In 1945, General Patton and his Army troopers
liberated the western regions of then
Czechoslovakia and met the last hardcore Nazis
nose-to-nose in these towns. US soldier memoirs
describe greetings by Czech people dressed in
traditional garb, while across town the Nazis were
fighting off Czech partisans. Only the most
dedicated Nazi soldiers fought the Americans at
this point in the war, preferring to surrender
before the advancing Soviets got them.
Czechoslovakia did suffer socialism under a
Soviet-backed Communist Party and, briefly, in a
so-called Prague Spring of 1968 attempted
democracy. Soviet tanks on the streets of Prague
put down any immediate hope of freedom.
“Go Bohemian on your next travel adventure!”
Concentration Camp was where a Nazi-run Potemkin village fooled Red
Cross inspectors. Art, history, and technical museums around the capital will
fill a day (Kbely aviation, national technical, and even one for Communism
artifacts).
In the next article on Czech Republic travel, enjoy a day trip from Prague
to Kutna Hora and its world famous St. Barbara’s church. This is a
UNESCO World Heritage site and the filming location of numerous
motion pictures. Here is where to meet new friends; the gargoyles haunting
the roof edge. The church arranged a walk around the gothic-spired roof
and dizzying view from a gargoyles perch.
A "velvet revolution" took place from 1989-1992,
corresponding with the Soviet Union breaking
apart. In 1993, the peaceful dissolution of
Czechoslovakia took place with the separation of
the Czech Republic and Slovak Republic.
Today, the Czech Republic thrives under a freelyelected NATO member government. Czech troops
serve in the multi-national forces deployed in Iraq
and Afghanistan. Personal politics aside about
these conflicts, the Czech people are friendly to
everyone.
Extensive history is available about Bohemia and
Czech history. The above is only intended to
refresh the memories that are germane to current
events.
Finally, the last article in this series is a trip to the
inland area of the Czech Republic, including the
winery area lodging. At the heart of Europe and a
transportation hub, the Czech Republic roads lead to
Germany, Poland, Hungary, and Austria. A trip to a
nearby Czech wine region, Moravia, can be at
vineyards only a stone's throw from Austria. Winery
tasting rooms in villages become a mecca for tourists
from Vienna and Germany throughout the summer.
Hiking or bicycling between villages is a
recommended experience. This article on a trip to
historic Brno, wineries, and vineyards includes
information on how to arrange wild boar hunting
while in the area.
Go Bohemian on your next travel adventure!
77
MARCH 2014 •LUXE BEAT MAGAZINE
Photography by Allan Kissam.