I've made my way from Cesky Krumlov to Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. Prague is like a beehive. There are so many people here, and lots of them are native, but even more are tourists.
I spent this afternoon on a four-hour tour of the city with a local woman named Helena. We saw the city castle, which is the biggest in the Republic, and - of course - bigger by one square meter than the castle at Cesky Krumlov.
Besides the great pictures I've taken, and the short video of the crowd standing before the Astrological Clock waiting for the next hour to strike, this city has taken me by surprise.
It's hip and young, and yet attracts tourists from every walk of life. From young backpackers to Japanese businessmen in suits parading Prague Square... they are coming from everywhere. This is exciting to me, and no doubt to the folks watching the Czech economy.
I passed some American tourists who casually noticed the Czech-made car, the Skoda. I mentioned to them that the Republic, and the whole region is home to every major auto manufacturer - GM, Ford, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, etc, etc.
That's the side of Eastern Europe that lots of folks don't know about.
We think of the Cold War era, where the only things produced were concrete apartment buildings and AK-47s.
Things are quite different 19 years after the Communists were evicted from the Republic. And I have to say, from what I've seen so far, this place is hoppin' despite what the global financial situation.
I'll be digging deeper, though to see how Czech companies are faring in this environment, and I'll chat with you again over the weekend.
With the week we've had, I suggest you all enjoy a nice cold Pilsner Urquell, courtesy of the Czechs.
But if you want it unpasturized, you'll have to come to the Republic. I'll be in Prague for the next two days. Maybe I'll see you here?
