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FEATURE DESTINATION / TRAVEL TIPS / EUROPE'S BEST-KEPT SECRETS 

 Ahhh, the first time I saw Prague... Frigid February gusts chilled my face, but could'nt overhelm the warm glow I felt gazing on this remarkable city. After returning to Prague more times than I can easily remember, I still experience that same sense of marvel upon entering Old Town Square. In this  edition of the Untours Newsletter, it's all about Prague. Enjoy-- hope you can join us there soon!
                                                                   Joe Tosolt

 FEATURE DESTINATION - Prague: Czech out the "Golden City"!

 Mix up historical splendor, cultural variety, beautiful architecture, and great value. What have you got? Why Prague, of course! In the late 80's, Prague came in from the Cold War, and was warmly greeted by world tourists amazed at what they'd been missing for 40 years.

 A few years on, it's safe to say that the "new" allure has worn off.  However, tourists still flock to Prague, and with good reasons. Here are a few:

 Prague is Europe's best-preserved capital. Somewhat miraculously, Prague escaped damage during 2 world wars and incursions by Soviet tanks. The result: you'll walk the same narrow winding streets and admire the same glorious scenery which Prague's citizens have enjoyed for centuries!

 In Prague, it's easy to feel in touch with the past, since the past surrounds you. In the Old Town, houses still bear the medieval street address system. (Prior to the advent of house numbers, each house put an icon or shield or statue above the door. You would ask for the house "At the Golden Lion", for example.)

 Prague's heritage grew musty during years of socialist neglect, but in past years, the city has made huge efforts to clean houses and monuments. The results are impressive: buildings now glow in bright pastel colors, and clean, modern shops greet at street level. New construction includes remarkable modernist structures like the famous "Dancing Lady" building, a glass-enclosed wonder.

 Interested in culture? Prague will keep you busy with concerts and operas, not to mention the unique "Magic Lantern" theater. Even churches get into the act with organ concerts and string quartets.

Looking for value? You're still in luck, since Prague costs have not yet begun to approach the levels of other European capitals. Food and drink prices are reasonable, as are those for the city's myriad cultural events.

 TRAVEL TIPS - Trip Preparation: Don't Forget These Safety Steps!

 Planning a trip abroad? Here are a few often-overlooked necessities. Save yourself potential headaches and keep these items on your checklist...

A) Check your PASSPORT! Do it now, don't wait until the day before departure. These things have a habit of expiring just prior to long-awaited vacations!

 Keep in mind that your passport should be valid for at least 6 months AFTER your return date, just to avoid any potential foreign customs trouble.

 Whether you are renewing an old passport or applying for the first time, you can now get lots of passport information on the web. For the location of the issuing office nearest you and all the necessary forms, go to: http://travel.state.gov/passport_services.html

 B) PHOTOCOPY important documents prior to your trip. These would include your passport, your credit cards, and any other important documents you'll bring along. Leave one copy at home, and keep one copy in your luggage.

 Also, be sure to make a note of the emergency numbers to call in case your documents are lost or stolen.

 ... more Travel Tips on the way in future newsletters...

EUROPE'S BEST-KEPT SECRETS - Prague's Mucha Museum
 by Maureen Moore

 One of the joys of traveling to Prague year after year is experiencing how the Czechs are rebuilding their culture now that they are free of Communist oppression. With each visit, I happily discover new cultural sites.

 On a beautiful autumn afternoon in Prague in 1998, I visited the Municipal House, known for its flamboyant Art Nouveau decor. Many of its murals are by Alphonse Mucha, a 19th century Moravian artist who was the most successful of this style.

 Mucha had always been one of my favorites. As a twenty-something in the late sixties, one of my most prized possessions was a t-shirt with a romantic Mucha design. Little did I expect that I would stumble across a house with a waving flag that said "Mucha Museum!"

 I entered a building filled with Mucha's posters, paintings, jewelry designs and more! Mucha believed that art should be accessible to the masses. Much as "Mucha chic" happily invaded the daily, common life of his contemporaries, it now invaded mine. I discovered that his art was about more than the production of art posters or perfume advertisements. His genius was in creating beauty in so many ways and delivering it to so many people.

 They say Mucha happened upon the art scene at the right time and place. I could say the same of my discovery of a charming place to spend an afternoon in Prague!

The Mucha Museum is at 7 Panska St. and open daily 10am-6pm. Learn more online:

 The Mucha Museum website: www.mucha.cz/mucha/default.asp
 All about Mucha: www.mucha-museum.co.jp/index_e.html 

Untours - Independent Travel With Support! 

The Prague Untour offers a 14-day stay in the very heart of the city. Or book Prague for one week, followed by one week in Budapest, with an option to add Vienna. More information? Call 1-888-868-6871 or visit www.untours.com

To learn more about independent travel with support to European countries and  Vietnam  visit Web: http://www.untours.com

Joe Tosolt, Untours Newsletter Editor
 Maureen Moore, Untours Staff