Prague/Vienna/Budapest - Day 10: Homeward Bound

Our Hilton hotel provided direct access to a huge mall, where you could procure anything you wanted. Favourites include leather shoes and paprika from Spar, the local grocery store.

Don’t forget your VAT refund. In Budapest the line-up for stamping your documents was quite short and then, inside security there was a desk to receive a cash refund in Euros or a postage free box to mail your forms for a credit card refund. Pretty simple and quick.

Prague/Vienna/Budapest - Day9: Szentendre and Hungarian Parliament

Passing through security and under two guard escort we toured the magnificent Parliament buildings, with tons of gold leaf covered carvings throughout. The Crown Jewels are displayed in the grand dome, which is itself a marvel to behold. The view from the grounds offers several gorgeous buildings and a great panoramic view of the city along the Danube, with the hills affording an amazing presentation of many classic buildings and churches.

If you’re interested in local quality art then a visit to Szentendre is a must. A quaint little town, it was deserted some years ago and then the artist community started to move in, making it now the best spot to purchase ceramics, embroidery, clothing, jewellery and more. This is a great spot to shop for something special and unique for you or your friends back home.

Our farewell dinner that evening at Bagolyvar was perfect, with more local specialities including schnitzel or catfish and a dessert pancake.

Prague/Vienna/Prague - Day 8: Budapest Sightseeing

A sightseeing tour of the Buda Castle District is well worth the stop to enjoy the awesome cathedral and amazing views of the city. It is a lovely area to wander around on a sunny day.  

Our next stop is the massive Hero's Square and the reknowned Gundel restaurant for their famous delicious crepe and then a guided tour of the Dohany Street Synagogue.

A walk along Andrassy is the perfect way to marvel at the architecture, with over 100 buildings, in various stages of restoration. A break at Oktogon for coffee and a pastry at an outdoor cafe is a perfect way to break up your walk.

A short visit at the Building of Horrors, a previous detention centre in Communist times, had several reminders to contemplate, including a sculpture of the Iron Curtain and a piece of the Berlin Wall.

A perfect end to the day is dinner in a local winery with the Schieszi family, complete with wine tasting and Hungarian specialties, which included foods that take 8 months to cure, others cooking for 8 hours. Magnificent evening!

Prague/Vienna/Budapest - Day 7: Esztercom en route to Budapest

Departing Vienna, we stop in Gyor, enjoying the gorgeous architecture and lovely churches. Enjoying a beautiful scenic drive along the Danube, our next stop is Esztercom, to explore the domed Cathedral and Castle Hill, with awesome views of the countryside.

The best way to see Budapest at night is to take a Danube river dinner cruise, where you will sample many delicious local specialities (goulash, paprika chicken, cabbage rolls, paprika sausage). As you leisurely eat and cruise, you will have plenty of time to appreciate the beautifully lit architectural wonders like the Parliament buildings, as well as many impressive bridges.

Prague/Vienna/Budapest - Day 6: Vienna Sightseeing

Another early start to explore the beautiful Schonbrunn Palace and Gardens. The palace rooms were absolutely amazing - the unbelievable opulence, detailed carvings and frescoes. Hearing how the empress and her family lived was quite fascinating.

Our tour of the Cistercian Monestary was also very interesting. The stained glass work in particular was amazing.

By the way, coffee orders have to be very specific in Vienna or you may not get what you expect. I suggest the melange, which is most like regular coffee.

Prague/Vienna/Budapest - Day 5: Vienna & Vienna Woods

Early Access to the Kunstkammer Museum afforded us the opportunity to enjoy a guided tour and take unobstructed pictures. This is a fascinating museum and should not be missed.

For me a trip to Vienna would not be complete without a stop at the Swarofsky Krystallwelten Store. A big fan, it was not difficult to pick up gifts for me and my friends here!

Our Vienna Woods excursion incuded a visit to the Romanesque Abbey of the Holy Cross at Heiligenkreuz. 

We enjoyed a lovely dinner at Kursalon Wien, followed by a traditional Viennese concert, playing Mozart and Strauss favourites, complete with soloists and dancers. It was wonderful!

Prague/Vienna/Budapest - Day 4 - Bratislava en route to Vienna

Bratislava was a lovely old town to explore and we had an interesting local lunch. While the jellied meat roll was not to our taste the plum dumplings covered in poppy seeds and syrup was awesome.

The Hilton Danube Waterfront, with a tiny shower stall, was perhaps a little far from the city centre but the walk was manageable and a good excuse to sample more local delicacies and wine!

A relaxing end to the day was achieved with a delicious dinner at the Marchfelderhof.

Prague/Vienna/Budapest - Day 3: Kutna Hora

On the road about an hour to visit the famous silver mining town of Kutna Hora. We explored the local cathedral, named after the patron saint of those suffering an immediate death (like mineworkers subject to an accident in the mine), the silver mining museum and the Town square.

Not to be missed is coffee and streudal at Cafe Lavande. Heavenly! Be sure to bring local currency, as the Euro is not readily accepted here, particularly in the small shops.

The Bone Museum was indeed an unusual stop. Somewhat macabre, digging up a cemetary and arranging the bones in various architectures displayed in a chapel, was a unique solution to a problem of a cemetary growing too large.

Ending the day back in Prague with a little stroll around the Charles Bridge, then dinner at Zplaty Klas, for authentic Czech schnitzel. Delicious!

Prague/Vienna/Budapest - Day 2: Exploring Prague

The morning included a walking tour around the Castle district and then downtown. Unfortunately the St Vitus' Cathedral was closed but there was lots of awesome architecture to see. Remember to look up, as many of the buildings are adorned with amazing sculptures and frescoes. Be sure to explore the Castle District, New Town, Lower Town, Jewish Quarter, Town Hall (watch and listen to the reknowned Astronomical Clock) and Wencelas Square. For a great selection of Bohemian Crystal and garnet jewellery check out Erpet. Lots of charming Christmas decorations are available in and near the market, not far from the main square.

Our lunchtime cruise on the River Vitava was a wonderful vantage point to see the city's interesting buildings and bridges, while also enjoying some local dishes. Delicious lentil soup, goulash, and dumplings.

Prague at night is wonderful. We were treated to an outstanding accordian player, who blew us away with his performance of Vivaldi's 4 Seasons, the first movement of winter. After some singing and local beer, we went for a night stroll around the Charles bridge, where we are told many a romance has been initiated. Find the statue with the dog image and make a wish.

Prague/Vienna/Budapest - Day1: Arrival

Not off to a great start, we missed our Trafalgar transfer from the Prague airport to the hotel, as we were waiting in the wrong place. All indications suggested we were in the right terminal, but alas we had not walked far enough.

Notwithstanding. We checked into the lovely Hotel Angelo, where we received an outstanding buffet breakfast each morning, and enjoyed a welcome dinner in an old castle.

Mirvish - Ain't Too Proud

An absolutely wonderful and fun story of The Temptations in their early years, with a stellar triple threat cast. There was an abundance of great voices and sweet harmony, the choreography was excellent and it was a fascinating story. Highly recommended.

Crowsnest Theatre - Wolves

Wow, that was an amazing performance! So genuine and realistic, with an awesome cast and innovative choreography. The ebbs and flows of teenage girls...

Factory Theatre - Men in White

Unfolding in parallel in Canada and India, men find solace from loss, prejudice, exploitation and injustice in cricket. An intense story.

Coal Mine Theatre - The Nether

If you wondered where the internet is heading this is the place to find out. Realistic and compelling, the debate for and against a no holds barred virtual reality stays with you long after the play ends. Excellent!

Theatre Passe Muraille - Pearle Harbour's Chatauqua

An immersive revival with a little bit of singing, a little bit of chanting, a little bit of truth and a lot of fun. Be prepared to participate.

Ossington - The Rocky Horror Show

Excellent casting and amazing performances all around, a fantastic adaptation of the film. The narrator was an absolute gem.

Tarragon - Harlem Duet

You have to be paying attention to connect the references in this play, which I was not always able to do. A reasonable knowledge of Shakespeare helps. Notwithstanding, Virgilia Griffith did a great job of reflecting the anguish of the jilted lover.

TSO POPS - Blue Suede Tunes

Bringing a little Vegas to Toronto, Frankie Moreno is an amazing performer. An eclectic set list from 50s to 70s with a great back-up band and the awesome TSO.

Canstage - Children

An intense post catastrophy drama, touching on the aftermath, accountability and impact, the actors portrayed the trio of scientists in a believable fashion.

Musical Stage - Dr Silver: A Celebration of Life

The story was a little slow to get started but the music and vocalists were wonderful. An interesting presentation in an unconventional venue.

Stratford - To Kill a Mockingbird

Oh my gosh, this was intense. This play captures the essence of the story perfectly and transmits the anxieties and fears of the story, generating a palpable level of tension. Throughout, the child actors were genuine, portraying innocence, naivete and ultimately, bewilderment. Very well done.

Stratford - The Tempest

Absolutely fascinating presentation of The Tempest. Prospero as a woman is an interesting twist. The cast was wonderful. The costumes and sets are amazing. The storms feel so real. Simply a beautiful show!

Stratford - Music Man

A charming tale of a smooth talking salesman. A very impressive large ensemble with foot stomping, acrobatic, rollicking choreography. The dance numbers were amazing

Stratford - Coriolanus

A powerful analogy of the populism of today, the hero Coriolanus railed against the ignorance of the masses, who were easily taken in by empty promises from the nobles. A debate on the efficacy of democracy when those voting are ill informed. The modern take was fresh and quite fascinating.