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Published: December 14th 2007
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Thursday 13th December
It was snowing very lightly when we left our room on the way to the bus station and both of us felt light-hearted and happy because of it! As soon as the snow hit the ground it melted but we could feel it against our faces and see it on our dark jackets. That set the mood of the day.
Our intended destination for today was Cesky Budejovice. The city is also known as Budweis --the name in German, used in the 19th century. Cesky Budejovice is famous for its Renaissance and Baroque Buildings, for the biggest square in the Czech Republic and for its local beer: Budvar. This local beer, also known as Budweiser, inspired the name of the American Beer Budweiser. We arrived at Cesky Budejovice after a smooth ride in a very modern bus, the terminus being on the roof of a large shopping complex. This complex had everything we wanted! Judy found a hairdresser within minutes and came out with a new hairstyle & blow-wave for less than a trim at home! Meanwhile Rags had been checking the other shops and had found several selling good brand boots. At the one we
The Town Hall
First records of this building date from 1387 but this reconstruction was made in the years 1727-1730. settled on we bought a pair each only to be told that there was a special on where if you bought two articles the third was free. As we needed a new daypack we had no problem in finding another article. You can be lucky!
After exploring the square and a few surrounding streets the cold got to Rags even after a hot wine so we made our way back to the bus terminus, catching a bus back with 5 mins to spare.
Walking down a different road into the Old Town our luck continued and we found a shop specialising in Bohemian garnet where we found what we were looking for at the best price we had seen. After the purchase of the pendant, and a chain for it to hang off, Rags had solved his Christmas present for Judy!
As we need some Czech Kronas to pay for our dinner tonight and to pay for the transfer to Linz tomorrow we had to change some of our US$. Most of the money change booths were closed but we did find one eventually. The rate quoted was ridiculously low so we refused that, we would rather
The Black Tower
This tower was constructed in 1550-1577. It is 72 m high, and it was used as a bell and watch tower. We read that if you climb the steps it's a great view over the town so were sad to find it doesn't open in winter. pay the extra through our bank. Luckily we came across another booth 50m away and here the rate was close on 20% better. It really is worth looking around sometimes.
A quick break at the room was had before we were off again, this time for a drink and dinner. A search through the back streets found a restaurant that had everything we wanted at the best prices we had seen. Great meal was had of chicken & mushrooms and pork neck & cabbage, accompanied by wine and dark beer. We shared a local slivovice (plum brandy) to finish our meal. If we had come across this restaurant on the first day we wouldn't have bothered looking for any others.
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Thelma
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Lanzarote
Did you read the comment Dana wrote on your Lanzarote Blog about China ? Beautiful buildings where you've been in Europe. Hope your enjoying your cruise. Love Mum