We said goodbye to the very cute Cesky Krumlow and caught the bus to Ceske Budejovice to meet up with the train. Although first I will recap on our visit here. Cesky Krumlov is the second most visited place in the Czech Republic. A two night stay is perfectly adequate.
Our complimentary breakfast was at the Grand Hotel on the terrace overlooking the Old Town Square.
The best coffee we had was from Hotel Latran as you first come into the Old Town on the left hand side from where the bus will drop you. Not that I'm an expert on Apple Strudel, but it was the best I've ever had, and yes, they had plenty of fresh cream to got with it. (see strudel scene in Inglorious Basterds - http://youtu.be/EnENQVoi-o)
We couldn't find anything better than the Crepe place also situated on Latran that I mentioned in a previous blog post. It's of course very touristy (is that a word), no repeat business other words, so you may have to settle with simple food done well. That's the Crepe place.
Accommodation wise the Castle View apartments I wouldn't have any problem with recommending. The staff were helpful, the view was as promised, and 'alles ist in ordung' - everything is in order' as the Germans say, even though there are no more Germans in Cesky Krumlov or Czech Republic. Although that is a hot issue between the nations as mentioned yesterday. This area was part of Sudetenland - http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sudetenland . Many of the TV channels were German on the satellite TV, and Linz a major Austrian city is only about an hour away to the South. In that case it's quicker and easier to go to Linz than Prague. Incidentally, many of the Germans 'forced out' of this part of the Czech Republic moved to Bavaria just over the border to the West.
In my humble opinion, it doesn't help to have a monoculture or discriminate against ethnic minorities (not that I'm saying the Czech's do it) in this globalised world. Sydney and Melbourne are multicultural Australian cities and we benefit tremendously from it; in trade and investment, in having an enriched and varied multi ethnic culture, and not to mention the great food from all around the world. I'm in favour of a 'Big Australia' - increased migration from all around the world, immigration is, after all, responsible for half our economic growth. Money is not everything of course in life. In Spain, it's a monoculture; there is very little of anything but Spanish, which is good, but their economy is not doing so well, and they are ranked #134 in the world on ease of doing business. Having said that I love Spain. Ultimately it's up to every country to choose, and it doesn't matter what I really think anyway, but I think everyone has something to contribute, whether they are of German heritage, Roma (Gypsy) or the Greek family that run this great Greek restaurant in Prague (pictured below), probably the best restaurant in Prague that we have tried, and it is very popular - repeat business from locals. Anyway as I've completely contradicted myself, and acting like an ugly Australian abroad, I will discontinue my rambling.
Anyway we caught the bus to Ceske Budejovice, which cost 69 Crowns for both of us to meet up with the train. The language barrier prevented us figuring out which bus to get to Cesky Krumlov station. However, all was not lost, perusing the Rick Steve's travel guide on the Kindle APP revealed the bus station is opposite the train station above a shopping centre. Who would have thought actually reading the travel guide would actually help?
So far I've learnt to say exactly two words in Czech, 'Hello' and 'Prozim' - Please'. However, in this part of the Czech Republic many people speak German, for instance, they repeat the railway station broadcasts in German. Fortunately, I understand more words in German than Czech. However, most young people under 30 can speak English, because they learn at school. Having said that you should try to learn more of the language when you visit a country otherwise who knows there you might end up?
Travel Info
- best coffee - Hotel Latran
- best strudel - Hotel Latran
- best restaurant - Crepe place on Latran just before the main bridge (eat in or take away)
Best restaurant in Prague - Taverna Olympus
Kubelikova, Prague 3
http://www.taverna-olympos.eu/en/
