Frankenstein Bash

If you are looking for a good scream this Halloween, the Burg Frankenstein is the place to be. The festival will be held in all forms of inclement weather, but umbrellas are not allowed into the castle so dress appropriately. If you have children and still want to visit the castle, but with less terror, there will be a Family Day held every Sunday from 2-7 p.m. Tickets for the Halloween festival can be purchased at the entrance of the castle or online.For more information about Halloween at Burg Frankenstein or purchasing tickets logon to www.halloween-burgfrankenstein.de/.
The Burg Frankenstein, located 3 miles south of Darmstadt, is one of the most famous lliterary landmarks in history not to mention the spookiest. It dates back to the 13th century and is rumored to be the inspiration of Mary Shelly’s classic horor novel, Frankenstein written in 1818. Though Shelly stated that the source of the name “Frankenstein” came from a dream, many still speculate that the real inspiration came from the castle, or Burg Frankenstein, that she had seen while aboard a boat before the novel was written. The true origin of the Frankenstein monster and his mad-scientist creator may never be determined, the castle itself still maintains an eerie and haunting feeling especially during Halloween when the grounds of Burg Frankenstein come alive with ghouls, ghosts and monsters. Every year the Burg Frankenstein hosts a Halloween Festival honoring the story of Frankenstein. In fact, the concept for the frightful festival was created by an American Soldier stationed in Darmstadt. Germany and has been a town tradition ever since. Now that you know the history of this creepy castle enter the castle grounds if you dare but be prepared for a scare for the castle is crawling with over 60 living monsters waiting to taunt and terrorize you to death. Not literally of course, but the monsters will do anything to give you a good scare so don’t be alarmed if they get close to you or even touch you. There are live performances that include the depiction of Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein story and mock performances at the Burg gallows. — JM

Stinky Seine sewer system
According to the Environmental Literacy Council, the Paris sewer system has been a tourist attraction since the World Exposition of 1867. The sewer lines follow the outline of the city streets above, like a map, all the way down to the street signs. Basically, each Parisian street lies atop its own corresponding sewer line (1,300 miles total). Part of the sanitary system has been turned into a museum that tourists may visit. Visitors can discover the tunnels (which are relatively large, about the size of a subway tunnel). Main conduits, sufficiently wide and deep enough for a boat (and large enough for pedestrians), are the main thoroughfares for waste and water. The same tunnels house the city’s fresh water pipes, phone lines and the like. All of the city’s sewage used to be dumped into the Seine back in 1802 when the population of Paris was 700,000 “sent peu” as they would say in French (smells a little)! Worse yet, Parisians depended on the river as their source for drinking water. No wonder the cholera epidemic of 1832 killed 30,000 people. Finally, in 1854 the sewer system was redesigned (by Eugène Belgrand) using gravity and the land’s natural slope to evacuate waste from the city. The design has catch basins that trap solids (removed via truck).—AV

Creepy Capuchin Crypt
This church is the site of a most bizarre attraction: a crypt that contains the remains of 4,000 human bones and skulls arranged in an unabashed and flamboyant manner. Nailed to the wall and designed in patterns, the remains of these deceased monks give new meaning to interior decorating. There are many theories as to who did the decorating and why. One legend is that it was the work of a criminal (with a predisposed taste for the macabre) that was protected from punishment for his crimes by being hid away in the church by the merciful friars. Another theory is that it was the work of a bored neurotic monk with a certain predisposition for neatness. Some say French Capuchins did the work, imitating the catacombs of Paris. The Marquis de Sade visited the crypt in 1775 and thought it was created “by a German priest who lived in this house” and it seemed to Sade to be “An example of funerary art worthy of an English mind.” No matter what the crypt’s origins were, there is no denying its macabre popularity as a creepy, skin crawling Halloween destination. — AV
Swim With Alligators and Sleep Like Elvis
Forget haunted houses this Halloween. In the quiet village of Ockstadt, the largest collection of reptilian beasts in Europe slithers indoors through over two million liters of water. The Krokodilzoo (or the anglicized and quirky name, Alligator-Action-Farm) is home to over 36 American alligators, several crocodiles, an assortment of pythons (over 12-feet long) and iguanas. Oh, don’t forget the giant tarantulas. Luckily, these critters are tamed so you can enjoy their tricks and not worry about becoming the treat. The Alligator Action Farm prides itself in giving visitors up close and personal access without all of the glass, bars, and other useful safety measures at less exciting zoos. In fact, for a hefty 300 euro, you can even swim with the alligators (memento video recording included). More budget-conscious visitors won’t be disappointed, though. There are plenty of gators and critters to touch. Although it is getting colder outside, the farm is open year round and is heated. Call (06031) 687-697 to make your reservation or visit www.alligator-action-farm.de. ––DT
Grave of Anneliese Michel in Klingenberg
You would never guess from the looks of this quintessential wine country village along the banks of the Main River, but quaint Klingenberg has a very creepy past. It was here that 23-year old Anneliese Michel died in 1976 after undergoing a series of officially sanctioned exorcisms. Anneliese believed she was possessed by Lucifer, Adolf Hitler, Judas Iscariot, and others. According to Washington Post reporter Eric Hansen, who listened to audiotapes of the exorcisms in 2005, her voice “can still send shivers up your spine,” and “is the voice of a demon, growling, barking, inhuman – and surprisingly like Linda Blair in The Exorcist.” In fact, the 2005 American horror film, The Exorcism of Emily Rose, is based on the Klingenberg exorcism – albeit grossly sensationalized. For many in this traditional Bavarian village, fact is stranger than fiction, as many sincerely believe Anneliese was indeed possessed by the devil. Her grave has turned into a pilgrimage site for those offering prayers for her soul (she was, after all, remembered as a pious youth). While there, look for a bright yellow house with a crucifix affixed to it. It is in that house where the exorcism took place. You may even meet Anneliese’s mother at her gravesite on Thursdays. ––DT

Experience Body Worlds…live?

This is one very creepy and unique attraction in Europe. It’s so creepy, we debated whether or not to include it – but you can decide whether or not to visit the Body Works Plastinarium in Guben, Germany.
As you may know, Body Works is one of the most successful traveling exhibitions in history with dozens of real human bodies stripped of their skin with their organs transformed into plastic. The exhibition has wooed visitors from London to Portland, Oregon and was even featured in the latest James Bond film, Casino Royale. But at the Plastinarium in Guben, you can actually observe the transformation of human cadavers undergoing the plastination process (tissues are pumped with polymers displacing water and fat that later harden). It is not a mere spectacle, though. Plastination has ethical and viable uses in education, surgery training, and research. There are also less disturbing displays suitable for younger people such as anatomy cross-sections of humans and animals. In fact, German school classes visit the Plastinarium regularly – so it can’t be that bad. Or is it? ––DT
Explore a world record underworld
Definitely a fun stop on a family vacation, the Grotta Gigante near Trieste is the world’s largest cave accessible to tourists (according to the Guiness Book of World Records). Your dedicated writer recently descended into the chilly depths of this gigantic cave for an hour-long guided tour (in English) in what seemed like a eerily-lit, massive cathedral deep beneath the earth. With a huge basilica towering over 320 feet over visitors at the bottom of the cave, the Statue of Liberty (pedestal and statue stand over 305 feet) could also stand upright in the cave with a few feet to spare. The centerpiece of the cave is the “palm stalagmite.” This huge stalagmite stands several meters high and looks like a palmetto tree trunk. Unlike the palmetto tree, the palm stalagmite grows only a few millimeters every 20 years, so you have plenty of time to see it. ––DT

Image

The most common way to reach Prague is by car. Czech Autobahn D5 will lead you from the Czech border, past Pilsen and into Prague. The city of Pilsen may sound familiar. It’s the home of one of the largest breweries in Czech. It is also home of the word “pilsner” that’s used to describe beer today. But Czech has more to offer than a beer economy. Along the way to Prague, modern factories and businesses can be spotted bustling with activity. Modern cars built in Czech travel along the autobahn and new construction can be seen here and there. All of these positive signs are proof of Czech’s economic growth. Once you enter Prague’s city limits, there are plenty of landmarks and road signs to help you navigate with a good map. Don’t be intimidated by the strangely accented names on the street signs; Prague is relatively easy to drive through.
Since euros are widely accepted in Czech, it’s good to have a few handy for any unforeseen expenses until you can get to an ATM machine in Prague. If you haven’t already brought them with you, the ATM is a good place to withdraw Czech Koruna. At time of publication, the Czech Koruna was worth roughly 40 U.S. cents. A hotel room costing 3,000 Koruna will cost about 80 U.S. dollars, depending on the current rate and service fees. There are plenty of ATMs conveniently located throughout downtown Prague. Most businesses and larger hotels also accept credit cards.
Step into another world

Image

For some Paris is a tourist’s dream, but for others Prague is a tourist’s heaven. From the moment you step from your hotel and onto the cobblestone streets of this capital city, small details begin to command your attention. Since Prague was largely preserved through two world wars, many of the buildings of yesteryear remain perfectly intact. Almost every building in the city’s center is detailed with decorative patterns and floral designs, making each building richly unique. Some craftsmen can still be seen restoring decorative molding embellishments on the facades of buildings using concrete mix and fine tools. From the gothic and striking Prague castle overlooking the city to the Art Nouveau interior of the Grand Hotel Europa, Prague’s history is very much a part of its present.

Prague was once the capital of the Holy Roman Empire and has historically been a Jewish cultural center. Much remains of the Jewish quarter despite Nazi occupation during World War II. A stroll through its shadowy alleyways reveals some of the oldest surviving synagogues in all of Europe. One peculiar highlight is the Old Jewish Cemetery. Upon first glance, this cemetery looks no bigger than a basketball court. So naturally you may wonder how over 12,000 people are buried in such a relatively small space. In fact, the cemetery is one of a few in all of Europe to keep its eternal guests buried in layers. Over 12 layers comprise the cemetery’s unusual situation. The surface of the cemetery is completely covered in dark and skinny tombstones tilting in every direction. Other attractions in the Jewish quarter include shops full of Jewish trinkets and jewelry not commonly found in many western cities.
Read the fine print

As with many European cities, the role early religion played in everyday life is evident in the form of grand cathedrals and synagogues, stone statues radiating devotion, and ancient libraries full of sacred texts. Anyone who has seen the movie or read Umberto Eco’s “In the Name of the Rose” will definitely want to visit Strahovsky Klaster (or Strahovsky Monastery) situated atop the western hills of Prague. A cable car at the base of the hill carries you comfortably up the side while offering a fantastic view of Prague at a great price. Once atop the hill, a winding pathway leads through groves belonging to the monastery, which is still active to this day. Despite decades of communism and insecurity, the monastery boasts an amazing collection of thousands of hand-made theological books. These aren’t simply books though. Long before the days of laser printers and print shops, monks worked tirelessly to hand copy religious texts. Monks also “illuminated” their works with detailed drawings and vibrant colors that many associate with images from medieval ages. The art also appears illuminated because of its generous gold leaf accents. Other original books can be seen on display, such as an entire Bible written in near microscopic print and other miniature manuscripts small enough to be worn around the neck. Monasteries were also centers of scientific learning. Visitors to the monastery can see creatures preserved for hundreds of years gathered from lands far away. In other parts of the monastery, cavernous libraries glowing in golden light and lined with thousands of books can be viewed. Huge globes depicting the world hundreds of years ago sit in a grand reading room and detailed frescos splash vividly across the ceiling exactly as they did ages ago when the world seemed so vast. When walking the halls of the monastery, one can’t help but feel transported to a time of wonder before the age of the Internet and jumbo jet travel.
Not far from the monastery is the Prague Castle. The castle has a long and storied past, but it is most importantly the largest castle in Europe. Although upon first glance the walls of the castle look anything but intimidating, the surface area protected by the sprawling citadel is huge. Inside the castle, large cobblestone courtyards once kept alight by huge gas lamps sit between Baroque-style palaces. Baroque refers to a style developed in the 1600’s in Italy and is a term used to describe dramatic art and sculpture of the period. It is that very style that influenced the bold and curling patterns on facades both on the castle grounds and in Prague’s downtown. Within the castle, visitors can look down on Prague and pose with a motionless Czech Soldier guarding the entrance to the government apartments and Chram sv. Vita (Saint Veits Cathedral). There are plenty of interesting shops selling marionettes, medieval crafts, and souvenirs. The castle throne room and castle museum are also worth a visit.
The Saint Veits Cathedral is the most recognizable landmark on Prague’s landscape. Its two towering steeples rise darkly above the city skyline and glow brightly at night. Fans of Gothic architecture will love the countless gargoyles grimacing angrily to ward off evil spirits. Lucky visitors inside the cathedral may notice the faint aroma of frankincense as they examine the huge stained glass windows as they make their way into the catacombs below the cathedral floor. Hours could be spent looking over the outside of the cathedral. Paintings and mosaic works adorn the south face of the cathedral depicting scenes from the Bible. Don’t stay at the castle too long, though. There is much more to be seen down below in downtown Prague.
See you downtown

The Vltava River flows swiftly but calmly through the Golden City. The western side of the river is home to many international embassies, including the American embassy. There are several bridges crossing the Vltava River, but the most famous bridge is by far the Karluv Most (or Charles Bridge). From the early morning hours to late into the night, tourists congregate on Charles Bridge to take snapshots of the Prague Castle, the famous bridge towers, and the musicians. Vendors line the packed bridge selling everything from popular photos of foggy Prague to stories told by friendly eccentrics in multiple languages. If you are walking into Prague for the first time via the Charles Bridge, you may begin to notice a large mix of English-speaking people and German-speaking people. This multicultural city is full of people looking to discover their own personal Prague. The exotic appeal of this once forbidden land coupled with its beauty also draws Hollywood from time to time. While standing on the Charles Bridge, you may recognize parts of the river from the movie, “XXX” staring Vin Diesel. While some people can only catch a short glimpse of Prague on the silver screen, you can experience it at your own pace.

Image

Prague is a noticeably clean city. There are too few undesirable traits to mention and too few to distract you from the beauty of the city. The sum of the decorative architecture, the timelessness of the stone streets and the slow tempo all equal a remarkably relaxing ambiance. This family friendly destination keeps kids’ eyes wide open in wonder at tall stone buildings, mansions lit by night, and countless shops displaying colorful puppets and gifts. Plenty of American families can be seen with their children exploring the seemingly never-ending alleyways full of shops and restaurants. Passers by courteously yield to strollers and small children. Even after days of being in Prague, visitors can find new inviting alleyways completely unrestricted by gates and doors. Curiosity in the old town of Prague can lead you to some of the best-kept hidden cafés and crystal shops.
A cut above

Czech crystal can be found in abundance in Prague and has a world famous reputation. But what exactly is crystal and what makes Czech crystal so special? Crystal is a term for glass with a higher than normal lead content that creates a brighter sparkle. Naturally occurring crystal can be found in the earth, but most crystal is man made using minerals. What separates Czech crystal from other crystal markets across the world is the craftsmanship of Czech crystal masters. Their attention to detail and etching done completely by hand makes each piece a work of art. The personal touch hand made Czech crystal reflects is something assembly line crystal can’t begin to approach. Crystal pieces to meet every budget can be found in the Jewish quarter and other parts of the old town. Be sure to look for the handmade label on the crystal. If you are looking for a unique European bargain, pick up some crystal in Prague while you are there. You can expect to save about 20% or more off the export price.
The Green Lady

Observant passers by may notice a mysterious green liquid in bottles labeled “Absinth” put in storefront windows. The much-fabled absinth was made popular by artists and writers at the turn of the 20th century in Paris, France. In the past several years, absinth has grown again in popularity on the bar scene as more of a novelty. The highly alcoholic drink is schnapps derived from herbs and trace amounts of otherwise deadly Wormwood tree oil. The schnapps pulls its emerald color from herbal chlorophyll and many claim the drink has hallucinogenic properties. Drinkers have included the likes of Vincent Van Gogh, Ernest Hemmingway, and Oscar Wilde. With so many interesting facts already surrounding the drink, absinth itself is a recipe for curiosity. Many tourists try the drink despite the stigma once attached to the stuff as the drink of eccentrics, lunatics, and idle dreamers. Much of that stigma resulted from old stories of absinth drinkers dying, hemorrhaging, or simply going mad. Experts have since determined that the evils of absinth had more to do with artificial additives and heavy metals mixed into shoddily produced absinth to add more greenish color. “The Green Lady” can be found at many tourist traps in the city, but budget-oriented travelers can find quality Czech absinth at bargain prices at the less glamorous Billa supermarket, Carrefour Hypermarket or Tesco.
Be oh so Euro

The days of cheap shopping in Prague are long gone, but there is still fun to be had. Some leading designer fashion stores and attractive Czech fashion labels boast their goods in chic, yet welcoming, storefronts. Many of those shops can be found along the Vaclavske namesti (or Wenceslas Square). There, Eastern European style comes across as conservative, confident, and energetic at a time when some consider western style to appear too casual. That Eastern European attitude is on display as hip Czech music booms in stores and Czechs search clothing racks for that perfect buy. Expect to pay prices at or above those in Frankfurt, Germany for similar name brand goods. This self-confident appearance is more than just cosmetic. The Bata shoe company located on the square is a Czech label that is growing in popularity across Europe. At this flagship store, you can buy the latest shoe designs to hit Europe long before your friends in the States get them. The Bata label is an old one, but its recent revival is only one of many. Bata and Skoda Auto are two companies in Czech that are successfully modernizing their designs with a distinct Czech identity. Although the styles at the department store range from Euro hip to absolute chic, you don’t need the income of a supermodel to shop around. The prices are tolerable, ranging from the Koruna equivalent of 20 euros to 150 euros. Days could be spent shopping in Prague for clothes and shoes. But you may be more interested in buying some famous Czech beer to take back with you. Maybe you are looking to save some money and want to buy snacks for the kids at a good price. If this sounds like you, just go where the Czechs go. Local supermarkets like Billa, Carrefour Hypermarket (a French version of Wal-Mart) and Tesco (a British version of Wal-Mart) all sit within walking distance of Prague’s city center. Carrefour even offers free and secure parking. Although not as chic as Wenceslas Square, these supermarkets offer row upon row of uncommon Czech beers and spirits. Cases of beer can be purchased for the mere Koruna equivalent of a few euros. If practical items are what you are looking for, these stores sell cheap house wares, groceries, and medicine at discount prices. Czech customers young and old can be seen making purchases while American Hip Hop music plays overhead. Much has changed since the days of communism.
Eat like a Bohemian

Doing all of this shopping will require a lot of energy and plenty of breaks in between. That’s where one of the highlights of the Prague experience comes into the picture. Czech restaurants are almost guaranteed to come at a low price. If you are looking for a hardy home style Czech meal, the U Medvidku restaurant on Na Perstyne 7 is worth visiting. A stone corridor leads down into a simple beer hall with bench seating. Not completely discovered by the tourist crowd, this restaurant has more locals as its patrons. There you can savor wild boar goulash with a rich brown sauce and soft potato dumplings. The tender goulash faintly tastes like the fresh aroma of a forest. The tangy, slightly salty sauce smothers the chunky meat bits (similar to beef texture) along with tasty creamy spinach. No Czech wild boar dish would be complete without drinking ice cold, light and crisp Budvar (Original Budweiser) and Pilsner Urquell for only cents. More tame dishes are also available for vegetarians and children. Just be sure to mix all the elements of the meal into one bite. A little bit of meat, dumpling, sauce and veggies on a fork really bring out the most enjoyable
flavors. Be careful about the bill though, and calculate everything. Some waiters will add the cost of your meal on a ticket by hand. They are known to add imaginary charges from time to time. Most restaurants charge a small cover charge and sometimes charge for what appears to be complimentary bread and crackers on the table. If you are in doubt, feel free to have the waiter explain the charges. Most of the staff speak English. If the service was exceptional, a 10% tip is appropriate. Even after the tip and charges, meal prices are still relatively low.
Staying warm

Image

While some visitors may want to bar hop across Prague, families and couples may be interested in “café hopping”. Even if you aren’t keen on lattes, mochas and the latest caffeine fads, Prague’s cafés are great places to rest your feet, heat up with a cup of something warm and maybe try a waffle or crêpe. At night, the music of Sting can be heard echoing through the dark cobblestone alleys lit by crystal shop storefronts. Café customers can be seen cuddled up in the warm amber glow of candlelight and lamps while children sip on hot chocolate and nibble on strawberries. Friendly, English-speaking café staff members are very attentive and quick without appearing too hectic. It’s good to take a seat, enjoy the feeling of being on vacation, and watch the calm flow of pedestrians all just as thrilled to be there as you are. Try an Algerian coffee for only cents or order a chocolate crêpe for the kids. Many cafes offer great views of town squares and interesting buildings splashed in golden light at night.
Time stands still

Image

One interesting café worth visiting is the Kavarna Imperial Café. Fans of art deco or the American Movie Classics channel will love the Art Nouveau, Egyptian-themed interior. Thousands of white and yellow tiles lining the walls of the café make it reminiscent of Harrod’s of London or “The Great Gatsby”. Even if you aren’t an Art Deco fan and have no clue what Art Nouveau is, the Kavarna Imperial Café is a great place to get acquainted with it. The café immediately takes you back decades to a time when restaurants had high ceilings and elegant interiors. The most important attraction is the very friendly staff and very agreeable prices. Try their delicious apple strudel and coffee for the Koruna equivalent of less than two euros. Other menu items are priced to please. The family-friendly environment even has a small playroom for kids and is generally smoke free. Oldies music echoes lightly through the large dining room as if it was playing through on a lone record player in a corner. Visitors might just find themselves waiting for Audrey Hepburn to walk in. Other cafés offer similar atmosphere, like the Grand Hotel Europa’s Titanic Café. It is named after the famous Titanic cruise ship. You may recognize the building from the movie “Mission Impossible” starring Tom Cruise. Located directly on Wenceslas Square, the Titanic Café looks much as it did in the early 1900’s. The café so inspired a visiting engineer that he used the café’s design as the model for the Titanic’s restaurant being built in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Years later, the Titanic sunk tragically but the restaurant remains to this day. Visitors to the café can sit and enjoy a pricey cup of tea almost exactly as the doomed passengers of the Titanic did in 1912.
“Czech out” the nightlife

Nightlife in Prague has something for young Soldiers and big families alike. The younger crowd may want to visit the Karlovy Lazne near the Charles Bridge. This discotheque claims to be the largest in Central Europe and has five floors to prove it. It sits next to the Vltava River atop a casaba of shops and vendors. At the door, lines of international youths stand waiting in casual clothes while music bumps within. Neon signs advertise cocktail deals for relatively low prices and televisions offer a glimpse of the commotion inside. Unlike some other European capitals, drunken tourists and noisy party holes are generally absent from Prague’s night scene. Those looking for the party can definitely find it though.

Families will be glad to find a generally calm atmosphere in the evenings. Puppet shops remain open late into the evening and some puppet show theaters can still be found. The Internet is a good place to research cultural events like musicals, plays and orchestral presentations. Depending on the season, boat rides along the Vltava River offer everything from inexpensive excursions to luxurious dinners. No matter what you choose to do, Prague transforms itself at night. Stony buildings and beautiful facades all change into pillars of golden light and ghostly greens. A walk to the Charles Bridge offers wonderful views of the Prague Castle, the cathedral shining brightly along the ridgeline, and groups of people sitting along the sides of the bridge passing time away. The brilliant lights and timeless sights all remind you that you have inherited this beauty to enjoy for the moment.
History awaits you

Image

Prague is truly a vacation for the imagination. While some theme parks attempt to capture the essence of the Old World, Prague is alive with authentic Old World magic that’s survived history. It is a treasure trove in what has been called “New Europe”. With the dark memories of communism not too distant, the Czech people are still very friendly towards Americans. Their modest and friendly manner make Czech hospitality something not to be missed during your overseas tour. Many Americans will only ever see Prague in movies like “Amadeus”, “Spy Game”, “The Bourne Identity” and “Blade II”. In only a few hours drive from Germany, you can discover your own adventure in the Golden City. If you are looking for something different to see in Europe, maybe you should consider going east. After all, when was the last time you did something for the first time?