I was born in Prague, then communist Czechoslovakia 1950. The very first trip I remember was in my father’s fantastic bus, that he was driving around 1953 or 1954 called Pullman, Skoda 706RO made in 1947.
 

For that time and place, state of the art. Made only one piece, top comfort, adjustable seats, toilet and for the kid my age unforgettable snack bar in the back. It really wasn't much of the trip. My father was driving charters all over Europe, at the time before his passport was taken away by friendly "comrades" for too much of association with American-Czechs visiting Prague, and receiving box of WRIGLEY Chewing gum from friend in Chicago for the Christmas with the note attached saying: So you and your family have something to chew on for the holidays. Anyhow that time my father was leaving Prague for couple of weeks traveling around Czech Republic with one of the charters, and my mother and I came to see him off. I have hidden in the back of the bus and my father pretending that he doesn't know I'm there took off and drove around couple of blocks. That was the excitement of the traveling that got me hooked. Then followed school trips all over numerous natural landmarks and castles scattered throughout the country.

When I got older, I've done some "tramping", which is getting away from it all with just heavy blanket or sleeping bag ( if you could afford it), some bare necessities and spending night by the fire under stars. Also various ski and hiking trips either to Sumava Mountains (south Czech Republic) or Krkonose Mountains (north) . And of course all the other trips on my motorcycle to the Myslin cottage and my grandfathers place Malovidy on river Sazava. One of most important trips in my life was summer of 1968. Because of politics and our family being blacklisted by commies we left for former Yugoslavia and from there we were going to go to Italy on to Canada. Destination Opatija, Croatia. Situated below mountain and Nature Park Ucka, Opatija is one of the nicest places I've ever been to. Beautiful nature, parks, old Austrian villas, seaside promenade and beaches.

Being young and single, my brother and I had spent a vacation we'll never forget. Things in Czech Republic had improved slightly, while we were there , so we have come back.
Then Aug. 21. 1968., Soviet forces invaded Czechoslovakia and after that our family was leaving again, this time for good. And just like "tramping", with nothing but bare necessities we left Prague for Vienna, Austria and from there continued on to Barrie, Ontario, Canada.