I’ve always loved taking photographs. At 13, my Dad bought me my first SLR camera. At 16, I was selling cameras and developing services in Boot’s on Saturdays. And these days, I provide some photographic tips and take pretty much all the pictures for this site and our Instagram account. So I was really pleased … More Review: Museum Fotoatelier Seidel, Cesky Krumlov
As Bohemian rhapsodies go, it was pretty simple, really: a man on a bridge over the Vltava River with a barrel organ, turning the handle so it spilled out a little Czech melody. It sounded like summer; but the air was so bitingly cold and clear, that you could still hear the tinkling melody from … More Český Krumlov: beautifully surprising
In our journey from Cesky Krumlov to Marianske Lazne, we had a few hours to spend in the centre of the Czech Republic’s fourth largest city – Pilsen, or as they say in Czech, Plzeň. Pilsen Tourism had organised a guided tour for us and we learnt so much about this West Bohemian city in just … More Pilsen: The city where it pays to drink and drive
In Český Krumlov, we had a wonderful guide show us around the town – a town steeped in historical intrigue. Our guide had grown up in the vicinity and being inquisitive types, we quizzed her about topics outside the bygone days. In particular, as it falls within our lifetimes, we wanted to understand what it was … More Worlds apart in modern Czech Republic
Introduction: Time of year: Late January 2018. Purpose of trip: This was the second stop on our eight day visit to the Czech Republic. Why we chose this place: The Garni Hotel Castle Bridge was organised for us by our hosts as a comfortable, central base from which to explore the beautiful town and UNESCO … More Review: Garni Hotel Castle Bridge, Český Krumlov
Introduction: Time of year: January 2018. Purpose of trip: This was the first night of a week-long trip to explore some less well known parts of the Czech Republic, ideal for empty nester breaks. Why we chose this place: We landed in Prague and were delighted to find that this impressive and central hotel was … More Review: Angelo Hotel, Prague
There’s no doubt that Prague is a proud city. Look above the stores and offices at the grandeur of the buildings in faded pinks and greys and greens; their delicate filigree balconies; some glinting with Art Nouveau gilt. Walk over the Charles Bridge on a chilly January day like today, the weak, wintry sun sparkling … More One day in Prague: first impressions
In 1857, a 22 year old James Gibson would have seen Pointe de Galle (or simply, Galle, as it is now) for the first time some way off in the distance. He would have noticed the large, robust fort on the headland which indicated the harbour beyond. He would, at this stage of the journey, … More Echoes of the past – a visit to Galle
‘You know what I feel like?’ my juddering voice shouted to Nigel, one hand gripping the tuk tuk’s plastic bench seat like grim death, the other clinging claw-like to the front ‘safety bar’. ‘I feel like a real travel pro, now ‘. His mocking reply was drowned out by Colombo’s roar; its dusty city centre … More Colombo – a great introduction to Sri Lanka
Although it isn’t the state capital, Albuquerque is the most populous city in New Mexico. We’d suggest that if you find yourself there with 24 hours in hand, you indulge yourself in some of the Mexican-inspired cuisine and seek out some well-known TV and movie locations. Getting About We usually like to get public transportation … More Stopover Albuquerque: Ultimate 24-Hour Guide
2emptynesters 