Just behind Restaurant Jelenka where we had our super late lunch is the ancient city of Cesky Krumlov, located in the South Bohemian region of Czech Republic.
We are actually on our way to Prague, our final destination today but we are stopping at this fairytale-like enclave that has become a favorite tourist destination in the country. This is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Brief introduction by a local guide before entering Cesky Krumlov.
Depending on our individual threshhold, he is showing us how far a walk we could make. Ay, I no longer want to go up the castle. I am happy making 3,000 steps.
Look at the background. Imagine yourself wearing a wedding gown with that as the backdrop. Never mind if there’s no groom.
According to the tour guide, there was a massive flood here some 30 years ago and this whole area was submerged in water.
The walking tour begins.
My husband is complaining that we’ve seen too many castles, palaces, and churches, not only in this trip but in every European trip we had. Ganun talaga dito sa Europe. That’s what makes Europe Europe.
I have no intention to climb that up. Never mind if I don’t get a panoramic view.
Si Cheryl yan yung gustong lumipad. Boss sya sa city hall in Manila. Pagnahuli kayo for not following the traffic rules, don’t look for her. Just get the ticket and pay the fine. Nakakahiyang mang istorbo at humingi ng pabor.
This is pretty in actuality.
Pilit na pilit sa ngiti. My apo Theo is generous with his smiles. Eto yung isang ngiti mo lang, oo na si lola. When I was growing up, my mom would always say lagi daw akong nakasimangot. Buti na lang hindi nagmana sa akin si Theo.
A huge meteor hit this city thousands of years ago. There are jewelry stores selling moldavite stones. The tour guide suggests that we come back to shop but there’s no time to shop for jewelry. Unlike buying refrigerator magnets, choosing jewelry takes 15 to 30 minutes and we don’t have that much time.
Cesky Krumlov accepted 400,000 refugees from Ukraine since Russia’s invasion started. To show solidarity, there’s a Ukrainian flag hanging in one of the old buildings at the town square.
I find this place really charming. It’s not perfectly picturesque but it has a certain quiet charm that appeals to my kind of place.
It’s very quiet here and not crowded. One wonders how lonely this place could be.
There’s a popular festival, Five Petalled Rose, celebrated here for three days every summer solstice. The plaza and streets are filled with festivities such as a street market, local food and handicrafts fair, medieval musical performances, and chess tournaments using giant chess boards. The festival ends with a procession of knights riding horses and locals wearing historical costumes, and a fireworks display.
If I tell my husband that I want to come back here he will tease me. Lahat daw ng puntahan namin gusto kong balikan.
James, our tour coordinator, taking photos of Che and Liza.
Our photographer, Architect Dolly, orders us to hug each other. We are happy to oblige. Eto, nauwi sa necking.
This is what I like, a garden that looks natural and rustic. Ayaw ko yung too manicured.
So pretty
to be continued.
