's back to where we started on this vacation,(not Munich) but in search of BEER. This took us west of Prague to the town of Plzen which is known for pilsner style beer.It was started here in 1842 and is known worldwide for its quality & flavor. I can attest to that.  We started out the morning visiting St. Bartholemew Square which was just a block away from our hotel. The church was incredible  with beautiful 70ft+ stained glass, huge alters, & statues. This is still an operational church that is centuries old. Outside the church ( in the square) are three golden modern shaped fountains. We decided to climb the tower in the front of the church but got half way & said lets go on the brewery tour.GOOD IDEA

Walking distance from our hotel was Pilsner Urquell Brewery where we took a tour of their facility. As you walk up the entrance has the original double arch entry that is on all their bottles. Inside the arrival area for the tours there is a beer vending machine. The tour takes you through the whole bottleing process and brewing techniques then takes you into the cellars. In the cellars they tap a wooden barrel with unfiltered beer that was GREAT. In the one picture above I now know where they got the song " Roll out the Barrel".

This will be our last post because we're off to Frankfort to end this fun vacation. Hope you enjoyed seeing a small portion of what we saw.

Czech Republic - Karlstejn Castle

The next morning we took a train to the Karlstejn Castle where King Charles IV built it in the 1400's. Set back in a little canyon it is an amazing place. In order to get there you must walk up a gradual incline & you will be able to tell if your in shape. Once up there Vaclac got us a guide that gave us a tour of the castle. The history of this castle is incredible.It housed the Crown Jewels for quite a while, thus making it a place reserved for only the elite of that time. The only pictures we could take were of the outside because no pictures were allowed inside. This was probably was best because I would have taken a hundred more. The altars , golden ceilings, & wall and ceiling paintings were unbelievable. The scenery around the Castle was breathtaking with the trees changing colors & the river by the train stop.  This place is a MUST SEE for anyone who will travel to the Czech Republic.

Czech Republic - Prague

                                SO MANY PICTURES & NOT ENOUGH BLOG SPACE!!! I must have taken a couple hundred pictures in this city.The architecture & beauty of this city is amazing. The Prague Castle was a sight to see with St.Vitus's Cathedral, St Georges Convent, & the Royal Palace. In the Royal Palace was a replica of the Crown Jewels & a beautiful view of Prague. The Castle is the largest in Europe.and one of the most impressive.The next picture is Georgia,Alison, & myself with the Charles Bridge in the background. Vaclav showed a walkway that is so narrow that there is a signal at the top and bottom because it is only as wide as your body. The last picture is that of the Opera House at night.We got our exercise in this city. We walked everywhere! But it was well worth it. It was one of the most beautiful cities we have ever been in & without Vaclav and Georgia to show us around we would have been totally lost.

Czech Republic - Ostrava

Flew for Spain to Krakow, Poland where Alison's relatives picked us up at the airport. Ostrava is in the eastern edge of the Czech Republic, so Krakow is the closest major airport. On the way back we got a beautiful tour of the Polish & Eastern Czech countryside. On the first day we met Georgia & her son Vaclav, who showed us around throughout the Czech Republic. The above picture is me and next to me is Georgia and next to her is her sister-in-law, and the little girl is Sarah, her sister-in-law's granddaughter.
During our visit we were first brought out a plate of warm homemade apple strudel!! It was wonderful and made by Sarah's mom, Ivana. Then a little while later Ivana brings out a plate of wienerschnitzel, which again was out of this world. Also there at the house was Georgia's brother, Peter, and their mother and also Ivana's husband. Everyone was very friendly and really did a great job with their English. The next picture is Vaclav & his wonderful family.
On day two we went to a early traditional Czech village with wooden buildings where there was a man that made handmade wooden toys & horns. In another exhibit there was a area that showed how they would slaughter a pig & make sausage .
On day three we went to a Czech auto museum where we saw some really unique vehicles,  like the one with the propeller & skis. The top one is their first model & the other one was a interesting design with the fin down the back. There were many other vehicles that had great designs. 

SPAIN - Final Day

Got up the next morning to an absolutely gorgeous day. Nothing to do but sit by the pool & work on our tans. Took a walk up the street to a little plaza that has a bullring next to it. The view from the plaza was spectacular. As the sun sets we get ready for our next destination - Czech Republic.

SPAIN - Day 3 Trip to Gibralter

 Light rain on this day so we decided to drive to Gibralter. This also is a nightmare to park & drive in . Scooter, Motorcycles, & small cars everywhere.Went window shopping on thier Main Street & took pictures of their different buildings and fortifications.

SPAIN - Day 2 in Ronda

Got up the next morning and took a drive to Ronda. This town is in the mountains above where we are staying. It has the oldest bullring & only one with 2 levels. It sets on top of a hill with a deep gorge separating the town by three very old bridges, dating as far back as the 9th century. The roads are very narrow & parking is impossible. Took a ton of pictures here,it was so interesting & beautiful.

Next stop - SPAIN - Day 1

Got to Spain with no problems, except for a headache from Oktoberfest. Decided to check out the condo then go down to the marina and see how the locals live. WOW!!

Final episode of Oktoberfest

The first picture is a classic. This will be Rick and Alison in 10 years, sharing a 1/2 meter bratwurst at Oktoberfest! But we know Alison will still be looking at guys in their lederhosens!