1 2) Cigarette prices are fixed and the same throughout the country (including the airport). The American brands Marlboro and Camel are 82 crowns, but they aren't American cigarettes (they are made elsewhere and taste different).

3) Like a lot of Europe, Czech waiters are paid what is supposed to be a living wage, so tipping is not really expected, beyond as a gesture. Like Germany, the most common thing is just to round up to the next reasonable number. So 187 crowns, pay 200 (Although some Czechs would just pay 190). That said, my impression is that high-end restuarants, especially the ones that cater to tourists, are more like the US model where 10%+ would be expected. At a pub or beer garden, if beer is 23 I'd pay 25. If it's 29 I'd pay 30. If it's 30, I'd pay 30 (although if I ran a 90crown tab, I'd pay 100). In other words, it's hard to say and even among Czech people there is a lot of differences in tipping habits.

Never have taken a cab or used a bellboy, so have no idea.

I am still "maybe" Though I am in Krakow which is about a 7hr drive away, I still have some exams to finish up before my classes end the following week. If I can sneak away, I might drive down for a day or two and join everyone. I won't know till a day before
Out of curiosity, is anyone heading to Krakow after the Prague DO?

Where were you last week when i was making my plans. my friend wanted to go to Poland but I wanted to go to Hungary so I won and we are going to Budapest. If i had known there was an invitation to Krakow I would have gone there instead.

Theres always an invitation to Krakow! :D I love when people visit this city.

But Budapest is a very nice city and there is a lot of see/do there. I was there a few months back for some relaxing, good food, wines, and party.

ygpm ;)

You will not be disappointed -- it is a beautiful city.

Let me just slip in quietly and say, I hope our restaurants are booked....

Great stuff; post #1 has been updated with Friday's Dinner and Saturday's Daytime activities. ^^^

The Friday evening menu looks nice. :D

Sorry folks, if I repeat myself but I'm very sorry for the delay in updating the first post. It's pretty hard to confirm everything but also allow some flexibility for some last minute changes that might occur. It's tough but manageable ^

Looking really forward meeting everyone.

So long, have a great day.

Are we Paypaling for the cost of the walking tour, cruise, etc, or do you want us to bring Czech $$ to give to you at event?

Cheers.

As it is only a small amount of money, I would highly appreciate if you could pay these expences in Czk currency.

No worries. Just wanted to know so that if it was Paypal could get it done in advance, and if it was cash, could factor in that amount to convert into local currency.

Cheers.

Currently in the PRG Hilton until Saturday AM so sadly won't be here for the big event - may I recommend the Exec floor Lounge and Hiromi (a Japanese girl living here). She is ^^

Hot snacks from 6pm to 8pm have been:

Yesterday: Fried Cheese balls and tomato skewers, pork and red pepper filo parcels
Today: Mushrooms stuffed with duxelles, Chicken yakitori with chili mango salsa

We have eaten enough in the Lounge to not need dinner!

You are there a week too early, :eek: oh well knew that already. Good that you are road testing the Prague Hilton for us. :cool:

Looking forward to seeing friends old and new. I am really looking forward to catching up with Dovster for the first time. There are quite a few people who I have met previously, some just last week in Darwin. :cool:

I also am fired up. And in the mood for some gelato.