Date:         Wed, 30 Sep 92 08:08:40 EDT
From:         Jean <BRICKEYJ@VTVM1.BITNET>
Subject:      Re: Poland
Newsgroups: bit.listserv.travel-l
              30 Sep 92 13:08:10 +1000 from <tmne@ARCHSCI.ARCH.SU.OZ.AU>

I do not know how expensive it would be, but as far as travel from Poland
into Czechoviaka, it is very easy to do this today.  You will find Prague
a very different city today from 1986.  I spent four days there this summer.
But we toured by a chartered bus.

Prague is developing quite a reputation as a tourist attraction.  Many of the
catherdrials, the Prague Castle, and Old Town Square are being restored and
are big tourist attractions.  A must to see is the St. Charles bridge.
Trains go in and out of Prague, but I do not know  the cost.  It is probably
higher than in 1986 due to inflation.  Any good travel agency should know the
costs.  One warning, mail leaving Prague takes a long time to get to the
Western  Hemisphere.  If you have postcards or letters to mail back home mail
them in Poland before you go into Czechovaika.

Keep in mind Prague is in a country that will split tomorrow.  Part of the
country will be Czech and the other part will be Sloviaka (not sure of
spelling) and you may be traveling through both countries.  Travel in the
old Eastern block countries is easy now, but boarders sometimes take a while
since these countries are trying not to get immigrants from other countries.
Our longest check at a boarder was between Germany and Poland.  We also had
clearance in advance because I was with a concert tour group.

Suggestion for seeing Prague, get a tourguide book in English or any
language you are comfortable with.  They range from $4.95 to $6.95 in
American dollars.  If I remember correctly when I bought a guide book this
summer it cost 95K in their money.  Also get a map of the city they also
are done in several languages.  The tram and subway system is excellent and
hotels are good at giving you information about the tran and subways.
We found Prague wonderful, the people are polite and helpful, they enjoy
visitors and try to make you feel welcome, yet they did not try to push
merchandise on you.

A couple of tips.  Besure to cash travelers checks at banks or preferable
the American Express Office which is in the downtown shopping area of
Prague.  All purchases must be made in their curency unless you use a credit
card, Be aware that when you use a credit card the prices of the items you
purchase will vary depending on the exchange rate when the money exchange
is made.  Though Prague is a wonderful city like any big city 1.5 million
people, there is a crime and you need to be aware of this.  At night it is not
advisable to travel alone, but with someone.

Have a great trip.

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