Karlovy Vary. Our first day trip of two while we were in Cheb. This place is beautiful, yet bizarre. It is about 45 minutes east of Cheb; Cheb is as west as you can get in the Czech Republic, which means that one must travel through all of the Czech Republic, Poland, and Belarus or Ukraine to get to Russia -- that's a long distance.
If you want a hint of Russia, though, you can go to Karlovy Vary. This spa town has almost every sign translated into two languages: Czech and Russian. Three countries to cross, yet a huge Russian population is there. It's not like a Chinatown or a small area devoted to another culture, this whole city is largely influenced by Russia. (There was even a beautiful Russian Orthodox church.)
I can understand why Russians would flock to Karlovy Vary. It is gorgeous. It weaves through the hills following a river; it is a spa town -- there were tons of 4 star or 5 star hotels and resorts advertising relaxing spa treatments; Karlovy Vary has money -- it shows. It also has the Grand Hotel Pupp. You might say, "What the heck. Who cares?" I'll tell you the significance. This hotel has been featured in two movies, most notably is 007: Casino Royale. Yup, I know, right?
The Russian Orthodox Church
A Sweet View
Probably Another Resort
Like I Said, A Sweet View
Behind the Grand Pupp
The Grand Hotel Pupp
The River that Runs Through
Yikes! You saw the hotel that was in Casino Royale? I am kind of jealous no lies.
ReplyDeleteAlso, there is a book at the bookstore where I work during the summer that has a collection of Bansky's graffiti around the world and it reminds me of you.
That's all, hope you are enjoying yourself!
It's very beautiful!! :)
ReplyDelete