Little Known Znojmo

When one thinks of the Czech Republic, Prague always comes in mind. Bill Pfeffer discovers A Little Known Village in the Czech Republic named Znojmo, three hours south of Prague that is something to be explored. Check out the excerpts below!


"Arriving by bus from the Czech town of Brno, we were captivated with our first sighting of Znojmo (pronounced ‘Zaw No Way Moe’). The dominant church spire of St. Nicholas Church overlooks the terra cotta roofs of the village below, as they appear to be kneeling in homage during worship at a Sunday Mass."

"Top Bicycle is a full service company that will drop off and pick up bicycles between a range of cities in the Czech Republic. They will transport your baggage, arrange lodging along your route, and provide GPS programmed itineraries. You can rent bikes for the day from the Cycling Information Center located right next door to the visitor’s center off the main square. Head off for the day to the local wineries, an excursion that the tourist brochures tout as ‘wine cycling’."

"A one-hour train through cornfields and vineyards will take you to the picturesque village of Mikulov, dominated by a Baroque Chateau that sits upon a hill in the center of town. On a lazy Saturday morning, colorfully clad cyclists congregated in the town square, eager to explore the many roads that radiate into the surrounding countryside. Cafes, souvenir shops, galleries and places to stay edge the square, while a friendly tourist information center dispenses excellent brochures and information."

Northern Lights, Satellites and Stargazing

When I was little I used to hang out with my dad on summer nights. He would go out for his daily cigarette and I would follow him outside to bug him. On clear nights, he would point out different constellations to me and teach me how to find the north star. He even pointed out how to spot satellites, meteors, and the exact positions of some planets. I grew up constantly staring at the sky whenever I could because I learned quickly that if you wait long enough, something exciting always happens. With that anecdote, I bring to you the World's Best Stargazing Destinations written by Bob Riel. Enjoy the excerpts below!


"Chile

Chile’s Atacama Desert mixes high altitude, dry air, and an absence of light pollution — a perfect recipe for some of the world’s best stargazing. The highest desert on Earth is not necessarily an easy place to get to, but if you go you’ll be rewarded with some of the clearest skies on the planet. The Observatorio Cerro Mamalluca offers public tours. Or, for a more personal experience, book a room at the Hotel Elqui Domos, where seven geodesic domes feature upstairs bedrooms with detachable roofs so guests can enjoy a stunning view of the heavens from the comfort of their bed."

"Southwestern United States

The Sonoran Desert in the American Southwest has particularly clear skies, and Kitt Peak National Observatory near Tucson houses the world’s largest collection of optical telescopes and offers nightly viewing opportunities. Other sites in the region that are open to the public include Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles; Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona; and McDonald Observatory near El Paso, Texas. Or, in New Mexico, you can visit New Mexico Skies, rent a cabin in the Sacramento Mountains, and discover the stars from their mini-observatories."

"Scotland

If you’re looking for a stargazing destination in Europe, Scotland has some of the darkest skies on the continent. The northern lights are even visible occasionally, a phenomenon that usually requires a trip closer to the Arctic Circle. An organization called Dark Sky Scotland now promotes dark sky parks in the Scottish Highlands. For organized viewing, you can check out the Royal Observatory in Edinburgh."

Alternative and Fun Ways to Finance Your Travels

So here's a scenario: Upon arriving to your hostel, weathered and beaten by your travels, you reach into your pocket to pay the front desk. To your horror, your hand comes out empty. Panicking, you rummage through your backpack it hopes of finding that elusive secret stash of money, only to find nothing but a few receipts and some lint. Your hopes and dreams of laying on an actual bed for the night suddenly vanish as you prepare yourself for roughing it out on the street. This does NOT have to happen to you! There are 25 Ways To Earn Money When You're Broke On The Road. Here are some examples from the article:


"5. Work an a Bookstore

It’s a great way to show-off your “intellectual” side whilst devouring the latest books. Keep in mind that most may require a work permit before they hire you. A great alternative is to bunk in Paris’ famed Shakespeare and Company where the owner offers free beds and work in exchange that you promise to read at least one book a day."

"7. Massage

Have you been known to make your dates swoon with your suave massage moves? Maybe it’s time you put your seduction skills to good use by working as a freelance masseuse. Find willing clients on the beach or a location where people are looking to relaaaaxxxx. Invest in some scented oil, clean nails and your most disarming smile and you’ll have enough funds for your own spa treatment."

"8. Farm Work

Fruit picking and farm work is one of the favorite possibilities for hippies, idealists and masochists. Though it is literally hard labor, it’s a paying job with invaluable perks, like meeting new people, enjoying the outdoors and having a unique experience.

One of the best resources is Transitions Abroad, Matador’s Guide to WWOOFING and Finding Paying Work in Europe."

"13. For the love of science…or some cash

If you were the type of kid that purposely ignores the expiration date on milk cartons just to “see what would happen,” then this is the job for you. Get prodded and poked by nervous science students in the UK, US and in Europe with Get Paid to Guinea Pig."

"16. Movie Extra

Run through the streets of Berlin with Jason Bourne or flee Godzilla’s rampage in Tokyo by working as a movie extra. You can check out casting agencies, local job posts or even the local couchsurfing group where independent film makers often post openings. It’s a great way to rub elbows with international celebrities (or at least tell your friends you did), earn some fast cash and possibly get discovered."

"25. Sail Away

Sail off towards the sunset by working on a yacht or a cruise ship. You can find work by perusing crew job sites or simply asking people by the harbor if they have any leads. It provides a sense of freedom, a means to sustain to yourself and a way to get to your next stop."

Go Postal With All Things Coastal

My Aunt told me once that the reason why some of us are so drawn to the ocean is because everything and everyone was born from it. An interesting thought. There is something magical about being near the sea, which is why many of us choose to inhabit there. For those interested in all things seaside, Coastal Living is the perfect magazine to subscribe to. The issues not only cover home decorating tips and travel advice, but contain numerous articles on health, beauty, food and green-friendly tips.

You can check out their website here for interesting top ten lists and even more on coastal communities. Being a seafood junkie, I was so pleased to find a top ten list for Seafood and Wine Festivals all over the U.S.

The September issue of Coastal Living hits the stands August 25! The issue will include top ten road trips, a guide to oysters (!!), what to bring in your beach bag an so much more. Here are some examples of articles you will find in the September issue. Enjoy!


"BEAUTY AND THE BEACH: Bikini Bootcamp – Melissa Perlman, owner of Amansala resort in Tulum, Mexico and author of Bikini Bootcamp: Two Weeks to Your Ultimate Beach Body, gave Coastal Living the skinny on feeling your best at the beach. Some tips include: changing up your workouts, keeping your skin fresh, and working towards a toned core. (pg. 32)"

"Escape to a Beach Cottage – Debbie and Brad Weitz, owners of a home-furnishings and gift boutique in Atlanta, took us inside their beach cottage on St. Simons Island, where they escape for weekends of all play, no work. Built with a simple design and outdoor living space, this shanty is just one block from the beach. Steal some of their decorating tips so you can have a calm oasis like this for you and your family. (pg.74)"

"L.A.’s Best Day Trip – Contributing editor Carolynn Carreño takes us on a low-key “daycation” of strolling canals, bohemian shops, and gourmet cafes in her favorite local neighborhood, Venice Beach. Explore on foot or rent a bike to visit Venice Beach’s hot spots and take delight in the entertaining street performers. (pg. 60)"

"FOOD: Oysters 101 – Coastal Living shares everything you ever wanted to know about these sexy shellfish, from harvesting and shucking to top-rated recipes and wine pairings. Discover how to distinguish between the 5 most popular species, see where to buy the best oyster knives, and learn from Oyster connoisseur and author, Robb Walsh, about his infatuation with these succulent aphrodisiacs. (pg. 80; recipes pg. 104)"

Must-See Eastern European Cities

I have always held an affinity for Eastern Europe because it is often overlooked. Sure I love Spain, Italy and France, but east of that has always allured me; be it the music, food or just the fact that it hardly entered my textbooks in high school. Here is an article that talks about three up and coming cities in Eastern Europe that might soon be named "The Next Prague." Enjoy the excerpts below!


Budapest

"Explore the city’s many creaky and offbeat museums, covering everything from the postal service to local composer Franz Liszt. (Study ahead at www.budapestinfo.hu to choose your favorites.) Tour the sumptuous Opera House—with decor as lavish as any in Europe, plus world-class opera for as little as $2 (www.opera.hu). Stroll the sprawling City Park, home to a reconstructed Transylvanian castle, an Art Nouveau zoo, a mini-amusement park, and a fun-loving spa pavilion (the Széchenyi Baths, described below). Ride the delightfully rickety vintage subway to the Danube, wander the promenade, and glide along the river on a $20 twilight cruise (www.legenda.hu)."

"The only “must-do” activity in Budapest is to soak with the locals in one of the many thermal baths. The best and most accessible are the local-style Széchenyi Baths and the touristy Gellért Baths (for information on either, see www.spasbudapest.com). Just relax and enjoy some Hungarian good living. Magyars of all shapes and sizes stuff themselves into tiny swimsuits and strut their stuff. Tourists float blissfully in the warm water. Intellectuals and Speedo-clad elder statesmen stand in chest-high water around chessboards and ponder their next moves. This is Budapest at its best."


Ljubljana

"Ljubljana feels much smaller than its population of 289,000. Fashion boutiques and cafés jockey for control of the old town, while the leafy riverside promenade crawls with stylishly dressed students sipping coffee and polishing their near-perfect English. Laid-back Ljubljana is the kind of place where crumbling buildings seem elegantly atmospheric instead of shoddy."

"Ljubljana also features some good, low-impact sightseeing. Take a walking tour (or hire your own local guide at bargain prices) to hear some of the quaint stories of this plucky town and nation. Amble through the people-filled Tivoli Park and visit the Contemporary History Museum, which traces Slovenia’s tumultuous 20th century (occupied by Austria, then united with Yugoslavia...and now independent). Hike or take a tourist train up to the castle above the old town for sweeping views over the city and to the nearby Alps. From here, it’s just an hour’s drive to Austria."


Dubrovnik

"Many tourists were scared off after Croatia’s recent war with Yugoslavia. While the rest of Croatia’s coastline was virtually untouched by the war, the Yugoslav National Army laid siege to Dubrovnik for eight long months. In the years since, Dubrovnik has repaired itself with remarkable speed and confidence. Today the city feels perfectly safe, and the only visible signs of the war are some new bright-orange roof tiles. The tourists are most decidedly back—in droves."

"Fresh, delicious seafood is another Dubrovnik joy. Around every corner is a characteristic, family-run eatery with sun-bathed outdoor seating. For starters, let a startlingly delicious sardine—carefully marinated in a generations-old family recipe—slowly melt in your mouth. Then savor a bite of grilled squid or air-dried Dalmatian ham (pršut)."

Get Pampered in Vegas

When one thinks of Las Vegas, foot massages and body scrubs with Omega 3-rich flaxseed oil doesn't usually come to mind. Kelly Westhoff discovers an eclectic range of spa treatments that many of the Las Vegas hotels have to offer. Read her article, Las Vegas Spas: Why Gamble When You Can Relax? Enjoy the excerpts below!



"Las Vegas in the business of promising pleasure, so I wasn’t surprised that its biggest hotels all have spas built right into them, nor was I surprised that all of these spas offer foot rubs, scalp massages and steaming, aromatic baths."


"I was surprised, though, by just how many spa experiences I had to choose from. For example, upon checking in to my suite at the Palazzo, I found a 30-page spa menu waiting for me in my room. The menu listed fitness classes and beauty services available at the Canyon Ranch Spa inside the hotel."


"Nobody has ever rubbed my feet the way my foot masseuse did. Oh, it hurt so good! As I squirmed, she told me, according to Eastern reflexology charts, which of my internal organs she was manipulating."


"The spa inside The Palms hotel is called Drift. It offers a wide range of beauty services including a package called the Aura-Soma® treatment. Drift is the only Vegas spa to offer this treatment, which is based on the idea that “you are the colors you choose.”


If you book the treatment, you will choose four bottles of colored liquids (out of 107 options) that you feel represent a specific area of your life. A consultant will “read” your colors. You then choose to have a massage, a body wrap or a foot treatment."


"Even though I had booked just a standard massage, I was not disappointed. My masseuse worked hard to knead out all my stress. Once she’d finished with my back, she laid a warm blanket over me as she moved on to my legs. Later, as she worked her fingers through my hair and applied pressure to points on my neck, she laid a heated mask over my face."