Jetrader - May/June 2008 - 21

FOR MORE INFORMATION • • • • • • www.czech.cz www.prague.net www.dp-praha.cz (public transportation guide) orta ation g ) www.czechsite.com www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prague www.goeasteurope.about.com/od/czechrepublic ©stock.xchng/Norbert Landeger seen its share of wars, ﬂoods, tourists and trafﬁc. It is widely believed that the original masons used egg yolks to strengthen the mortar, and the structure has played host to numerous ﬁlms and music videos in more recent history. It’s also a hub of activity during the day, with artists, performers and vendors all vying for the attention of the thousands of pedestrians who cross the bridge every day. Of particular interest to ISTAT members is the Prague Aviation Museum, which offers a visual account of the Czech Republic’s history of ﬂight. Displayed at the Kbely Airport—a converted military airport used heavily during World War II and the oldest airport in Prague—and featuring numerous aircraft and weaponry from the past century; the collection is well worth the trip. Something to Remember You By When In Prague As with any comparably sized European city, Prague features a bevy of entertainment opportunities, many of which tie in to the area’s substantial history. The State Opera, the National Theatre and the Theatre of the Estates all feature numerous operas, plays and concerts throughout the year, all at 7 p.m., every day of the week. The Theatre of the Estates even hosted Mozart’s debut performance of Don Giovanni in 1787. The area also is home to numerous concert halls dedicated solely to the performance of classical music, many of which are as old as the compositions being showcased. Early arrivals to the ISTAT European Conference should take advantage of the Prague Autumn Festival, closing October 3 and featuring performances by many of the world’s top orchestras. For the more modern-minded music appreciator, Prague also has plenty of jazz, rock, blues and dance clubs—several of which (Rock Cafe and Club Roxy among them) are English-speaking establishments. Those who like to plan their entertainment ahead can visit www.ticketsonline.cz or one of several other ticketing and travel agencies to check out a comprehensive online ticket counter for all of Prague’s major attractions and tours. The area also possesses a bounty of museums, covering everything from European history, the life of Czech composer Antonin Dvorak, Jewish history and art. In addition to its rich history, architecture and culture, Prague also is known as a shopping haven. Despite a weakened exchange rate for the dollar, goods in Prague remain relatively cheap for Westerners when compared with other major tourist stops in Europe. Visitors can easily ﬁnd military paraphernalia from the Soviet Union, ﬁne crystal, matryoshka (nesting) dolls, antiques, art and one-of-a-kind toys for their children throughout the city, either in the malls or from the street vendors. Incidentally, most Czech vendors do not haggle. Everyone pays the same price, which can be comforting for visitors unfamiliar with current exchange rates. A word of warning to anyone considering investing in high-quality or antique souvenirs: Anything made before 1920 or viewed as extremely valuable may be ﬂ agged in customs, and anything created before 1920 is typically non-exportable under Czech law. Getting around a foreign city can seem a daunting task, but Prague’s extensive bus, train and electric rail lines make traversing the city a breeze, 24 hours a day. If you’d prefer a different mode of transportation, plenty of taxis are available, or you can even rent a bicycle. All you need is your passport and a sense of adventure. Don’t let an opportunity to visit one of Europe’s most interesting cities while getting up to speed with our industry pass you by. For more information about the conference, including registration information, visit www.ISTAT.org. Jetrader 21

http://www.czech.cz http://www.prague.net http://www.dp-praha.cz http://www.czechsite.com http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prague http://www.goeasteurope.about.com/od/czechrepublic http://www.ticketsonline.cz http://www.ISTAT.org

Jetrader - May/June 2008

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