Cesky Krumlov

I have left the grand majesty of Prague for a little town in the countryside in the Czech Republic called Cesky Krumlov. I have been here a half a day, and it is hands down my favorite place so far. If you were staying in Cesky Krumlov, this is what you would find:

You would arrive in the little town of clustered shops, restaurants, houses, and hostels, all overshadowed by a fairy tale castle looming on the hill. You would walk, wide-eyed, through the cobblestoned streets, smelling pork, dumplings, and all kinds of baked sweets drifting out from open doors along the road.

You would get to your hostel, which is really more like a Mexican cabana house, and be told that while you are here, you can raft down the river, ride horses, rent a bike to explore the old monestaries and castle ruins in the hillside, oh, and use the free unlimited internet. The doors don't have locks. There is a large kitchen, an even larger porch, games of connect four, chess, and some other unidentifiable Czech board game that you make a mental note to try and figure out later. The owner is from Brazil, and he works here nearly alone. He points you to the restaurant, where you are served two of the most delicious meals you've had on your trip. Fresh vegetables, baguettes toasted with sun-dried tomatoes, melted brie, pesto, and bacon, I could go on and on.

At night, you might watch the sun set while drinking your half-dark, unpasturized beer on the porch. You might play ping-pong against a new friend. You might sit and discuss god and politics, or even just sex and farting (not at the same time). Then, you could wander to one of the local bars. You might find one that is in a cave under the mountain. It would be a steep descent down stone steps, where you would have to duck a bit, even if you were only 5'2". You would get your beer, take your place at the large, wooden tables resembling feasts for royalty. The place would smell musty and cool, like a basement. There will probably be at least 3 wild, drunk Czech people dancing madly to some rock/metal/pop that you can't understand.

The point is, this place is water to my thirsty, dry, travelling soul. I had no idea how fast I had been moving through busy cities until I came here and the universe said, "Sit down, Melanie." I am going to extend my stay for another 2 days. Will try to post some pictures later, after I've had more time to explore.