Tom's Travels

Christmas Markets on the Danube 2010

Chirstmas Markets on the Danube 2010

November 29 - December 1 - Munich

• Munich Hotel
• Munich Christmas Market
• Munich Hofbrauhaus
• Munich Tour

 

Calaveras Big Trees State Park

More pictures here.

Madrid

Trip to Madrid, September 30 - October 7, 2010

 

• Lunch at Miranda
• San Miguel Market
• Prado
• Almudena Cathedral
• Dinner at Umami
• Reina Sofia
• Gran Via

Barcelona

Visit to Barcelona, Spain, September 23, 2010.

Columbus Monument

 

• Monserrat

Texas Hill Country Wineries Trail

Texas Hill Country Wineries Trail

Texas Hills Vineyard • (830) 868-2321

878 RR 2766, Johnson City, TX 78636

Hours: Mon-Thurs 10-5 Fri-Sat 10-6 Sun 12-5

Home of the "Kick Butt Cab" and other Italian-styled "Wines to Share With Friends," Located 1 mile east of Johnson City on RR 2766 (road to Pedernales Falls State Park). Wines include Pinot Grigio, Sangiovese, Orange Moscato, Merlot, Syrah and more. Enjoy a picnic on the patio overlooking the vineyard. Locally made artisan cheeses and crackers available in the tasting room. Tasting room and gift shop.

www.texashillsvineyard.com   Pedernales Cellars • (830) 644-2037

2916 Upper Albert Rd., Stonewall, TX 78671

Hours: Mon-Th 10-5pm Fri-Sat 10-6pm Sun 12-6pm Pedernales Cellars is the newest winery in the Texas Hill Country and yet is the result of a long family tradition. Visitors have a chance to taste a range of outstanding wines and tour the state-of-the-art winemaking facility, including the largest underground barrel cellar in Texas. You can also find out how wine is made at a boutique winery and how Pedernales Cellars is a leader in minimizing environmental impact from winemaking. Or if you prefer, just relax with a glass of wine on the tree covered deck with breathtaking views of the Hill Country. 17 miles east of Fredericksburg on Hwy 290, 2 miles south of Stonewall on RR1623. www.pedernalescellars.com

 

 

Old Town

Prague Old Town Click here for pictures.

Prague Castle

Prague Castle Click here for more pictures

The Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral on the hill:

 

 

Prague Trams

Prague Trams. Click here to see videos of Prague Trams

Vytopna Restaruant

I went to a fun place for my last dinner and the food was good to.

Vytopna Restaurant

 

Great pork loin. 

Charles Bridge

The Charles Bridge crosses the Vltava river in Prague. Click here for more pictures

Old Cars

There are lots of old cars running around Prague, taking tourists sightseeing - Click here for more pictures

 

Shopping

Shopping opportunities in Prague - Click here for more pictures.

 

Monday Lunch

Lunch at Villa Richter

After visiting Prague Castle I had a nice lunch with fantastic views.

Cafe:

Lunch - Winemakers platter with 3 kinds of sausage, cheese, sun dried tomatoes,  olives, and bread, and a Pilsner Urquell dark.

View from cafe:

   

Alfons Mucha

Saw an interesting exhibit at the Municipal House.

Alfons Mucha was a Czech Art Nouveau artist best known for his distinct style and his images of women. He produced many paintings, illustrations, advertisements, and designs. He was contracted by Sarah Bernhardt to make posters for all of her plays.

 

Saturday Dinner

I wanted something simple for dinner and went to the Irish Pub Flannagan's around the corner. Irish Pubs are huge in Prague. This one was busy and a lot of fun. They had an Irish singer who was very good. Then about a dozen Spanish guys in Spanish costume came in and started clapping and singing and had the place really rocking. The burger was very good too.

Prague Scenes

1. Apartment Area

2. Václavské náměstí

After Concert Dinner

To go along with the spectacular concert, I went across Náměstí Republiky to Kolkovna Celinice restaurant. This restaurant is one of a group owned by Pilsner Urquell and is very popular.

I had Potato soup from Krkonoše mountains - soup of potatoes, root vegetable and wild mushrooms, with garlic and marjoram, served in bread

and for the main course I had Forest robber´s delicacy - roast pork, according to old Czech recipe, with sheep cheese and onion, served with garlic pancakes „lokše“

Both dishes were great and different from our usual Tex-Mex :). 

Spectacular Concert in Prague

I attended a spectacular concert tonight. Click Here to see more pictures.

 

St. Istvan's Basilica

St Istavn's Basilica Click for pictures.

Lunch

Cafe Gerbeaud since 1858:

 

Entertainment in the square:

Liberty Square

Liberty Square Click to see more pictures.

 

Hungarian Parliament

Hungarian Parliament - Click for pictures

 

Ferenciek Ter

Pictures at Ferenciek Ter Click for pictures.

 

Budapest Town Center

A walk through Budapest Town Center Click for more pictures

 

Turkish Lunch

Turkish style Gyro. Delicious.