Prague

We loved Prague so much that we may even buy a Skoda.

We spent a glorious few days in Prague in the Czech Republic (apparently uncharacteristically sunny for this time of year). None of the guide books told us to go in autumn, but it's highly recommended: the spectacular autumn colour perfectly compliments the terracotta roof tiles and warm-toned buildings. We were impressed by this well-preserved gem and by the beautfiul Czech people with their clearly evident entrepreneurial spirit.

Bennanna loved the cruise on the Vltava River and the string puppets on every street corner (its one of the only countries in the world where puppetry is taught in universities). Our friendly hotel Hastal (built in the 1800's as a brewery, taken over by the communists as a government building in the 50's and then restored to its rightful hotelier owners in 1991) was a fantastically central base. We managed to avoid Tescos (eek) and "old" McDonalds (as Ben calls it) and sampled the local (calorific) dishes in quaint traditional restaurants: pork knees (served with horseradish and mustard), duck and dumplings. Not a vegetable in sight in this Midgley dream destination. Philip discovered why the average Czech drinks 160 litres of beer a year (nearly there then, Jonno). Our only regret is that because time was short we didn't manage to get out of the capital to explore more of the countryside. Will just have to head back there again soon!

Benanna kicking around Petrin Hill (woodland park area above Prague); Ben practising his marionnette manipulation at a puppet shop; Yum...more sausages for lunch: having hotdogs on Nampa Island; Old Town Square with ubiquitous "Budvar" beer sign in background.