Chesky Krumlov - A Fairytale Town

After docking at Linz, we boarded the bus which took us to Chesky Krumlov, right across the border in the Czech Republic.  I've decided that this place is the Jewel of all Tiny Euro Towns (No, I haven't been to ALL of the towns, but I'm not bothered by trifles)

The lovely Vltava river runs through the town

Dating back to Medieval times, Czesky is situated along the Vltava River which gurgles and babbles peacefully right through the heart of town. If you enjoy reading up a meaty Historical Fiction romp set in the places you visit, as do I, I must recommend this book, The Bloodletters Daughter (A Novel of Old Bohemia) by Linda Lafferty.

The Rosenburg Castle towers over the tiny town from its rocky promontory. It apparently once had ties to the Mighty Roman Orisini claim. Anybody remember The Borgias? Fun Fact about this castle: It is surrounded by "The Bear Moat", so called because centuries ago, Bears were housed in said Moat. Who cares about Old Orsinis and bears? Well, the Orsini surname was derived from the latin "ursinus" meaning "bearlike", don't believe me? Grab your telescope and search for Ursa Major, "The Big Bear", see where we're going with this?

BTW, It was the tour guide who pointed out the connection between the Orisinii and the pet bear, so I can't vouch for the validity, nor what in the name of the Seven Hells the Orsini have to do with the Rosenburgs. Sadly, the bears are now history, and the moat is just a moat.

Inside the Rosenburg Castle grounds

After the castle, we found ourselves on the main town square, and in want of luncheon. We managed to find the spot recommended to us for its local fare. Please don't ask, I can neither recall, nor pronounce the name. Must be a popular place, as our Captain and some of the crew were there enjoying a pint and a bite as well. PSA: "Local" food in this part of the world is dense. Meat, Potatoes and Dumplings. Here is Himself enjoying all of the above. I ordered the cheese. 

Having been tipped off by our tour guide, whom I'm convinced receives a King's Ransom from the local artisans, I wasted no time searching up a Moldavite purveyor. This is a green a mineral exclusive to this area, thanks to a convenient meteorite impact centuries back. Shiny stones? I'm in. I found this beauty at the Moldavite Museam, it is set in between two tiny garnets, which are also native to this area. 

After lunch and rocks, we simply walked around enjoying the shops and lovely alley-ways

Art Nouveau - born in the Czech Republic 

Doesn't this place beg you to sit and stay?

I bloody have no idea what is happening here

On the ride back to our ship, our tour guide entertained us by playing a collection of local music. Surprisingly a couple of the tunes were familiar. There was a Czech version of Johnny Cash's Ring of Fire. But I choose to leave you here with this one, which I encourage you to enjoy, by clicking here Country Roads - A la Czech