Cesky Krumlov, Czechia. Monday, 22nd May, 2017
Imagine writing a diary seated at a small, round table next to an old fashioned window overlooking the magnificent vista of Cesky Krumlov's fairy-tale setting: its huge castle, the attractive towers, elegant red-roofed homes, verdant hills in the background; all bathed in sunlight at 08:35! Woke up at 05:15, got out of bed; went to the living room for the million dollar view! Snaps and videos followed. Urmila got up and joined me. An unhurried morning to an unhurried day, where the only agenda was lazing around, eating, drinking; and soaking up the incredible atmosphere of this most charming village and our cosy dwelling. Sipped our tea by the window, punctuated by the nibbling of the TUC biscuits; to the sweet chirping of birds that occasionally broke the sweet silence; and to the gentle sun rays seductively moving down the slumbering village, readying it to take on hordes of tourists.
Heavenly !!
Stepped out by 09:20 or so, down the quiet lane, turned right, descended, crossed the road and down the stairs, to a level road. The Pizza restaurant was yet to open, so we walked on farther; ate lamb kebab rolls at an inviting joint named 'Kebab House'. The rolls were certainly tasty, but too filling for a morning meal. Strolled around the village, exploring areas that we had missed on our first trip here in the year 2014. Standing by the gently flowing and happily gurgling river Vltava with the magnificent church bathed in sunlight, in the background, was a surreal experience. Walked by the riverside, ascended and entered COOP mini-mart (recalled having purchased Tic-Tac on the last visit) and purchased some stuff. Then to the garden adjacent to the museum building, in search of the black-and-white cat that I had offered a chocolate to, on the 2014 visit. Of course, the cat was not there. Rested on a bench, taking in the entire scene. Then, resumed our walk to nowhere!
To the bridge spanning the Vltava, onward to the town square. Sat on a bench, watching other tourists eating, drinking; and yakking - the majority were from the East - Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai; they all look alike!
We had invited our hotel owner Vera for lunch at 12:30; and she arrived on time. Lunched on draught beer - regular and dark; raspberry lemonade, chicken with potato; and potato omelette. Back to the bungalow with Vera. At the bungalow, Vera pleasantly surprised me by gifting me a colourful booklet on Cesky Krumlov! Rested, leafing through the guide. Set off again at 17:15.
Bright sunlight. Walked along the now very familiar route to Latran and the area behind the castle, which we had missed on our first visit. The walk was peaceful and soothing. Also hunted for a souvenir shop - failed to locate the one where we had purchased locally made table cloths, on the 2014 visit. Tried at a couple of other places but they wouldn't accept credit card payment. As we were returning to the area near the town square, we spotted the office of 'CK Shuttle' and reconfirmed our booking for Vienna, for Wednesday. What's more, the staff there allowed me to pay online for the balance fare; Euro 35/- cash saved! Walked back to the roadside shop we had spotted a while ago and after a little bargaining, purchased two attractive table cloths, for Euro 16/- each. Not bad! As the shopkeeper had oriental features, we asked him point blank whether the material was Chinese! He insisted, "No, no, this is Czecho! I am Vietnamese, not Chinese."
Walked back in the direction of the bungalow, retraced our steps to the town square to bask in the evening sun for a while; finally returned to our abode at 20:00. Vera was entertaining friends on the lawn. Urmila showed her our purchase and she confirmed that the table cloths were indeed Czech.
Relished Bozkov rum with paprika chips and banana chips, followed by cream wafers !!
Good Night !