| Continuing on..The journey from BTS to Cesky Krumlov, ensued with the usual travel aerobic - tram/train/transfer and then 'supreme joyous relief' - we got into our rental car!- the good old fashion American way of travel! Poor Rick, though, this new luxury means he would now be responsible for packing/driving/ parking/unpacking for the 4 car's occupants. Wouldn't you know, he did it all with an admirable sense of duty & committment and w/o any complaining (though there were sighs and grins here and there that I translated to mean = strong irritation). It always seems that during these trips, we chicks rely heavily on his ability to navigate, organize and keep track of all of us - a role that, fortunately, seems to come to him w/ease - and for that we are immensely grateful!
In the transition, we lost Paul to Prague while we continued on. We made day of driving through the scenic countryside of Czech, visiting a few Unesco towns before settling into Cesky Krumlov - the newest city to be discovered by swarms of tourists. It's narrow, midevil streets, renaissance architectures, a bear moat (first one I've ever seen) and the 2nd largest castle etched into the side of a mtn, is right out of National Geographic. The live bears in the moats looked like grizzles. On our tour of the castle, various bears rugs were displayed, an histories revealed, apparently, we were told they all 'died of naturally causes' (is shooting considered a natural cause?)
The next day, our new cast members finally arrived- Rami, Camille, Val. It was another long anticipated reunion for me. We found ourselves reunited at a quaint tea house - chatting & laughing the hrs away - there was so much catching up to do - even though Skype was used often with many of these guys, during my 2 months stay in Europe. I've always believed that NOTHING beats spending time with people - not phone calls, sms, emails or even good intentions - you only get to know someone well when time is shared! It was delight to finally have their company, instead of just IM's/sms.
Its more than a little interesting that the addition of merely 3 people can change the whole dynamics & energy of a group. Not only were there heaps of hysterics w/ this gang - the various annoyances surfaced too w/ various toilet stops, hunger pangs and shopping trips - all while trying to travel as a group. At one point, we counted that everyone had rolled their eyes at least once, at someone else (according to Gottman - rolling of eyes means disgust). Personalities can be hid for only so long when you are traveling in such close quarters - its as though travel is the ultimate revealer.
Food: Our first meal in Czech was selected simply because its lights were on. As we bit into the first morsel, a look of shock/awe crossed my face - "this was fabulous stuff". I looked up and everyone had that same smirk across their face. Low and behold, this was just the beginning of the feast for the palate - I don't exaggerate (ask my peeps) every single meal was of 5-star quality. Add to the fact that the entrees cost less than a McDonalds happy meal - we felt like we hit the jackpot! I mean, how can every city in Czech, be so consistent in the preparation of their meals? This could be why tourist rate this as the 'bestest country' in Central Europe?
After some sightseeing, bonbon eating and desert snacking, some headed by car to Karlovy Vary, while the 'financially conscious of the group' took a leisurely, long, bus trip. Karlovy Vary, Czech's premeir spa town offers a peaceful setting in a green valley, bubbling over w/ 12-mineral springs which can be drunk or bathed in. You can feel the turn of the century jumping out at you as you stroll along the promenade, drinking in the view and architecture Quiet the Dame, this city is and everybody fell in love instantly upon seeing it! Holly fulfilled a dream and booked herself into the 5-star 'Grand Pupp'. (Some will remember seeing this hotel used as the Casino in Casino Royal or in Last Holiday) . Its truly as spectacular as it looks on screen. One could envision Beethoven, Mozart, Kafka teeming w/ inspiration as they absorbed the surroundings and 'took in the waters'. We spent 3-nights here before our gaggle of 6 descended on the creme de la creme of Central Europe - Prague!
....I'll finish the last blog this week and put up some photos soon.
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