Taste the Volcanicity!

Time continued to tick away during my last few weeks in Prague, and before I left the Czech Republic there was one more place I wanted to see: Karlovy Vary, a spa town, where one can drink the natural mineral water that shoots up from the subterranean hot springs. Supposedly the salty-tasting water will cure what ails ya, but who knows. The town is also the home of an international film festival that attracts many tourists each year in the beginning of July. As I couldn't be around for that, I opted instead just to explore a few of it's scenic hiking trails, that reveal main nice overlooks of that city (pictured).

What I probably knew the city best for is the popular Czech liquor Becherovka, which has been produced there for over two hundred years. It is a necessary compliment to any traditional Czech dinner as it is commonly used as a digestive aid. Another thing of interest is the Russian influence in the city. Whereas in most of the Czech Republic there has been an effort to remove anything Soviet, here there remains a strong presence. In addition to various business interests, there is also a still functioning Russian Orthodox church, and even a statue of Marx on one of the streets. Finally, those who are important enough to enter the Grandhotel Pupp might recognize it as the hotel from Casino Royale. Neat, huh?