Happy Name Day, Bořivoj! Všechno nejlepší k svátku!

Today we honor Bořivoj.  Happy Name Day, Bořivoj!

Bořivoj is a Slavic name that is derived from the Slavic elements bor "battle" and voi "soldier".

Prague Folklore Days Festival starts today!

Head on over to Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, and Republic Square for the 4th annual Prague Folklore Days Festival, which features traditional Czech performances and parades.  Today through Sunday you'll be entertained by the likes of this guy...

as well as song & dance from approximately 23 different countries.  So head on over and take in the festivities this weekend!

For more information, visit http://www.praguefestival.cz/folklore.htm

Happy Name Day, Marta! Všechno nejlepší k svátku!

Today we honor Marta.  Happy Name Day, Marta!

Marta is a variant of Martha, which is of Aramaic origin and means "lady; mistress of the house".

Summer in the City... it's 96 degrees in the shade

Click to play "96 degrees in the shade"

I've mentioned several lakes and pools that Praguers escape to to cool off, but there's one more place right here in Prague...an urban oasis on a hot summer day...Smíchov Beach.

On the banks of the Vltava in Smíchov you'll find white sand, beach chairs, sun umbrellas, beach volleyball, petanque, and refreshments.  So grab a seat or lay your towel down, savor a Cuba Libre or a Pina Colada (delivered right to you on the sand...now that's service!), and just relax.  Hungry?  There's also a restaurant with a tiki vibe that serves Latin American cuisine, and the best part is that Smíchov Beach has showers and changing rooms so you can feel refreshed before sitting down to dinner.

Starting on August 9th, Mondays will be "Summer Cinema" nights and they'll be showing a different film every Monday at 9 pm, including Pride & Prejudice on August 16th.

 Smíchov Beach holds various concerts and parties at night, and is also a great spot for corporate events.  They've also held their fair share of weddings too.

Entry is free, but chairs cost 50Kc (approx. $2.50). With spectacular views of Vyšehrad and New Town,  Smíchov Beach surely isn't a bad place to spend your day...or night!

Address:

Hořejší Prague 5,  Smíchov

Happy Name Day, Viktor! Všechno nejlepší k svátku!

Today we honor Viktor.  Happy Name Day, Viktor!

Viktor is a variant of Victor, which is of Latin origin and means "champion".

Wondering where to get cheesecake in Prague? Look no further than Sweet Life Bakery

Sweet Life is a small family-owned bakery that recently opened in Prague 10...and they're already getting rave reviews for their delicious baked goods!

Sweet Life offers traditional Czech desserts as well as internationally known delicacies, such as cheesecake and tiramisu.  They use only the freshest natural ingredients and recipes handed down from generation to generation...sweets just like grandma used to make!

Cookies, brownies, birthday cakes, pies, strudel, muffins, quiches...mmm delicious!

Fabulous cakes and pies are available for every occasion and made-to-order so be sure to place your order today!  

Some of my favorites are the Czech delicacies...

Koláčky

Ovocný koláč (fruit pie)

Jablečný závin (apple strudel)

Švestkový koláč (plum cake)

Additional cakes and baked goods...

Custom made cake

Carrot Cake

Sachertorte

Mini Apple Pie

Tiramisu

Linecké cukroví s marmeládou / Shortbread biscuits with marmalade

Muffins

   

Contact info:

eric@sweetlife.cz  tel.: +420 731 563 956 

or

jana@sweetlife.cz  tel.: +420 604 484 058

 Address:  Řipská 1144/3, 110 00 Prague 10
http://www.sweetlife.cz

Happy Name Day, Věroslav! Všechno nejlepší k svátku!

Today we honor Věroslav.  Happy Name Day, Věroslav!

Věroslav is a Czech name of Slavic origin, meaning "fame, glory".

Happy Name Day, Anna! Všechno nejlepší k svátku!

Today we honor Anna.  Happy Name Day, Anna!

Anna is of Hebrew origin and a form of Hannah.  Anna means "gracious; merciful".

Happy Belated Name Day, Kristýna & Jakub! Všechno nejlepší k svátku!

This past weekend we honored Kristýna (July 24) and Jakub (July 25).  Happy Belated Name Day, Kristýna & Jakub!

Kristýna is of Latin origin and is widely used in the Czech language.  Kristýna is a variant of Christina, which is of Latin origin and means "Christian woman".

Jakub is the Czech form of Jacob, which is of Latin origin and manes "he who supplants".

Happy Name Day, Libor! Všechno nejlepší k svátku!

Today we honor Libor. Happy Name Day, Libor!

Libor is primarily used in the Czech language and is of Latin origin.  The meaning of Libor is "free".

Happy Name Day, Magdaléna! Všechno nejlepší k svátku!

Today we honor Magdaléna.  Happy Name Day, Magdaléna!

Magdaléna is the Czech form of Madeline/Magdalene.  It's of Greek origin and means "woman from Magdala".

The elegant, Café Savoy

I realized that when I took you on the "Café Tour" that I left out a very important cafe... the timeless, Café Savoy.  Café Savoy is an art nouveau gem that dates back to 1893 and is a monument to Prague's rich history.  The café is very airy and open with tall windows that allow you to look out and watch the world go by while you relax and enjoy freshly brewed coffee.  

Once a decadent coffeehouse, Café Savoy was a favorite smoky haunt after the Velvet Revolution.  The Savoy was cleaned up in late 2001, and most recently reconstructed in 2005, but stayed true to its Art Nouveau past.

The 7-meter high Neo-Renaissance ceiling with beautiful sparkling chandeliers ...here you can see it in two different lights...

The food is delicious and carefully prepared, and the staff efficient and courteous, reminding us of a time knows as the First Republic, just after WWI...a time when Prague boasted one of the highest standards of living in all of Europe.

The "Savoy Breakfast"

(toast, Prague ham, Emmental cheese, soft-boiled egg, homemade bread & homemade jam; creamy butter, pastry, and coffee... splendid!!!!)

Address: Vítězná 5, Prague 5

Happy Name Day, Vítězslav! Všechno nejlepší k svátku!

Today we honor Vítězslav.  Happy Name Day, Vítězslav!

Vítězslav is a Czech name of Slavonic origin, and means "glorious knight".

Happy Name Day, Ilja! Všechno nejlepší k svátku!

Today we honor Ilja.  Happy Name Day, Ilja!

Ilja is of Hebrew origin and means "my God is Yahweh".

Happy Belated Name Day, Čeněk! Všechno nejlepší k svátku!

Yesterday we honored Čeněk.  Happy Belated Name Day, Čeněk!

Čeněk is the pet form of Czech Vincenc, meaning "conquering".

A lovely flat in an amazing location will make your stay in Prague even more spectacular!

http://www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p449319
Sure hotels are nice, but renting a flat while you're on holiday is even better!  What better way to experience a foreign city than to stay in a flat and pretend you live there, even if just for a few days.  I much prefer the privacy of flats to hotels, and why would I ever miss room service when there's an entire city full of fabulous restaurants to experience?

So for those of you traveling to Prague, please consider renting a flat in beautiful Mala Strana (Lesser Town).  The location can not be beat!  Charles Bridge is a mere few minute walk, and several trams (#12, 22 & 23) stop at the end of the block at "Malostranské náměsti" (Lesser Town Square), which has been the hub of Mala Strana since the 10th century.  From here you can catch a tram to anywhere in the city or walk across the Charles Bridge to Old Town.  Prague Castle is situated just a short stroll away, as is Petřín Hill & Observation Tower.  Mala Strana is home to international embassies housed in gorgeous old Baroque buildings, restaurants, quaint old pubs, and cozy shops.  At night, it's very peaceful and a stroll to the castle will surely take your breath away.  A stay in one of these flats in Mala Strana is sure to pull at your heartstrings for years to come!!  (It does mine and I can't wait to return!)

There are three flats available... all of them are extremely comfortable with modern amenities (ie, plenty of hot water, great water pressure, plush towels, cozy beds, plush pillows and blankets, etc.).  I'm an extremely clean individual and these flats met my high standards.  All are very clean and well-maintained.  I loved the style of the flats and felt right at home immediately upon entering!  

The view of St. Vitus Cathedral and Prague Castle from the front of the building... beautiful eh?

At the center of the square is St. Nicholas Church...you can climb its tower for spectacular views of Mala Strana and over the Vltava River to Old Town.

Trams stop just down the block...a mere 1 minute walk.  The #22 tram takes you all around the city and is the best one for Prague's visitors

#11 Malostranské náměsti - your sweet home away from home

The front of the newly renovated 15th century building...a good Czech restaurant is situated next door

Entrance to the flats

Safety first!  You need a key to enter the building and the courtyard....

You can take the stairs or the lift to your flat...

Pretty courtyard with a restaurant below

Shall we take a look at Flat #1?  Follow me...

Beautiful granite countertop in the bathroom...

Extra bed... 

Flat #2

Since I tend to stay in Flat #2, here are some additional photos...

As I said before... clean, hot water, and strong water pressure, all of which make for a great shower!

The kitchens come complete with silverware, dishes, mugs, glasses, pots & pans, coffee & tea, a kettle to boil water in, microwave, etc...  We would keep the refrigerator stocked with water, beer & snacks...a little something to enjoy while we got ready for the evening.

Flat #3

Extra bed...

Another plus is that the owner, Lucie, speaks both Czech and English and is just a lovely individual who cares about your comfort.  I hope you chose to stay here during your visit to Prague...you won't be disappointed!  Please visit this link for more information and to make a booking... http://www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p449319#inquiry-bar OR contact me and I will put you in touch with Lucie.  Please let her know that Eva of "Prague, My Love" sent you!