Czech Republic - October 2006

Red Rooftops of Prague.

In October of 2006, Roman and I flew to Germany and took a train to CZ to visit his family and tour a bit of his home country. It was my first time in Europe (and out of North America), along with an absolutely amazing trip! I was especially impressed by the old architecture  - the United States has a lot of beautiful places, but nothing so far in the human past like Europe does - old castles, cities, villages. Prague itself was absolutely amazing!

Roman and I outside Hluboka Castle.	Amazing architecture in Ceský Krumlov.	Catching the last light at Hluboka.

View looking down at Ceský Krumlov – a historical heritage town.	One thing so different in Europe is the intricate design on every building.	I love the gargoyles so much.	Hluboka, founded in the 13th century.
Incredible detail.	Antlers, antlers, antlers. No castle should be without them!	Hluboka and its surrounding gardens were truly impressive.	Castle tower.

The grand hall of Ohrada Hunting Chateau, built in the 1700s.

European style mounts - bear skulls

St. Vitus’s Cathedral in Prague (also known as Wenceslas Cathedral)

Intricate Gothic architecture and towering stained glass.

Outside St. Barbara’s church at night in Kutná Hora.

We were too late for a tour.

Downtown Kutná Hora at night.

Ceské Budjovice town square.

Entrance area to Ceský Krumlov.

Natural stone and handcut stonework.

Typical street in Ceský Krumlov – complete with tourists, restaurants, and the museum of torture.

Red rooftops in Prague, seen from the top of the Cathedral.

Beautiful sculpture garden in a manor courtyard.

City wildlife – mallards in the garden.

A bit more exotic – garden peacock.

The shores of a man-made lake between towns.

After spending time in Prague, seeing the town square, cathedral, and astronomical clock – we toured around the country, visiting relatives and taking in the sights.  Cesky Krumlov was a treat – it is a historical town that was restored and made into a sort of everyday festival – full of restaurants, art galleries, craft shops, and lots of beautiful sights to see.  Where else do you find a moat that instead of water… has bears. Yes, a bear moat. Major points for creativity there! Driving on the little, winding roads – seeing the clusters of little villages, the abundance of giant castles and manors, gothic architecture – it was all amazing. I really enjoyed the variety of Czech cuisine – Europe has the best breads I’ve ever tasted (those rumors are all true).  All in all, this was a really unforgettable trip for me, and I’m very glad to have the chance to visit CZ regularly and explore more of what this beautiful country has to offer!