“I have a plan and you need to be open minded,” my best friend quipped. I could tell from the mischievous tone in her voice I may be surprised by this plan of hers. 

We became enthralled with the scent of authentic street cuisine and stopped to enjoy an oversized and delicious falafel wrap. A beautiful walk down the street of Dresden and it was time for this open-minded adventure… A brightly lit entryway and we approached the front desk. We were in a sauna –  awesome! This was going to be so relaxing before my long flight tomorrow! But, my bathing suit was back in my suitcase. Apparently, I wouldn’t be needing it. Now the “open minded” comment came in to play. This unrestrained approach is common in Germany, sauna au natural! When in Rome…  well Dresden. We paid our nine Euros and with a brief explanation from our hosts, we were immersed into this steamy world. Tonight, was lady’s night, thank goodness! I don’t think I could have handled a co-ed sauna experience for my first naked and sweaty encounter. Gripping a towel tightly across my jiggly bits, I started to feel quite foolish. Everyone here was uninhibited and really had no concern about my nakedness. 

Sauna number one – first show at 7:30. We found our place, towel down (it’s quite rude, unsanitary and extremely hot to place your exposed buttocks on the wooden bench) and waited. Enter one large, lightly toweled host. The first session was a refreshing Tannenbaum oil distributed onto the blistering rocks. He was a magician with a towel and flipped and twirled the steam toward us. I could feel my  tense muscles relaxing and my pores completely opened. Our comrades were sitting, laying down and quietly chatting. It was challenging not to glance. These women were in great shape and I didn’t realize you could have piercings in such unusual places! (Eyes on the floor, eyes on the floor!) Now off for a refreshing shower. I pushed the knob and a massive rush of cold water made me gasp! One of the local women chuckled and gestured toward another shower knob that had a gentle, warm stream. I needed to ease myself into the hot/cold combo. The next show immersed us in eucalyptus and another invigorating experience. We enjoyed a foot bath, pool and many chuckles.

As we left and thanked our host, he cheekily blew me a kiss! I was amused and appalled at the same time but my friend was most entertained! We giggled and chatted on our walk through the trendy park dotted with partiers and many finding some interesting ways to relax. Always   an eye opener this trip. What a great way to end my holiday! 

*Featured image above can be sourced here

Charles Bridge – our first stop and already the city seems larger than life! The statues looming are either protecting or investigating us and we stop to capture the steely giants in our first photo of this amazing journey. We’re greeted with dozens of merchants selling everything from original local scenes captured in watercolour, pencil sketches of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, to hand painted hair clips and crystal. We resist for now, sure we’ll find many other treasures waiting. 

The immaculately trimmed and shaped gardens are a clear representation of the pride the Czech people have in their prized city. The hedges are perfectly groomed and house fabulously beautiful creatures. A white peacock sunbaths, casually glancing our way, then turns back to its relaxing pose, far too important to bother with these curious tourists. 

Turning the corner, we are faced with our first statue celebrating the male in all his glory – duelling penises! These mechanical marvels pivot just below the waist and spew water at each other in a finely calculated orchestra. After several childish giggles and variety of photos (our friends won’t believe this!) we’re off to tackle the cobblestone streets of Old Town Square. 

The Astrological Clock is truly spectacular and performs on the hour. The ominous creatures that greet us atop this marvel are balanced with angelic ones to ensure protection. We’ve been warned of skilled pickpockets that frequent the area and prey on unsuspecting tourists whose attention is absorbed by the wonder of the clock. We quickly appreciate it and move on. 

We continue our discoveries to find a charming jewelry shop that boasts having the best amber creations (of course they all make that claim).  Michael greets us as if we were old friends and proceeds to tell us of his conquests of the night before, sparing few details. For us, because we are beautiful Canadians, he would give such a deal! I hadn’t planned on making a purchase, but please, the guy is totally charming and for a hug, takes a few more Euro off my lovely amber rings. For a kiss, he explains, there could be more of a discount – I consider, but feel I have to draw the line somewhere! This will be enough of a story…

Around the corner, down the narrowest passageway in Prague (I can touch each wall with my elbows) and you guessed it, another male statue! This one is bronze and has been rubbed for good luck so often that his organs seem to be gleaming gold.

We ask the locals for the best restaurant to enjoy cakes and pastries. Café Café does not disappoint and we share a banana, chocolate cake covered in marzipan with our bubbly water. Sitting on the patio, people watching and enjoying a musical festival in the square, two hours pass with ease.   We promise ourselves to come back tomorrow and mark this delectable discovery on our map. 

It would be a transgression to miss taking in a summer concert presented by members of the Czech Philharmonic and we decide on The St. Salvator Church and the Vivaldi Four Seasons performance. We arrive early to secure a prime seat. The sun is just setting and touches upon a statue of Madonna and child long enough for me to snap a picture. It truly looks as though God is shining on these beautiful figures – goosebumps continue as we drink in the perfection of voice and strings in a perfect acoustic setting. 

Prague, my love, I will be back – thank you for your warm embrace and eternal memories.

*Featured image above can be sourced on Flickr here

Although it’s mid-October, we’re still enjoying 25-degree heat and we take a few moments to drink it all in on our balcony. We decide to let the night breeze flow as we drift off to sleep. Ahhh, Cool sheets and inviting pillows await. Am I dreaming? A shriek from my friend barely registers, back to snoozeville. As I wake refreshed, she asks “Did you notice the beetles? I screamed and I’m not sure if you woke up!” I feel badly I missed her traumatic experience and can’t believe I actually slept through it! We’ve made the grave mistake of leaving the balcony door open. Strange, almost cockroach size rectangular beetles invaded the bed, crawled and were relaxing on my friend’s face when she was jolted awake! As morning arrives, we quickly clean any of them that remain and swiftly close the balcony. Lesson learned! Surprisingly, we never encounter them while outdoors and are grateful for that.

First stop Piran, where the charm and history of this area first build in the Roman Empire in the 900’s, embraces us. Wandering the stone pathways, I can’t help but wonder about the stories of those that walked here before. My choice of flipflops was a poor one, as the uneven walking surfaces insist on solid, practical shoes…note to self! The main square was erected in the early 1900’s and was abuzz with school tours, tourist and locals appreciating the day. We’re very pleasantly surprised as the shop owners are exceptionally friendly and helpful; one even closing shop to walk us to the area we inquired directions for. We finish our day with a boat tour, a relaxing hour-long excursion along the Adriatic Sea.

We have a few minutes before sunset and enjoy a wonderful walk to the Sea. The sunset is intense with deep russets and golden yellows all blending into a gentle plum. Blink and you can miss it, the sunset disappears within a couple minutes. A flock of birds entertain us and travel in unison celebrating the glory of nature. Back to the dinner buffet and a visit to the local shops within the hotel. A perfect discovery of ancient looking world maps! These will compliment my old school classroom themed room back home.

We’ve decided to forgo the tour the next day and instead opt for a relaxing day at the pool. Crepes with fruit, nuts and yogurt as well scrambled eggs for breakfast… it’s a good thing we’re walking at least ten km a day! I hope I break even by the end of the holiday! We both take our books – mine is The Tattooist of Auschwitz – and find a lounge by the pool. We almost have the whole area to ourselves! Soon a mother and daughter from our tour group find a spot. Their deep tans indicate this is a regular routine for them. Both sporting ear buds they begin their dance routines. Quite entertaining! Inhibitions are nowhere to be seen and I love it!

The next day a charming, almost childlike train will take us to the heart of the shopping and I’m all in! My friend, who has run a marathon on the Great Wall, elects to run to the destination – of course! I arrive and she’s only a few minutes behind. The shops are all but empty as this is past tourist season and the bargains are awesome! The shop owners would much rather not pack up their goods and are happy to accommodate.

Our final day we travel to Rovinj and I search for the perfect piece of art to celebrate this wonderful trip. Many shops and km later, we trip upon a dark, cigarette smoke filled art gallery with several large folders to explore. I find a subtle watercolour of a stone entrance. The fine black marker lines added over the watercolour add a detailed dimension I can’t resist. My bargaining skills work and I claim my prize for around $35 Euro.

We make our way to the top of the Church of St. Euphemia. The view was worth the massive number of stairs. Obviously tourists, we’re approached by a local TV station crew and interviewed about our highlights of Rovinj. A violinist plays in the background, making our responses sound quite sophisticated!

One more boat ride, this one quite extensive, will complete our day. The cool breeze is a welcome relief. My friend heads to the front of the boat for some photo ops, but I’m quite happy just to relax in the shade. I hear many in our group snickering and peer over to the direction of their chuckles. We’re passing a nude beach, well our floppy and free sun bathers are actually laying on rocks, and they really have no concern for prying eyes. I consider taking a pic, but feel I need to respect the privacy of the clothes optional group.

We have time for a quick trip to a lovely outdoor café. I order a Margherita pizza. Our waiter is charming and seems to be quite taken with us. When he discovers we’re Canadian his attention doubles. Chanting “Canada, Canada!” he brings three of his waiter friends over to join the party! Soon shots arrive at our table and our new friends are insisting we go to the club with them tonight. They refuse to bring us our bill and we need to be quite firm that we have a bus to catch! We can’t resist a taking pics with our sociable crew and our uncontrolled laughter is caught on film to treasure.

Croatia; the people, the history and breathtaking views, the never forgotten adventures will be implanted in my favorite memories.