Karlovy Vary: A favorite discovery

SO Susan Spano discovered the gem of spa towns -- lovely Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic [“A Tonic for the World Weary,” Unexplored Europe, July 9]. Now pray some developer doesn’t build sky-rise condos on the spot of the unattractive Thermal Hotel. It may not blend with the charming older structures, but one can choose to ignore it. The immediately recognizable featured photo is just down the block from the Thermal Hotel. Across a small open square there is a large travel-hotel-restaurant school. It’s refreshing to meet these students working all over town; they love to meet Americans and practice their English.

Shortly after the fall of the Berlin Wall, travel into Eastern Europe gradually opened up. A friend picked up her backpack, trotted off to Prague to visit the American Embassy. She asked if she could help anywhere. Someone handed her a slip of paper to report to a school in Karlovy Vary. With nothing more, she went on to pioneer the English program at the school I’ve mentioned. She has traveled the world, solo, for many years. She’s now over 80 and going strong. Karlovy Vary is her favorite destination. Indeed, a tonic for a world-weary traveler.

MARILYN VON KUHLBERG

Upland