The Truth About Taxi Drivers in Prague

by Iva Skoch on

The cab drivers in Prague really are that bad. The problem has gotten slightly better after the Prague mayor dressed up as an Italian tourist and saw for himself how much they rip off foreigners. But it is still not nearly good enough.

The thing is, they don’t only overcharge foreigners. It occasionally happens to locals, too, if they don’t pay attention to the hyperactive meters. Sadly, a lot of them prefer making an extra $10 today than get return customers tomorrow.

It is necessary to stress here, however, that this ONLY happens with cabs you hail on the street. If you call (or have your hotel/restaurant call) one of the established taxi services, such as AAA or City Taxi it will not happen.

The official airport taxis all charge the same, about $25-30. There is also a bus that takes you right to the subway for less than a $1. Public transportation is definitely the way to travel in Prague.

Free Visa Entry In Exchange for US Missile Shield in Europe?

by Iva Skoch on

The Czech Republic is one of 13 countries trying to renegotiate its visa-requirement for traveling to the US. Currently, Americans do not need visa when traveling to the C.R. but Czechs do when traveling to the US. The unfair visa requirement is a source of much bitterness toward Americans in those countries.

Now, Czechs have a new negotiation tool on their hands. The US wants to build an anti-missile shield in Europe — interceptor missiles in Poland and a radar station in the Czech Republic–allegedly to defend the US and Europe from possible missiles from North Korea and Iran. Both CR and Poland are reluctant to agree to this because they are afraid of becoming terrorist targets. Recent polls in the Czech Republic show that 60-70% of Czechs are against building of the base. It doesn’t help that Vladimir Putin has already threatened that he will aim missiles at them if the US builds the shield there.

This is not a NATO initiative; it’s purely a US defense initiative. Is it fair for Czech to demand a no-visa requirement in exchange for supporting the US defense policy?

Best Beer Garden in New York

by Iva Skoch on

I admit that by being Czech, I am slightly biased when proclaiming that The Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden has the best outdoor garden of any bar in New York…but really, it does.

First of all, it is huge (big asset in New York.) Secondly, it has real Czech beer (and authentic food, which I realize could be a drawback to some). Thirdly, they host all kinds of events in the summer, from movie screenings to jazz concerts.

To many Manhattanites, the Bohemian Hall is way too far, which is another reason it has remained authentic. After all, you do have to cross a bridge to get there. It is in Astoria, Queens but only a few subway stops from Midtown Manhattan. Not that this place is ready for an influx of “tourists” but when you get sick of those $14 cocktails in SoHo, this might be a good change of scenery…

Prague’s Hotel for Hipsters

by Iva Skoch on

The days when Prague was the mecca of backpackers are long gone. They have slowly been out-priced and replaced with the “weekend-trip city-dwellers” from Western Europe, especially the UK. Few new hotels have been quick to respond to this trend and cater to the semi-affluent Western hipster who comes just for a few days (and doesn’t mind that virtually everything in the hotel is branded.)

At the chic Icon Hotel in Prague’s city center (where you get into the room with a fingerprint) the staff wears Diesel clothes, gushes over the oh-so-comfy Hastens beds, guests are encouraged to use Apple computers and iPods and bring the Navirent GPS systems when walking around town.

Friends recently stayed there when visiting Prague and loved the 120 Euro Urban Secrets package, complete with champagne breakfast and the above-mentioned GPS system. They also confessed they would run and buy a pair of Diesel jeans immediately because they liked it so much. Just kidding. At least I hope so.

Watch for The Gap/IBM hotel in the neighborhood near you. It’s only a matter of time.

Photo of the Day (7/2/07)

by Iva Skoch on

Wow. There’s just something about the Czech Republic that gives you that “sweet light” near the sunset. And there’s nothing quite like it on the red rooftops of Prague. But here’s a shot that takes the breath away, from a town in southern Bohemia, called Telc (pronounced “telch”).

The town center is a UNESCO World Heritage site of colorful, picturesque 14th century buildings that can be seen here.

thanks, izarbeltza!