Monday, July 2, 2012

Hluboka nad Vltavou

Second trip is out to a fabulous castle, modeled on Windsor Castle – Hluboka nad Vltavou – which was pretty cool. Took a boat trip out of the city along the Vltava River. Slow but scenic. Negotiated a 7m lock, which was all very exciting.
River itself tame as anything, it was the wildlife inside the boat that kept us amused – a gaggle of pre-schoolers who couldn’t sit still and two harassed teachers trying to keep the lid on. What made it even more interesting was the complete contrast in behavior management styles (one v. permissive, the other a nazi!) which meant for a degree of chaos. Sigh of relief when they left half way thru the trip. School groups, from pre-school to senior high school, often accompany us on our adventures, which means we don’t get too lonely (ha!). Jetty photo has kindy aged students and some high school aged ones.
Castle itself fabulous – big, impressive, nice gardens, great views, and quiet. There was amazing wrought iron work on a stair case and around balconies and this very unique door handle with a pigeon pecking a head. This was the Schwarzenberg family castle – they were German Czechs who helped defeat the Turks – the family crest has a crow pecking out an eye – so there you go. Back home along the river, pizza and risotto for tea and a quiet wine and movie back in our room. A good day.

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