Aug 25– We opted to stay home this summer, taking the grands to the beach, the bowling alley, and the pool, and enjoying the tomatoes that Jim’s garden produced in abundance. Now that the kids are heading back to school, it’s time for us to hit the road.

We plan to spend the month of September in Czechia, also known as the Czech Republic until 2016, previously part of Czechoslovakia from 1918 until 1992, and historically called Bohemia. Ever since we’ve been traveling, others have told us that it’s a must-see place. Now we will see!

What do we know so far?

The capital is Prague, or as the Czechs call it, Praha, the 5th most visited city in Europe. We are starting there, and then visiting Kutna Hora, Olomouc, Cesky Krumlov, Pilsen, and Karlovy Vary.

Although part of the European Union, Czechia maintains its own currency, the Czech Krona (CZK). Right now, $1 = 20CZK. There is a good public transport system, and old folks ride for free! Uber is available in the larger cities, as is a local ride sharing app called Bolt.

We’ve been warned to steer clear of ATMs in the tourist areas that charge outrageous fees.

We understand that Czechians are a serious people, who are suspicious of Americans because we smile too much. We’ll try to keep that in mind. Fun fact: most of the world’s beer is produced and consumed in Czechia. That just made me smile! 😊