July 2010

This year’s and last year’s economic crisis has forced many people to cut back on their holiday ideas. Luxury destinations give way to more modest ones; five-star hotels to less exclusive accommodations. In my opinion, the crisis is therefore the perfect time to try out something new. Of course, the easiest and most economic solution is to go on holiday unorganized. Adventurers as well as families with kids will enjoy tent camping on well-equipped camp sites. As for myself, I slept in a tent a few years ago, and I must say I will always have a fond memory of it. For a person accustomed to the urban way of life in streets and buildings, falling asleep under the stars and being woken up by the sun may be an authentic experience.

Another solution is to back off exotic destinations and go, as they say, round the chimney. The kind reader may not believe me, but as an independent observer I can say that Central Europe offers more beauty than the “locals” think. When I first travelled Hungary’s spas, the Slovakian Paradise and the Austrian mountains, I was enchanted. And the Czech Republic is no exception in terms of nature’s and cultural wonders. I have long kept a list of places I must see. The list keeps expanding! So I hope you too will enjoy a pleasant summer and relax in line with your ideals. That may include lying on the waterside with a book or ESTATE magazine in your hands…

I wish you a pleasant reading