Kate (L) and Sarah
Krumlov House
Our home dates from around 1500 (in fact there is a pilgrim's shrine with a religious icon right outside the door dated 1612) and was renovated in 1996 becoming a Hostel. There are only 25 beds and everyone seems to extend a night or two...
CK is picture postcard beautiful with winding cobbled streets, ancient buildings without a right angle between them, shops in little dome arched cellars with tiny windows and low doors, doors closed tight from the cold that send waves of warmth out to envelope you as you enter.
The days started overcast and cold, encouraging sleepins til well after 8am, but by mid morning the fog burned off to beautiful cold clear sunny afternoons perfect for exploring back streets, castles, parks and galleries. As the year comes to a close the dusk settles earlier each afternoon. Dark by 5pm we all wandered back in and joined communal drinks and nibbles before those eating out formed groups to experience the dining wonders of Czech cuisine. A different option each night...
Like any country town, nothing happens fast in CK, including my exploring. Why be in a hurry? Leisurely breakfast and a chat with my house mates, then some sort of explore, sometimes with a trail buddy, sometimes alone. Wander home knowing the girls would have something sorted for the evening together.
The day I arived I wandered around the town and put Japanese tourists to shame with my camera snapping. But by the next morning I had realised the sun coming out changed the whole perspective of the town and took all those beautiful scenes again. The Castle tower was pinker, the autumn leaves more irridescent, the blues bluer, the reflections sparklier.
After exploring the town and every little shop and gallery, I wandered through the castle, met the bears in the moat, walked the mile of gardens and climbed the Castle tower for great views. The two days later went back to pick up some gifts but with company and discovered a whole lot more shops and galleries - what fun.
In between times I went horse riding, ice skating, went to an amazing jazz gig and had a halloween party complete with ghost tour. Never mind the Bohemian game platter, roasted pork knee and vegetarian platter, chocolates and wine 'tasting' :)
I think the concept of a personal b&b in a small town could work really well if you you could get the balance of hosting and profit right.
Vltava River runs through the village
Barbacan Terrace overlooking the river (next door to Krumlov House)
Original building. Site of a murder during a sword fight around the stones outside
Pretty street scene
View up a lane toward the castle
Street scene
The walk to the hostel from the village
Staircase to the Castle
Chimneys
dormer window with renaisance decoration at the Castle
The castle tower
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