My recent trip to the Czech Republic and Austria allowed me to
experience two beautiful cities, wonderful people and food, and a few
musical interests as well.  In Prague, I did not run across a single
music box in searching through at least 35 antiques shops and the flea
market, and not a single piano roll and very few pianos.

I did find a Manopan organette with the cardboard strips in a shop on
Golden Lane in Prague castle for about 1300 US dollar.  I did manage
to drag back a beautiful horn phonograph (an old one, not a crap-o-phone,
although there were plenty of them).  I managed to break my ankle the
second day on a wet cobblestone street, and found the hospitals there
to be a real adventure back in to time, but the doctors patched my up
with a cast and, although slowed down a bit, I managed well the rest of
the trip.

There were several busker organs in Prague, all new, on the Charles
Bridge at various times.

In Vienna, it was hard not to be surrounded by wonderful music.  The
exhibit of historical pianos, harpsichords, early keyboard and stringed
instruments at the Hoffburg museum was fantastic.  Many of them are in
playable condition, with recordings of them available via a hand-held
receiver system.  Not to be missed if you are there.

Both cities were beautiful in their own way with warm hospitality
offered at every stop.  Air France was most helpful with the return of
my phonograph and very nice to assist with my medical needs.  I highly
recommend both cities.

Best Regards,
John McClure - enjoying life without my cast now.
Marietta, Georgia