Bohemian Rhapsody - Bring Your Camera |
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Bring Your CameraApart from the obvious sights of Prague, take time to explore some of the small picturesque side streets and search for different viewpoints over the city from the fortified walls of the castle. The small, vertical windows made for firing arrows out but not letting them back in make for interesting frames. Also, look for architectural details to zoom in on, especially on the older buildings. For example, there are some beautiful little sculptures on the gates of St. Vitus Cathedral revealing scenes from everyday life.
Loket is a must-see, and easily visited as it is on the way to some of the fishing spots. An absolutely classic medieval castle town, it is perched high on a rocky outcrop above a horseshoe bend in the River Ohre below. The castle, which dates back to the 14th century, has remains of an earlier fortification within and the rest of the small town, particularly the main square, is replete with vivid, gothic façades. Bohemia boasts world-famous spas that are extremely popular with German, Austrian, Russian and Arab tourists. Visitors come to take in the waters as well as the many treatments the spas offer, and reservations are usually required. A land of more than 100 castles, much of the countryside remained relatively unscathed during the war years, as did Prague itself which explains its popularity as a major tourist destination. Prague has beautiful architecture in the form of palaces, cathedrals and the famous Charles Bridge which is over 600 years old. One of the statues that line the bridge is of the country’s patron saint, John of Nepomuk, and rumor has it that if you rub the brass plaque at its base, you will one day return to Prague. Prague Castle, perched up on the hill overlooking the old town, is the largest ancient castle in the world and is reached by crossing the Charles Bridge. The old town square is within walking distance on the other side of the bridge and come evening time, is a popular place. You should try and get an outside table at one of the restaurants to see and be seen. You can also treat yourself to a boat cruise on the River Vltava before relaxing in one of the many wonderful street or riverside eateries. Where To Toss The BagsYou will find a wide range of accommodations available from simple no-frills pensions to luxury hotels, particularly in the spa towns and in Prague. Tim Baldwin also runs a tour business, so he can arrange a whole package for you if necessary including, accommodations, sightseeing and fishing, and even see to it that non-fishers are entertained while you’re out on the river. He can also provide everything you need in the way of tackle and waders so you can travel as light as you wish or just carry a favorite travel outfit with you, which I personally found to be a great bonus. A four-, five- or six-weight rod works just fine on the smaller streams. Františkovy Lázně in its heyday saw visits from Beethoven and Goethe so you would be following in good footsteps. If you want to look around yourself, then check out these first-class lodgings (be sure to click on the English translations): The Hotel Savoy (www.franzensbad.cz), Hotel Centrum (www.spahotelcentrum.cz), Grand Hotel Pupp (www.pupp.cz) and Hotel Riverside Prague (www.riversideprague.com). Without a visa, U.S. and Canadian nationals (and many others) can visit the Czech Republic for up to 90 days, but your passport must be valid for at least six months after your expected departure date. The best source of travel information is the Czech Tourism office www.czechtourism.com or you can contact the U.S. tourist office directly (212.288.0830). Contact Tim Baldwin, Czech Coarse & Fly-Fishing www.czechflyfishing.cz (202.470.0109) for booking information.Other Notes Of InterestThe Czech Republic Visit the U.S. State Department’s web site for more details about the Czech Republic: www.state.gov/p/eur/ci/ez/
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Out in western Bohemia, the architecture and bright colors of the spa towns, centered around Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázne and Františkovy Lázne, provide ample opportunities to either take in the grand scale of the surroundings, parks and boulevards or hone in on specific details such as colorful flower boxes or mosaic work and statuary. The latest James Bond film, Casino Royale, used locations in Prague, Karlovy Vary and the medieval town of Loket, my personal favorite, and it’s not hard to see why. 
