I’m going to try to post more often, since I do have an audience I didn’t know about. So, I hope you follow along, whether I know you or not.

Founded in the 1340s by Charles IV as a horse market, Wenceslas Square has had a colorful history that embodies that of the city that surrounds it. Having been the marching ground of nationalists, Nazis, Communists, patriots and tourists alike, the square features a charming mix of architecture ranging from Stalinist to Art Deco, and features such surprising features as a hidden garden and an upside down garden. Join me as I show you some of the great places along the square.

Prefer watching/listening online? Try the video file uploaded to YouTube:

A bit of reflecting after my first walk through “the Florence of the Elbe,” its character, its food, its culture… and its dreadful fate.

One of Germany’s greatest cultural centers, Dresden has held the admiration of thousands throughout its storied history. Its destruction in the waning months of World War II still causes a great deal of controversy, but despite that and forty years of communist rule, Dresden has reclaimed much of its storied glory. Follow along as I take a quick holiday trip up to the ancient city, walk its streets, partake its fairs, but most of all, consider the legacy and meaning of February 13, 1945 on the city today.

The way I see it, the most difficult part of the podcast – actually starting it and getting in the habit of posting – is over. Now comes the difficult part: growing and developing the brand. Take a few minutes to listen to what I’ve done so far, and what I hope to accomplish in the coming year.

And Happy New Year!

It’s Christmastime in the Czech Republic!

Christmas in the Czech Republic includes a host of unique traditions that Czechs love or fear, depending on your age. Stroll through the picturesque street fairs, dread the arrival of the Devil and his potato sack, enjoy a festive Christmas meal and listen to unique anecdotes from Czechs who’ve lived the holidays in this historic country – it’s the holidays in Prague.

See how I went from America to earning my Zivno, or A to Z.

The four month process of relocating from the United States to the Czech Republic was an interesting and exciting one. It involved a crash course in learning, changing a new student’s life, relatively easy locating of work and home… and a customs officer right out a Cold War movie that nearly prevented the whole thing from happening. Listen as I tell you about how I went from A to Z, or from America to secure my Zivno.

An illustrated walk through Imperial Vienna.

Once the heart of one of Europe’s greatest empires, Vienna still pulses with history, culture and excitement. Join me on a brief, illustrated walk through the city center, including the State Opera, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hofburg and some historical tidbits on the way.

Prague’s metro doesn’t have the scale, operating hours or filth of New York’s, but it gets people where they need to go. It’s fast, efficient, clean, and works for the city it serves. On this episode, learn about the circulatory system that keeps Prague alive, and how it’s overcome various disasters including massive flooding and communism.

Also: Hear about Europe’s longest escalator and how Prague deals with fare jumpers!

After two weeks, I’m finally ready (and able) to give a brief accounting of my initial reactions to Prague, life in the Czech Republic, and teaching English as a job.  As a result of the rawness, this episode is off the cuff and me talking off my head.  Take a listen through 20+ minutes of reminiscing on toilets, showers, ticket checkers, visas and the like with ums and uhs sprinkled for flavor.  A more polished ep on a topic TBA will follow once things settle down.

The history of Prague is an amazing story that isn’t really done justice in the twenty odd minute podcast that follows.  Long hidden behind the Iron Curtain, Prague has emerged as one of the great cities of Europe, with a cast of characters ranging from Jan Hus to Adolf Hitler, and events stretching from the Reformation to both world wars.  It’s an amazing, engaging city, well deserving of its aura of mystery and romance. Pour yourself a Pilsner and discover the background of the Mother of Cities.

(A word: I know the audio quality varies periodically on sentences.  I was unhappy with pronunciation and errors and redid some sentences.  I will be redoing this podcast in the near future to make it more uniform).