Czechoslovakia; Also Known as The Czech Republic and Slovakia

After wandering through the beautiful countryside of Germany and the Czech Republic, we finally arrived in Prague, a lovely old city. I remember this region being referred to as Czechoslovakia before its division, but I needed to refresh myself about its history.

The Czech Republic was established on January 1, 1993, following the dissolution of Czechoslovakia, commonly referred to as the Velvet Divorce. For over seventy years, Czechs and Slovaks shared one state, initially as Czechoslovakia after World War I and then again after the Nazi occupation ended in 1945. This union achieved numerous notable successes, including industrial and cultural strength, as well as resilience during the Cold War decades. However, by the late 1980s, the differences between the two groups had become increasingly apparent.

The Velvet Revolution of 1989 brought an end to communist rule peacefully, with Václav Havel emerging as the moral voice of change. However, in the subsequent years, Czechs and Slovaks began to discuss the type of state they desired. Their economies were different—while the Czech lands were more industrialized, Slovakia was more rural. Additionally, their political priorities diverged, and nationalist sentiments grew stronger. In 1992, leaders from both sides—Václav Klaus in Prague and Vladimír Mečiar in Bratislava—reached an agreement to separate.

Unlike the violent separations experienced in other parts of Europe, this was a peaceful and negotiated split. There were no shots fired and no border disputes—just two nations embracing their independence. The Czech Republic quickly pursued membership in the EU and NATO, aligning itself closely with Western Europe. Slovakia took a longer and more complicated path but ultimately joined these organizations as well.

We had the pleasure of visiting these two countries during our travels.

After winding through the picturesque countryside of Germany and the Czech Republic, we finally arrived in Prague, a city that truly feels like the heart of Europe. The weather was warm, the streets were lively, and our first glimpse of the Old Town Square left us speechless. The Astronomical Clock marked the passing hours as street performers entertained and families wandered over cobblestones that had witnessed centuries of footsteps.

Over the next few days, we immersed ourselves in Prague’s rhythm. We wandered across the Charles Bridge, watching the Vltava River shimmer beneath its statues, and climbed to the castle for sweeping views of the city’s red rooftops and church spires. The people we encountered were warm and welcoming, and laughter filled the air from cafés and beer halls throughout the plaza. And oh, the food! We enjoyed hearty plates of goulash, freshly baked bread, and golden glasses of beer, as well as sweet red wine that seemed to taste better here than anywhere else in the world.

From there, we drove south into what felt like another era entirely: Český Krumlov. The moment we arrived, it was as though we had stepped into the pages of a medieval storybook. Winding lanes curled around a river that embraced the town like a ribbon, and the great castle rose above it all. Time slowed here; the modern world seemed to disappear. We were certain we had driven back in time, and it was nothing short of fantastic.

Our journey continued east, across the border into Slovakia, where Bratislava welcomed us with a different kind of charm. We stayed in a lovely apartment on the edge of town, where life moved at a noticeably slower pace. The city was gentle, unhurried, and easy to fall in love with. Walking its streets, sipping coffee in small cafés, and watching the world pass by along the Danube, we felt as though we had finally found a moment to breathe.

Three cities, each with its own rhythm: Prague with its grandeur and energy, Český Krumlov with its fairy-tale timelessness, and Bratislava with its calm, lived-in ease. Together they wove a journey we will never forget — a taste of Central Europe’s soul, with warm people, unforgettable flavors, and memories that will linger long after the road has carried us on.

You are loved.