Traveling on an Empty Stomach

Be glad of life, because it gives you the chance to love and to work, to play and to look at the stars. – Henry Van Dyke

~ Atypical Honeymooners: Indulging in Life’s Greatest Treasures ~

I couldn’t help but to ask myself over and over why so many people were questioning the destination of our honeymoon. Why Czech Republic? Why Hungary? Why Croatia? This wasn’t just friends or coworkers inquiring…at first I thought it was only a feigned interest as in ‘why there, am I missing something I should know about’ kind of response. It wasn’t until we were abroad when I realized we were not so ordinary. Even locals seemed shocked that we chose their country as a place to celebrate our marriage rather than somewhere beachy like Hawaii or Bora Bora. Our response to all of this – we love to eat, drink, and leave no stone unturned. The world is full of diverse places to explore, amazing food to eat, jaw dropping architecture, and interesting people. There will always be a beach somewhere to run to when we need to escape from work or when we solely need a few days to relax.

In short, we indulged in every sense. Most evident is the ten extra pounds I am carrying despite all the walking. We were never hungry for too long and I am scared to think of how many bottles of wine we polished off in a mere 14 days. Certainly worth every minute that I’m going to have to spend in the gym. I’m so excited to share the treasures we found in the cuisine and wine as well as other adventures but for now here’s just a summary of our honeymoon!

Prague, Czech Republic – 3 nights

• Hotel Kempinsky – SLEEP HERE
• Prague Castle
• Old Town Square
• Jewish Museum & cemetery
• Charles Bridge
• Le Degustation – EAT HERE!
• Museum of Communism
• Dali Exhibit
• Wenceslas Square
• Beer Museum – DRINK HERE!
• Vinograf – DRINK HERE when you need a break from the beer
• Klub Lávka – DON’T EAT HERE but have a drink and people watch

Budapest, Hungary – 4 Nights

• Continental Hotel Zara – Sleep HERE (rooftop pool is awesome but the location is even better)
• Fungarian – DO THIS!
• Széchenyi Baths
• Buda Castle
• Budavári Labirintus – DON’T BOTHER unless you’re escaping the heat
• Fisherman’s Bastion
• Castle Hill
• Faust Wine Cellar – MUST DO for wine lovers!
• Central Market (Vámház Körúti Vásárcsarnok)
• Onyx – EAT HERE!
• Costes – EAT HERE!
• Night cruise on the Danube – DO THIS
• Ladó Cafe
• Szimpla Kert – DRINK HERE for best ruin bar!
• Corvintetö – DRINK HERE
• Borkonyha Wine Kitchen – EAT & DRINK HERE
• Váci Street – DON’T BOTHER
• Alcatraz Pub – DRINK & RELAX HERE

Split, Croatia – 2 Nights

• Hotel Peristil
• Domeniko (Wine Tasting) – DO THIS!
• Trattoria Bajamonte
• Private at-market/in-home cooking class with chef Tatjana Cicliani – MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE
• Konoba Narul – EAT HERE
• Ghetto – DRINK HERE
• Rakijarnica – stop for a DRINK HERE (rakija)
• Walking tour of Peristil
• Palais de Dioclétien (Diocletian Palace)
• Caves of the Palace tour
• Kavana Figa – Stop for a coffee or DRINK HERE
• Apetit – EAT HERE

Vis Island, Croatia – 3 Nights

• Hotel San Giorgia – SLEEP HERE (ask for room #1…hot tub and patio with a grand view of Vis)
• Wine tasting at San Giorgio
• Rent a scooter to explore the island on our own – MUST DO
• Stoncica beach – SWIM HERE!
• Culture of the island tour and wine cellar/tasting with Pecarevic family
• Visit vineyards
• Pojoda – EAT HERE!
• Konoba Stoncica – EAT HERE!
• Vila Kaliopa – EAT HERE!
• Rukavac beach – SWIM HERE!
• Late night astronomy lesson from my amazing husband!
• Other hidden beaches
• Tito’s Cave

Zagreb, Croatia – 2 Nights

• Hotel Dubrovnik – SLEEP HERE great location
• Private tour of Plitvice Park – the most breathtaking lakes I’ve ever seen MUST DO!
• Baltazar
• Cafes and outdoor bars
• Dolac Market – MUST DO
• Walk in the park
• Ban Jelacic (Main Square)

Many more Eastern Europe posts to come – stay tuned!

– Miranda