A Český Krumlov Afternoon

Český Krumlov, a UNESCO World Heritage Centre, Czech Republic

Getting off the bus after arriving in Český Krumlov, I thought, what the heck? We were in a massive bus parking lot and to my annoyance all I could see was, I faced an uphill trek. My travel buddy Jo had already disappeared around a bend. Perpetually annoyed, I trudged after her, up, up and up, Then, from the crest of a winding street, I saw why we were here at Jo's insistence, in the first place. For spread out below me was the Vltava River, wending its way through the 16th century city of Český Krumlov (top photo).

Enroute, after my up hill, over dale trek, I'm nearly there

Continuing to traverse up hill and eventually over dale  took me over onto old cobbled streets. 

Jo (yellow sweater) approaching bridge by the Hotel Růže

16th century bridge 

A lot of water has flowed under this old bridge

Towards the Vltava River 

After crossing the bridge we continued walking down the pedestrian only, narrow cobbled road that led to the town square.

Walking the old cobbled street 

 there were more pretty views down on the river

and many beautiful upward views too

There were many cute shops and things along the way.

Shop of new, old-fashioned, wooden toy shop

Eyed but un-purchased jewelry i.e., Claire Candy

Why, oh why didn't I buy this adorable & playful, Claire oriented necklace?
Oh yeah... 'cause I'm not wealthy.

I do restrain meself on buying souvenirs but the festive Ukrainian Easter eggs? Oooo I'd have bought one if there was a chance in hell I could have transported it around for 2 weeks without breaking it.

Purdy, purdy eggies ist deh precious...

And in case, you, like meself, wonder on the origin of goblins, here is our answer. They come from a little shop on Kaplická.

Photo from Google Maps

We'd bitten off a lot of sightseeing for one day as this morning we'd started  the day at the Ceske Budejovice Castle. That means there was no time for extensive exploration, and feeling a bit worn we had a late lunch at a restaurant in the town square.

From our dining spot, the centuries old, six-sided fountain was visible. It was decorated with saints that protect the town from the plague - yes, that plague

Duel purpose Fountain on the Square: water supply and plague repellent

After our late lunch, Jo and I took the bus, then a taxi back to our hotel. There we picked up our luggage from the conserge, then it was back to the Ĉeské Budějovice train station. There, we boarded a train for Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic.

All Aboard!

 We finally arrived, after dark, at the central Prague train station. It is as modern a facility as Český Krumlov is medieval. 

By a sort of dumb luck I'm becoming used to, the train station is kitty corner to our hotel: Vienna House Easy Chopin. Soon I was snug in a cute room with all of today's journal writing to catch up on.

Much tinier room than the room at the Grand Zvon, but just as clean & cute 

The wardrobe and amenities, coffee maker, etc.

Where ever I get a hotel room, I generally try to get some photos. Helps keep the post-vacation memories fresh.

cute bathroom with huge shower stall

The fresher your memories, the more times you can mentally enjoy your vacation over and over again.

Nighty night Jo Beach!

And you better believe, however tired my journaling was done.

Morning at the Ĉeské Budějovice Castle

České Budějovice castle

When in Bohemia...

Today began with lots of hustling, as we wanted to both tour a pair of local castles, as well as travel on to Prague tonight. So we packed up quickly. Leaving our luggage with the concierge
we took a taxi to the bus station and soon we were headed for the České Budějovice castle.





Arriving in a little southern Bohemian town, we walked to a cute area with souvenirs and a cafe. at the cafe Jo ordered a small beer and a bowl of soup, which she let me try. The soup was rich, and tasty yet, strange. Working up the courage to ask what it was, we weren't sure even though we were told. Hum... it was either tripe or cow belly. Mighty tasty cow belly there in Bohemia!

We were told this was where we could catch a tram to take us the mile or two up the hillside to the castle. When the tram finally arrived and all were loaded on, we paid our korunas and were whisked up hill.

Once the tram dropped us off at the top of the hill. leaving a short walk to the castle

I'll confess at the front that I didn't learn much about the castle, other than its local is the origin of Budweiser beer. Oh, and one other thing...

They ♪ used ant-lers 

...in all of their dec-or-ating...! ♪

Disquieting statuaries for terrifying children

Pecking out eyes is a popular castle theme

I love the grace of this Chamois antelope statue

A Trio of geese decorate a side garden












After an hour or two, Jo and met up again. She headed down the hill while I - ever the lazy traveler, decided to take the tram back down the hill. While I waited I tried to bird, but the little buggers were all off too far for a look at.

So I contemplated the mosses along a stone wall

And butterflies.

Finally it was concluded if I waited for the tram, I would be here until nightfall, so I started tramping down the hill. Must be admitted it was a lovely walk.

The downhill was was lovely & green

I was serenaded for most of my downhill march.

[UPDATE: An informed YouTube viewer told me the inspiring bells I heard did not ring from the church, but were the local brewery's Budweiser Beer Bells!]

Down the hill was the cutest restaurant

 With a massive and delightfully UGLY catfish over the porch

The catfish's gapping mouth and long metallic whiskers were borderline creepy!

Really, the walk downhill seemed only half as long as the ride uphill, which is odd. After a few moments of 'where the heck am I?' I found my way back to the little area where we'd caught the tram. We then took a local bus back to Ceske Budejoice where we grabbed a second bus and headed to Ceske Krumlov. And that is a tale for another day... today, to be exact.