Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic

While Prague is the most famous, historic and populated city in the Czech Republic, I would have to say the most beautiful is Karlovy Vary. It sits on the other side of the country to the west, close to the German border, surrounded by hills and forest. Haven't heard of it? Well, I can almost guarantee you've seen it before, you're just unaware of it. Ever seen Casino Royale or Last Holiday? Well, then you have seen Karlovy Vary! Both movies were shot here, as well as a series of other lesser known films and TV shows. While that's all fine and dandy, the real reason people come to K.V. is because it is a world famous spa town sitting on top of a thin layer of earth covering gigantic hot springs that are thought to provide medicinal healing. It also shows a film festival every year and was one of the favorite haunts of Ludwig van Beethoven and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. It was John and my first trip to this beautiful city where unfortunately, we only had a few hours to explore, but we're both thinking about scheduling either a Christmas trip if John has a long enough break, or one in the springtime!

Seem familiar? That's because it is! While currently abandoned, this building's exterior served as both the casino in Montenegro in Casino Royale and a concert hall in Last Holiday.

Once again, this building should seem familiar to those having seen Casino Royale or Last Holiday. The Grandhotel Pupp (pronounced "poop" not "pup") keeps it's name in Last Holiday, but has a name change as the hotel in Casino Royale.

The hot springs of Karlovy Vary (the coolest is about 70 degrees Fahrenheit) and the tiny $2 cups sold to drink from them. They taste pretty gross, similar to the spring water I've had in Colorado, very iron-y.

A rite of passage to any virgin Absinthe drinkers going to a country where it's legal. You'll have fun. Trust me ;)

If you ever go to Europe, don't be afraid of veal, guys. It may be a politically incorrect meat, but this was probably my best meal of the trip.