Desperate George, Designer Bones and Beer Heaven

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A lot of people I've met rave about the Czech Republic, especially the cheap beer. On a per capita basis, the Czechs drink approx 160 litres per annum. We even did a tour of the famous Pilsner Urquell Brewery in Plzen, established since 1842.

I can see why Connie loves Cesky Krumlov so much; it's like a fairytale place. The townsfolk and tourists were all a-buzz as they were filming the movie "Hostel 2" which stars some random dude that plays George in Desperate Housewives (WHO????).

And Prague is a really beautiful city; very easy to walk around. Mini and I saw everything in 2 days. Also went to a cool lounge bar to listen to some local jazz (U stare pani). There are quite a lot of tourists and beggars alike, more so than any other European city I have visited. I hate to think what it's like in the summer. Been rugged up as the wind has a nasty bite to it.

Finally took a day trip to Kutna Hora to visit the Sedlec Ossuary. Some crazy monks and arty-fartys decided to use the bones of all these people who died during the Plague (over 40,000) and make them into decorations in the chapel. It didn't feel creepy or horrific, unlike the Killing Fields in Phnom Penh. Fascinating stuff; very Addams Family. A real work of art.

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Photos

Cesky Krumlov
View from the castle

Atmospheric crucifix
Bridge and Jesus lit up for the "Hostel 2" movie

Hostel 2 film set
They also shot the first Hostel movie in CK

National dish
Roast pork, dumplings and sauerkraut washed down with Eggenberg dark beer

Prison cell
Our hostel used to be the HQ of the Czech Secret Police during the Cold War, and the dorms were former prison cells. Ex-president Havel was incarcerated here in similar digs as a dissident playwright in the communist period.

Charles Bridge 2
Tons of tourists with view of Prague Castle in the background

Grotto
Creepy fake stalactite wall in the Wallenstein Gardens

Cinska
Mini checking out the local Chinese

Astronomical clock
On the hour the skeleton chimes the bell and empties the hourglass

What's the fuss?
Riveted by the astronomical clock

Medieval wench
Wild boar, venison, and goose liver wrapped in bacon washed down with Dacicky beer

Centrepiece
Bone chandelier, candle stacks and decorative garlands

Comments

[Ayman Rashad]

Wondeful Land
Hi, I know the feeling about these land, I have been there too from 24/8 till 30/8/06 and she is telling us all wonder of this land. Beer was great and teasty,, Also it is lovely

[valeriavine]

Helloooooo!
Hi Gesine! Just a note to say that I'm still following your blog and I think it's great! thanks for the pics and inspiration , I especially like the photos of the local cuisine. Happy Travels! Vv

[Susie Basir]

Hi Gesine
Just felt like looking for some old uni mates and I found you!!!!Happy Travelling