b_hall29

During the first 2 weeks of May my wife and I, both in our late
fifties, visited Prague, Slovakia, and Budapest.
In Prague we had got a good deal through Priceline for the
Renaissance Prague Hotel. Excellent location less than a block from
Nam. Republiky metro stop. First night in Prague met Sarka Pelantova
(private guide recommended in Rick Steves' Eastern Europe book) for
dinner. Information about Sarka can be found at
www.prague-guide.info. A picture of Sarka and Rick Steves is at
www.geocities.com/b_hall29/ricksarka.htm. Her basic rate is 13 Euro
per hour. We had a pleasant dinner with her at a modestly priced
restaurant next to more expensive Golden Lion on Celetna street near
the Powder Tower area. She explained the different menu choices, esp.
the appetizers and wine choices. After a relaxing dinner and a chance
to ask a host of questions about tipping, getting the check, and life
in general, took a short walk around the area including some
"backdoor" sights such as the upside-down horse that I did not recall
reading about. Having a guide and spending part of time having dinner
with them may seem an odd use of the guide's time (and your money) but
we felt it was equally, if not more, informative, and certainly easier
on our feet.
The next day we utilized some of Sarka's suggestions and were on our
own. Our last day we met Sarka again for a day's touring. We were
amazed at the depth of her knowledge. Some of the highlights for us
were lunch at a modest restaurant in the Josefov area and an
introduction to honeycake, having her whisk up through the two
elevators at the astronomical clock tower to enjoy the views from the
top, visiting St Vitus Cathedral and nearby gardens, and finally a
trip to the supermarket part of Kotva (near Nam. Republiky) and having
her explain some of their many different offerings, ending up buying
stuff for a dinner back at our room. One interesting thing that Sarka
mentioned was that she was amazed to receive requests for her to sign
Rick Steves' book. Apparently autographing is not as big there as
here. Again, stopping for lunch and/or coffees/drinks during the tour
may seem a strange way to spend your guide's time, but except for the
most driven visitor, I think it proves to be both informative,
relaxing, and money well spent.

Kristinelaine

I have seen the "upside down horse" and even have a picture of it. But I don't understand why it is there or what meaning attaches to it. Did your guide explain it to you?

Also, what did you see in Slovakia and did you enjoy it? We lived there for a year a couple of years ago and really liked it there, altho it doesn't compare to Prague.

b_hall29

In Bratislava stayed at Hotel Kyjev (www.kyjev-hotel.sk/engsite/main.htm) (for the second time). I like its central location and elaborate buffet breakfasts. Easy to reach by bus and/or tram from airport or train station (2600SKK double).
We also stayed at the Grandhotel Praha in the Tatra mountains in town of Tatranska Lomnica. Beautiful hotel with restaurant and included breakfast. Off season 2600SKK. We were disappointed that the funicular and lifts in the area were all closed for maintenance (contrary to what another guidebook had said). When the weather cooperated the mountains were beautiful. Electric trains allow easy access to several nearby towns. One downside of hotel is it is about a 20 minute walk (for us) from train station uphill so we needed a taxi to and from. Younger, one flight baggers could walk it. Yes, we liked Slovakia!

isabel

Actually what you describe sounds like a very good use of the guide. I think most people just pay a guide to walk around with them and point out stuff they could know about if they did some research before the trip (with guide books. I especially like the supermarket idea and the "backdoor" sights. Where exactly is the upside down horse? I'm going to Prague in July and I'd like to see it. Any other little gems like that that you picked up (either with her or on your own0?

b_hall29

To find out more info and location on "upside down horse" just use those works plus "Prague" as keywords in a yahoo search. I was surprised at how much info was linked there.

sicula

b_hall29

Thank you ever so much for the link to Sarka's web site. I contacted her and now am in the process of reserving some guide time for later this year. I think that having a relaxed meal with a guide is an ideal way to learn about local foods and table etiquette. In fact, if you don't mind, I'm going to do just like you did and spent some restaurant time with Sarka when my husband and I go to Prague in December. Again, thank you for the link. Sarka is not only cordial and knowledgable but also sincere and enthusiastic: a perfect combination of traits in a guide.

b_hall29

Sicula:
That sounds great to me. Enjoy Prague and your time with Sarka.
Bob

bbtravel2001

I also agree that the "dinner with the guide" idea would be time and money well spent. Combine that with a mini-tour with the guide and have a relaxing, feet friendly evening. Sarka sounds great.

b_hall29

Just saw this on another board:

Prague personal Guide
Just returned from Prague and wanted to say what a wonderful guide we had - she made our trip truly memorable - we booked her for two half days and learnt more about Prague than we could have managed on our own in six months. If you're visiting Prague for the first time I could not recommend her highly enough - Sarka Pelantova - www.prague-guide.info - Book her early though as she is in demand.
Liz Leonard <email>
Battle, East Sussex, East Sussex UK Wed 07/21/2004

b_hall29

Here are some pics taken last Spring of guide Sarka.
http://www.geocities.com/rkh_29/spring04.html

b_hall29

I was in Prague again in September and had another informative dinner with Sarka. http://www.geocities.com/rkh_29/fall2004.htm has in picture and also pics and info on a recommended restaurant and money exchange place.