Special Sub-Topic: Where was I in Central Europe? Click Here To Play: Where was I in Central Europe?

My trip began in Munich, or München, as it's called in Germany. The hotel clerk told me that Munich is the capital of a German state, but I forget which one. Where in Germany is Munich?

Bavaria. Bavaria is the region of Germany that most represents the 'tourist image' of the country: exquisite castles, beautiful Alpine views, lederhosen, oomm-pah-pah music, and LOTS of beer. Only Berlin receives more tourists than Munich and Bavaria is one of the most beautiful, diverse, and unique parts of Central Europe.

I've always wanted to attend the Oktoberfest in Munich...lots of beer and oomm-pah-pah music. Last year, I arrived in mid-October, but found that the festival was already over. When is the Oktoberfest held?

Fifteen days before the first Sunday in October. Even though it's called the 'Oktoberfest', the celebration is more of a late September event. A large park called the Theresienwiese is where the Oktoberfest is held; thousands of tourists gather under huge tents to drink giant steins of beer and listen to German polka music. The dates of the Oktoberfest were changed in 1990 so that there will always be a celebration on German Unity Day (October 3).

Next, I went to Prague, an absolutely fantastic city. A major river runs right through the city, but I'll be darned if I can remember its name. Do you know?

The Vltava. The Vltava separates Hradcany (the medieval castle district) and Mala Strana (Little Quarter) from Stare Mesto (Old Town) and Nove Mesto (New Town). There are many beautiful bridges over the Vltava and even though they may look old, most of them were re-built after World War II destroyed them.

My first meal in Prague was held at a 'samoobslusha', and the variety of foods available reminded me of this type of eating establishment:

Cafeteria. The different selections of food were incredible...klobasy (spicy sausages), parky (frankfurters), and chlebicky (open sandwiches). Watch out for the spekacky, though; it has quite a kick!

Next stop: Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Up until 1919, it used to be called something entirely different, but I can't remember what. Do you know?

Pressburg. In 1404, Pressburg was declared a 'free royal town' by Luxemburg's King Sigismund, who also allowed it to have its own coat of arms. In 1536, it became the capital of Hungary and remained one of the most influential cities in the Hapsburg Empire. On March 27, 1919, Pressburg officially became Bratislava, a sign of the rising Slovak nationalism.

It was then off to Hungary and its spectacular capital, Budapest. I've always wanted to visit Budapest ever since I heard the music of a famous Hungarian composer who wrote the opera 'Bank Ban'. Do you remember his name?

Ferenc Erkel. Erkel (1810-1893) is called the 'father of Hungarian opera'. Liszt and Bartok are probably better known around the world, and Petofi was Hungary's most celebrated poet.

When it was time for dinner in Hungary, I went to an 'etterem' (restaurant with a large selection of menu items). On the table were the usual salt and pepper shakers but there was something else, common to many Hungarian recipes. The name of it is on the tip of my tongue...literally.

Paprika. Ah yes, paprika...a mild red pepper that is sprinkled on almost everything in Hungary. I remember having 'porkolt', a stew spiced with paprika and thought to myself while my mouth was on fire that 'mild' is a highly subjective term to give to paprika.

One of my last stops was in Vienna, the capital of Austria. I was just in time to catch a performance at the Donauinselfest, but I forget the musician that was playing. There is a particular type of music heard at this festival, so I must have heard this performer.

Kaz Simmons...this is a rock, jazz, and folk festival. The Donauinselfest, begun in 1983, is held during the last week of June and takes place on a small island in the Danube River. It is the largest free concert held in Europe and has recently attracted over 3 million jazz & rock aficionados.

Even though I'm trying to watch my weight in Vienna, I just had to have a famous pastry that is part of the Viennese culinary culture. Do you remember what this 'calorie buster' was called?

Sachertorte. Franz Sacher was Prince von Metternich's pastry chef and created a delicious pastry filled with chocolate...and calories. 'Eitrige' is a Viennese version of a hot dog (don't ask what's in it), 'Tafelspitz' is boiled beef, and 'Schutzkrapfen' is a Viennese cheese ravioli.

My tour came to an end in Salzburg, Austria, the birthplace of Mozart and the setting for "The Sound of Music." I stopped at a McDonald's and while I was carrying my Big Mac combo to a table, I stepped in something that was definitely not on Ronald McDonald's original menu. I asked the girl behind the counter if dogs are allowed in the restaurant. She giggled and said that most tourists ask the same question. What was her answer?

Y. Yes, it's true. Smoking is not permitted, but McDonald's and other fast food restaurants welcome dogs. It's just part of what makes Austria one of the most fascinating countries you'll ever visit.