Jerome said he can't be there on the 16th, unfortunately. Sargon also said he's likely to be away from Prague in August. I'm still hoping jv will show up to provide some a local angle to the meet. And what about the Austrians?

My own travel plans are very much in the air due to uncertainty about work. I fully intend to be there but I don't know yet when or how I'll be coming in.

When the capital development of a country becomes a by-product of the activities of a casino, the job is likely to be ill-done. — John M. Keynes

I am 99% certain to be there, although I cannot absolutely confirm until mid July. I simply can't say how I'm getting there or how long staying but I'm in no rush so will arrive a couple of days before and leave a couple of days after. It's not like you can get bored there inside a week. I'm tempted to drive, then I can fill the car up with booze, but then I'd probably stop at Bamberg and.. and...... {could get messy}

Y'all know my preferences, but if you want to meet at a nice bar then the three that spring to mind are;-

Klasterni. It's a lovely microbrewery up in the castle. Plenty of room, inside or out (slightly tricky to find but I can help there). However it is very expensive compared with the rest of Prague.

U Fleku. A total tourist trap because it's a genuine original 15th century drinking house that's never been anything else. There are 8 separate rooms (some very large) and a massive courtyard. 1000 people could be in and it wouldn't feel full. Even if it's not the meeting point, you'll see me there at some point.

Pivovarsky dum. Reasonably large and perfectly okay for a lunchtime meeting but if it's a sunny day there's nowhere outside to sit which may upset those who'd prefer that.

all three do food of course.

keep to the Fen Causeway

The airport in Prague is a fair way from town, certainly an expensive taxi ride.

Catch a bus from the depot opposite. they don't go to Prague directly for some reason afaik, but to metro stops, which are just as good.

Bus 100 to Zlicin on the "B" line.
Bus 254 or 119 to Dejvicka on line "A".

It's much cheaper. Barbara might be able to give some adivce on what to ask.

keep to the Fen Causeway

can anyone recommend any hostels/hotels for reasonable money?

"It's a mystery to me - the game commences, For the usual fee - plus expenses, Confidential information - it's in my diary..."

If you end up delaying this meetup, I'll be in Prague the last weekend in August and could attend.

If not, I'll be looking forward to seeing the highlights posted later.

I am with a question mark again - I wanted to use up my last frequent flyer miles. But there are no seats available anymore - I could risk last minute, but am not sure I want to do that. So next week I will be looking into getting a regular ticket - or maybe even finding a night train that leaves here after around 11:00 pm.

I would like to come. I'll arrive by rail.

There's a catch, though: My budget for August has not completely solidified yet, so my sign-up is conditioned on my money situation not deteriorating sharply over July.

- Jake

Ceterum censeo Chicago esse delendam

I plan to come, but I can't make travel plans until about the middle of July, because of work. I'd like to find the leisure to spend more than a day there!

Looking for ways to get back to London by Monday Morning (new job!) I found this page: EuRail: Hotel Trains. Apparently there are connections with Prague from Italy via Vienna (Allegro trains).

When the capital development of a country becomes a by-product of the activities of a casino, the job is likely to be ill-done. — John M. Keynes

I'll be hanging around in Prague from Friday the 15th on the afternoon until Monday the 18th in the morning. Just booked the train (all of 65 EUR with seat reservation and postal delivery of the ticket).