In the Czech Republic beer is half the price of soft drink and a quarter of the price of coffee. In fact, going to the toilet (yes, they charge you for the privilege) generally costs more than having a pint. Beer is probably half the price of water, but I can’t honestly say because you couldn’t seem to get water anywhere. I don’t think anyone actually drinks it. It’s beer or nothing really. And cigarettes: everyone smokes everywhere. These guys are bred to party. Apparently in the 16th century the Bohemian breakfast consisted of soup, bread, beer and a shot of Brandy to wash it all down.
So, trying to fit in with the locals, we lived on beer, smoke, sauerkraut, dumplings, gravy and various incarnations of pork. I aged ten years in five days. It’s a diet of tar, carbs, animal fat and protein. If you take into account the insane driving and road rage I’m actually surprised anyone makes it past thirty years of age.
But hey, the Czechs gave us Franz Kafka, the Pilsner and Nicole Vaidisova (anyone remember her? I do!) They also built Prague, one of the most scenic cities in the world. There is a river, an ancient bridge over the river and one of the biggest castles in the world. As a tourist on the trail for Kodak moments what more could you ask for?
 |
| Prague Castle and St Vitus Cathedral |
Prague is all romance and prettiness. It’s a place you should probably visit with that special someone. But I’ll fill you all in on a little secret. Spend a couple of days in Prague and then spend a week in Cesky Krumlov. Yes, you heard me, Cesky Krumlov! It’s Prague but on a smaller scale and without the pick pockets. It’s quaint and all around perfect. You can cruise down the river in a canoe. Eat millet and drink mead in a 14th century homestead. Climb a tower. Walk the cobblestone streets. Stroll through the castle gardens or even stroll through the castle… etc… etc… All the clichés within 100 square metres – it’s tourism perfection!
 |
| Posing in Cesky Krumlov |
We are now in Austria. Now this really is a surprise packet of a country.
It was steaming hot, we saw some lakes on the map, so we headed straight for them. We weren't disappointed! At the moment I'm sitting at a table beside a millpond calm lake. Mountains tower above on either side. They rise up directly out of the water. This is paradise, it's the kind of place that makes me wonder why anyone would ever live anywhere else.
 |
| Hallstatt, Austria |
Comments
Post a Comment