An Idyllic Setting and a Series of Fortunate Events

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I wasn't quite sure what to expect when first getting to Cesky Krumlov. I knew that it was the off-season, but the fact that only three other people got off the train when I did, seemed to scream that I had made the wrong choice in coming. In my head, I was silently thinking about how I was so disappointed that Rick Steves had let me down. I had always been able to trust him for good travel advice and I couldn't believe that he had betrayed me! All of these thoughts were simmering in my head while I had to wait thirty minutes to catch a bus into town. Of course, now that I was in the Czech Republic it was a whole new language and it seems that the bus driver and I miss-communicated when establishing where I needed to get off. Alright, so it was most likely my fault, but you have to remember I was in a crummy mood. After figuring out which direction I had to go in, I was off towards the town.

There was a very distinct moment at which my emotions changed. I knew the general direction I had to go in and that I had to cross over the central “island” of Cesky Krumlov to get to my hostel. After crossing the first bridge towards the center of town, I was faced with the sight of the illuminated medieval castle of Cesky Krumlov. It was bathed in a yellow light that made it seem both magical and commanding as it overlooked the town. My jaw dropped at the sight of the castle with the meandering river beneath it and in one moment I forgave Rick Steves and remembered how, regardless of the frustrations that traveling creates, every new location can bring about such wonderful surprises.

This feeling was easily passed on to the next morning, where I couldn't wait to go explore in the daylight. Walking back up through the quaint cobblestone streets, with a potpourri of shops, I felt my mood brightening with each step. This was especially easy to do, since I had to put on my sunglasses since it was such a gorgeous day. Upon reaching the castle gate, I decided to continue with what has become one of my favorite pastimes, which is to throw on my headphones and listen to music while exploring a new area. I had found this to be a great way to shift my focus more introspectively and this was a perfect situation to do so. Given the location, I figured that my selection of classical guitar music would fit perfectly and I was absolutely right. I really can't put down in words how the next few hours exploring the castle were some of the best of my trip, but suffice it to say it was an amalgamation of music, natural beauty, gorgeous architecture, splendid views, and above all: uninterrupted time to think.

One particular moment stands out to me as a point where I felt extremely lucky to be where I was. While enjoying the spectacular views from the top of the castle tower, I noticed a small outcropping further towards the castle gardens that I suspected would have a great view of both the town and the castle. Once I passed through the doorway that led to this viewpoint, I was faced with one of the best views from my trip, which you can see in my video posted below. What was even more fascinating was that due to the air currents being pushed along the castle, the leaves falling from the hillside were being blown down across my view. On top of that, owing to the amazing capability of nature, there were many seeds designed with a helicopter-like attachment that would continue to rise and fall within the whirlwind of air created by the castle wall. It was here that I felt one of the most peaceful moments of my life.

Taking this new found spirit with me, I walked through the rest of the gardens and eventually found myself wandering through the town again. As Cesky Krumlov is a small place (I like to feel as though it is what New England would be like if it were established during medieval times) I happened upon a bookstore that I had seen advertised in the hostel for selling texts in English. Having recently been to Dresden, I had been looking everywhere for a copy of Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse 5, which was based around the tragic bombing of Dresden at the end of World War II. I was able to find the title I wanted quickly and with success written all over my face, I approached the register. For the sake of brevity I will condense this conversation to the following:

Me: I would like to buy this book
Clerk (Sheridan): Great, where are you from?
Me: New Hampshire, in the States
Sheridan: No kidding, I have two friends from New Hampshire here, you should probably meet them.
Me: I concur (okay, maybe I didn't say this, but I love the word concur), do you know of any good places to eat?
Sheridan: Yes, I have a good friend Babesh, who works at The Two Marys down the way, just tell him I sent you.
Me: I had heard that place was great from others, I will catch up with you later.

So of course I went to The Two Marys and had a ridiculous meal of traditional Czech cuisine, met with her friends from New Hampshire (Anna and Travis), and ended up hanging out with the group for the rest of my time in Cesky Krumlov.

I suppose the main point of my writing this is that without these random encounters and events, my trip to Cesky Krumlov would have been substantially different. I think it certainly points to the fact that we need to realize that there is always a new positive experience around the corner and although there may be struggles along the way, we have to realize that a new fortunate event will always be there, so it is idiotic to dwell on the negative. A positive attitude is contagious and you never know where it will spread to...and it never hurts to read another book! Sorry, as a teacher I had to throw that one in there 😊


Videos from Cesky Krumlov:

View from Castle Tower:

View from Beginning of Castle Garden (“My Spot”):

View from Bridge Next to Hostel:

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Comments

[anonymous]

Yes, Rick Steves has never given me a bad lead. Wish I'd been able to visit Cesky Krumlov. Maybe I'll have to go back. It does look wonderful and, as Steves often recommends, off the tourist route. David, I am so impressed at every entry in your journal and with your excellent photos. How wonderful that you can share them. Jean