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Travels in Eastern Europe

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About me

Prague & Budapest in 2016 was my fifth Rick Steves' journey. Like so many, I was introduced to Rick's travel philosophy through his books and TV series so many years ago. My first tour was 1998 Best of Italy. Traveling solo for the first time in 20 years, I was reluctant to share a room with a stranger (this was pre single supplement) but ultimately went with it. My assigned roommate became a best friend. That's the kind of people you meet on a Rick Steves tour.


My approach to travel is to wander and absorb, camera at the ready as you never know what is around the corner. The format of the tour sets one up perfectly to do so.


Photography has always been a part of traveling both in capturing the sights and reliving them over time. Living in San Francisco, I’m surrounded by natural and man made beauty and enjoy capturing my town in images and sharing them with friends on social media.

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Crissy Field San Francisco

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I'm also rather organized... here's a sample of my itinerary (most from RS brochure) with estimates of cash required so I would know how much to get of each currency - Czech Koruna, Hugarian Forint and Euros.

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Pre tour Prague  Hotel Adalbert & Břevnov Monastery

I opted for a quiet start to the trip.  An opportunity to get over jet lag and relax before the bustle of the tour.  I couldn't have chosen better.  Walks among the orchard and wonderful meals at the onsite brew pub.  Plus Czech beer, does it get any better?

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Prague

This was my second visit to Prague.  Prague is known for its grand buildings and finding quiet spaces amid the hustle and bustle is a way to enjoy.  We had two special RS moments.  Our first night dinner together in a beautiful old town restaurant was topped with a performance by the Prague Castle Orchestra. Our last night dinner was followed by a private performance by Prague State Opera members.  Both fabulous performances.  We also had a tour member, a retired chemistry professor, who had been in Prague attending a conference at the time of the Velvet revolution.  Very interesting to hear his account and photos of that time.

Budapest

Budapest is another grand dame on a river.  Monumental places and a great walking city although transportation options are fantastic.  Thermal baths were such a special experience - I'm so glad that I got over myself to go and enjoy it with other tour members.

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Post tour Berlin Hotel Kastanienhof

My second visit to Berlin was a great close to the trip.  Staying in the same hotel in Mitte that the BPV tour used in 2011 was like coming home.  They have added a restaurant which has fabulous food.   A unique facet of this visit was an ear infection which led to a German doctor's office.  Another cultural learning opportunity.

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What's next?

Best of... Scotland? Amsterdam? Hamburg? Scandinavia?

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