SAFETY AND HEALTH
General Advice
In any type of crisis, the most important thing to do is stay calm. Your country’s embassy abroad is usually your best resource in an emergency; registering with that embassy upon arrival in the country is a good idea.
Local Laws and Police
Police presence in cities is prevalent, and most small towns have police stations. There are three types of police officers in Britain: regular officers with full police powers, and police community support officers (PCSO) who have limited police power and focus on community maintenance and safety. The national emergency numbers are 999 and 112. Numbers for local police stations are listed under each individual city or town.
Drugs and Alcohol
Remember that you are subject to the laws of the country in which you travel. If you carry insulin, syringes, or prescription drugs while you travel, it is vital to have a copy of the prescriptions and a note from your doctor. The Brits love to drink while the Irish live to drink, so the presence of alcohol is unavoidable. In trying to keep up with the locals, remember that the Imperial pint is 20 oz., as opposed to the 16oz. US pint. The drinking age in the UK is 18 (14 to enter, 16 for beer and wine with food). Smoking is banned in enclosed public spaces in Britain and Ireland, including pubs and restaurants.
Specific Concerns
Northern Ireland
Border checkpoints in the UK have been removed, and armed soldiers and vehicles are less visible in Belfast and Derry. Do not take photographs of soldiers, military installations, or vehicles; the film will be confiscated and you may be detained for questioning. Taking pictures of political murals is not a crime, although many people feel uncomfortable doing so in residential neighborhoods.
Terrorism
The bombings of July 7, 2005 in the London Underground revealed the vulnerability of large European cities to terrorist attacks and resulted in the enforcement of stringent safety measures at airports and major tourist sights throughout British cities. Allow extra time for airport security and do not pack sharp objects in your carry-on luggage—they will be confiscated. Unattended luggage is always considered suspicious and is also liable to confiscation. Check your home country’s foreign affairs office for travel information and advisories, and be sure to follow the local news while in the UK.
Pre-Departure Health
Matching a prescription to a foreign equivalent is not always easy, safe, or possible, so if you take prescription drugs, carry up-to-date prescriptions or a statement from your doctor stating the medications’ trade names, manufacturers, chemical names, and dosages. Be sure to keep all medication with you in your carry-on luggage.
Immunizations and Precautions
Travelers over two years old should make sure that the following vaccines are up to date: MMR (for measles, mumps, and rubella); DTaP or Td (for diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis); IPV (for polio); Hib (for Haemophilus influenzae B); and HepB (for Hepatitis B). For recommendations on immunizations and prophylaxis, check with a doctor and consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the US or the equivalent in your home country. (1 800 CDC INFO/232 4636 www.cdc.gov/travel)
Staying Healthy
Diseases and Environmental Hazards
Common sense is the simplest prescription for good health while you travel. Drink lots of fluids to prevent dehydration and constipation, and wear sturdy, broken-in shoes and clean socks. The British Isles are in the gulf stream, so temperatures are mild: around 40°F in winter and 65°F in summer. In the Scottish highlands and mountains temperatures reach greater extremes. When in areas of high altitude, be sure to dress in layers that can be peeled off as needed. Allow your body a couple of days to adjust to decreased oxygen levels before exerting yourself. Note that alcohol is more potent and UV rays are stronger at high elevations.
Many diseases are transmitted by insects—mainly mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, and lice. Be aware of insects in wet or forested areas, especially while hiking and camping. Wear long pants and long sleeves, tuck your pants into your socks, and use a mosquito net. Use insect repellents such as DEET and soak or spray your gear with permethrin (licensed in the US only for use on clothing). Mosquitoes—responsible for malaria, dengue fever, and yellow fever—can be particularly abundant in wet, swampy, or wooded areas. Ticks—which can carry Lyme and other diseases—can be particularly dangerous in rural and forested regions of Britain.
great britain 101
facts and figures
• TIME WILLIAM THE CONQUEROR ORDERED ALL HIS CITIZENS TO GO TO BED: 8pm
• PERSON HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN MUST GAIN PERMISSION FROM BEFORE ENTERING THE CITY OF LONDON: The Lord Mayor
• CUPS OF TEA CONSUMED IN BRITAIN ANNUALLY: 60.2 billion
• NUMBER OF JOHN SMITHS IN LONDON: 30,000
• NUMBER OF MINUTES BIG BEN WAS SLOWED DOWN WHEN A FLOCK OF BIRDS LANDED ON THE MINUTE HAND IN 1945: 5
PEOPLE AND CUSTOMS
Mother Tongues
“Native” Brits come in four basic flavors-English, Irish, Scottish, and Welsh, and the corresponding languages are all still spoken, although English is the dominant tongue in all four countries. Wales has preserved their native tongue the best, with Welsh translations on every sign and official document and a reasonable percentage of fluent speakers. Irish Gaelic is being aggressively preserved by the Irish government, with classes taught in primary schools. Scottish Gaelic is not as widely taught, and lingers mainly in the outer islands.
Just Ducking Around
When it comes to slang, you might think the British just make it up on the spot. Poultry inspires affectionate names for girls, which include “bird” and “duck.” Derogatory language is particularly entertaining. Let’s be honest: if you’re called a “big girl’s blouse” or “namby pamby” (translation for both: wimp) will you be able to keep a straight face?
FOOD AND DRINK
Let’s Go Pubbin’
Bars constitute a huge part of culture all over Great Britain, especially tourist-filled London. Pub-goers won’t have to tip, but that’s only because there’s no table service, so sidle up to the bartender for some shots. Ordering at the bar usually proves an exciting way to meet a fellow Carlsberg connoisseur. England predominantly brews ales, a variety of which can be found in any pub with a feisty crowd looking to down some premium bitter pale ale.
Know Your Meats
Fish and chips (to be eaten with malt vinegar rather than ketchup) continue as the go-to “experience” of eating in England. Order “bangers and mash” if you’re craving some sausage slathered in onion gravy and mashed potatoes. For the pork lovers, a pork pie cooked from lard pastry with chopped pork bits topped off with pork jelly should satisfy your porker. The more carniverous traveler may also enjoy shepherd’s pie, a lamb casserole dish covered with a layer of mashed potatoes.
Are They Pudding Us On?
Bread and butter, sticky toffee, spotted dick suet—just a few of the pudding varieties on the menu in Brtain. The Brits hold pudding in a special place (and it’s not their hearts). Mind you, English pudding is not swimply sweet and jiggly. In Britain, the term refers to any rich, dairy-based dessert. Other non-sweet savory dishes also take the name, like Yorkshire pudding, black pudding, and blood pudding.
Tea for Two
Avoid stuffing yourself too much during lunch time when in London in order to make room for afternoon tea, the light English meal eaten a few hours before dinner. Originating in the 17th century when Catherine of Braganza brought the custom over from Portugal, it is now make it an essential part of the day. Loose tea served with milk and sugar accompanies cucumber and cress sandwiches, scones, and other jam pastries. Some Brits prefer High Tea to replace afternoon tea and dinner. This informal meal usually consists of cold meats, sandwiches, and small desserts; don’t think it’s an elaborate, high-class tea party. It originated when the family was too lazy to cook anything substantial. Oops.
Gastronomic Multicultura
lism
London’s Chinatown, located just beyond Leicester Square, houses various supermarkets, as well as cheap restaurants for a meal with a little bit of (Kung) Pao. Indian food is readily accessible on Brick Lane in East London. Lined with cafés and shops, the area’s potent smell of spices and curry is impossible to avoid. Middle Eastern fare is represented by many eateries.
HOLIDAYS AND FESTIVALS
Boxing Day
December 26th is now just a practical post-Christmas day off to be spent lazing in pajamas or traveling home from holiday trips. Originally it was celebrated by the servant classes that were required to work on Christmas Day; the “boxing” part of the name refers to the practice of rich families boxing up their unwanted clothes or gifts and sending them home with the servants. The origin of regifting!
The Queen’s Birthday
Her Majesty’s day of birth is celebrated on varying Saturdays in June. The current Queen’s actual date of birth is April 21st, but the holiday is celebrated in the summertime in the hopes that the weather will cooperate with the agenda of parades, picnics, and announcement of the Birthday Honours or “who’s getting knighted.”
Bank Holidays
These are public holidays declared each year by the Queen. Bank Holidays occur each year in May and August, as well as several other statutory days, depending on region. St Patrick’s Day, for example, is a Bank Holiday in Northern Ireland, but not in England, Scotland, or Wales.
Guy Fakwes’ Day
“Remember, remember the fifth of November, the gunpowder, treason and plot.” This day commemorates Guy Fawkes’ failed attempts to blow up the houses of Parliament. Lots of bonfires, lots of fireworks, lots of burning in effigy.
Cambridge Folk Festival
Held in Cherry Hinton Hall in one of Cambridge’s suburban villages, the annual music gathering brings together a widespread variety of folk musicians. Broadcast live on BBC Radio, the festival’s two main stages serve as host to burgeoning figures in the British music industry. With previous performers including Paul Simon and Joan Baez, the venue acts as somewhat of a career launcher. Folk lovers usually grab umbrellas and lounge chairs to shelter themselves from weather and relax during the long three-day weekend in late July. Since gaining popularity from its inception in 1964, tickets have sold out immediately in most recent years.
Lord Mayor’s Show
When King John granted a charter for the citizens of London to elect their own Lord Mayor in 1215, he may not have imagined the pageantry that would follow Londoners into the modern era, where flamboyant floats and garish costumes decorate the streets each year on the second Saturday in November. Historically, the proceedings took place via horseback or barges on the River Thames—the parade term “floats” was actually derived from the Lord Mayor’s traditional romp through the city by boat. In 1710, a drunken flower girl uprooted then-Lord Mayer Sir Gilbert Heathcote from his horse, initiating a change to a state coach procession known for its six-horse coach (only to be outdone by the Queen, who has eight steeds during formal public outings). At 11pm, the parade takes off after swinging by the Mansion House, the Lord Mayor’s official residence, to pick the old chap up, stopping by St. Paul’s Cathedral to receive the Dean’s blessing. The showy ordeal, including the Twelve Great Livery Companies (Merchant Taylors, Haberdashers, Ironmongers and more), usually ends more than three hours later after the procession winds down along the river, followed by an evening spectacle of fireworks.
CZECH REPUBLIC
prague
ORIENTATION
ACCOMMODATIONS
SIGHTS
FOOD
NIGHTLIFE
ARTS AND CULTURE
SHOPPING
ESSENTIALS
karlštejn
SIGHTS
FOOD
ESSENTIALS
terezín
SIGHTS
FOOD
ESSENTIALS
kutnà hora
ORIENTATION
SIGHTS
FOOD
ESSENTIALS
essentials
PLANNING YOUR TRIP
MONEY
SAFETY AND HEALTH
czech republic 101
FOOD AND DRINK
HOLIDAYS AND FESTIVALS
Throughout the Czech Republic, the vestiges of Bohemian glory and communist rule can be found on the same block. More recently, the ’90s sparked the transformation of this country into an alternative, electrifying country. Döner kebabs, bockwurst, and Czech cheeses are peddled side by side. Freewheeling youth and a relentless drive toward the modern means endless streets of hip hangouts and vehemently chill attitude, making the cities here, especially Prague, some of the best student urban destinations in Europe. And even though the locals might be too cool for school they do appreciate a tenacity to learn, evident from all the Czechs who cheer your blatantly wrong attempts at their language. Whether they’re dishing out heapings of local cuisine on your plate, sharing beers at a lowkey Prague pub, or inviting you to a local party, the citizens will open their arms to you.
greatest hits
• UNDERGROUND AND UNDER THE INFLUENCE. Get lost in the subterranean labyrinth of U Sudu bar and club (U SUDU).
• SNACK HOURS. Support a family business by pigging out on baked goods at Café Šlagr ( CAFÉ ŠLAGR).
• FAST FOOD. Walk your hot dog through Wenceslas Square before heading to the National Museum (see WENCESLAS SQUARE).
• SAMPLE (S)ALE. Muster up some liquid courage with an 8-beer sampler at Pivovarský Dům ( PIVOVARSKÝ DŮM).
Czech Republic
student life
Chock full of amazing hostels, Nové Město is the perfect place for penny pinchers to meet frugal friends. But there’s more to life than Wi-Fi and luggage lockers, so plan some sightseeing for a steal and venture out into Prague’s other neighborhoods. Get your culture on in Malá Strana with some state-sanctioned public art, or admire the graffiti in the bohemian paradise of Žižkov. Drop some Banksy knowledge on the students walking to lectures at the University of Economics, and convince them to cut class for a cold one at Vinohrady’s amazing biergartens. Did your pregame turn into a game? Work off your beer belly by busting a move with some dancing queens in the nearby gay district.
prague
224
Since the Commies got the boot 20 years ago, Prague has worked overtime to shape up its act. And shape up it has: this former crumbling communist puppet has become a prime tourist Metropolis that showcases the history of a former center of the Western world. And we’re talking grade-A top choice history here. Take Jan Hus—who kind of invented Protestantism. Jan got into some hot water here back in 1413; it only got hotter on the stake.
Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV ruled one of Europe’s largest kingdoms from Prague and built a city of medieval wonders in the process: towers, castles, statues of himself, bridges with his name on it, universities named “Charles,” more Charles statues. Real charmer, that Charles.
And let’s not forget Prague’s defenestration, that classy tradition of tossing politicians from windows, which happened thrice from Prague’s various towers. Thanks to the renovations, these towers now shimmer like new, as if calling you to enact a defenstration of your own—maybe of that irritating chatterbox couple in your hostel. Either way, the city will be sparkling clean and a pleasure for the eye.
However, beautification has come at the price of a general Disney-fication of Prague. But don’t let this be an excuse to miss out on its more compelling flavors; it’s a small town with tourist districts that rub buns and elbows with the areas containing the real Czech Kahunas. And even if the reality is that in the summer the tourist-to-local ratio reaches nine to one, they’ve come foraaset of reasons: it’s cheap, cheery, and delicious. The only thing Prague won’t deliver is disappointment.
For details on Nové Mĕsto map, click here
For details on Stare Mĕsto map, click here
Josefov
Nové Město New Town
At 650 years of age, Nové Město (New Town) would hardly feel at home at the kiddie table. Sure, founded by Charles IV in 1348, this town might be “comparatively new.” And sure, it’s got a tradition of childishly chucking its leaders from top floor windows but you’ll always find the new esconced with the old. Just look at the booming commercial center of Wenceslas Square where KFC and McDonalds share grill space with sausage vendors, the descendants of medieval butchers who hawked weiners when this square was a horse market.
It’s the same story at the beautiful Franciscan Gardens at Our Lady of the Snow. The impressive chapel still holds services 650 years after the first bricks were laid, but its abbey now serves as gallery space for local artists. Then there’s Saint Henry’s Tower, whose 700-year-old bell still tolls the time, though the tower now houses a whiskeria, restaurant, museum, and several galleries. Frank Gehry’s “Dancing House” sways next to baroque tenement buildings like a hipster skanking at a masquerade.
Let's Go Europe 2011: The Student Travel Guide Page 38