Znojmo, Czech Republic



View from kitchen window

Decided to check out the town of Znojmo, which had been recommended by the Prague hotel receptionist. As usual mass confusion at the train station, seems to be the norm in Europe!  Prague was a bit more organized. Met 5 couples from Victoria, who were on a 25 day trip, going from Prague to Budapest, from there by boat for 15 days to Amsterdam. It was a trip they had been working on-planning since last summer. The humidity was unbelievable!!  I changed trains in Breclav, heading northwest  towards Znojmo. Could the temperature get any hotter? It felt like I was in a sauna! I felt like a dog, wanting to stick my head out the window for fresh air, a breeze, w.h.y. but the window was to high!  The train ride seemed to take forever! I arrived in Znojmo with my power surges a.k.a. hot flashes. Just what I needed in this humid, hot weather! I had the name of a few places however no map, looked for one at train station & my luck, no luck! So there I was again in my usual predicament, trying to find where I was to stay. One place was full, others reception closed. I was following another couple also searching for accommodation. Round & round I went, could not seem to find anyone who knew where the street was. I stumbled upon a walkway which I decided to follow. It led directly to the hostel, located literally under the church!! I checked in and proceeded to check out this charming town. Such a beautiful place, and people were so friendly! Later that evening two Italian couples checked in for the night, leaving the next day. After that I had the place, pc and view all to myself. There were many rooms but the people not there, it seemed hostel did not take walk-ins, only reservations. I sure was lucky. Breakfast magically appeared each morning, at what time I am not sure!?  All I know is the food was there for me to eat while I enjoyed the view & listened to the birds singing! What a wonderful way to start out each day!! I did not want to leave this place for some time!

Another fantastic view from kitchen of my hostel!!







Theatre

  

I found the Podzemi, underground catacombs from the 12th century, many, kms. These tunnels were used to store foods, goods and later for the townspeople to hide when the Turks invaded area. Snojmo has an interesting history, it was a royal city centuries ago. The underground tunnels and history are so facinating! Today only 2 kms are open to public. The tour was 2 hours long, you had audio, headphones for in your language . At the end was wine tasting! This is wine country and the white wine I had, tasted super!



Podzemi (Catacomb entrance)

  

Torture chamber





underground tunnel



underground tunnel

Next day I hiked around up top by Rotunda sv Kateriny and Znojemsky hrad, then decided to head down into the valley. There were so many trails that one could take. The weather was quite hot and I headed downhill towards the Dyji river/dam. After a lot of zig zagging I arrived at the bottom alongside the river. I heard some drums and on the river was a dragon boat team practising their strokes to the beat of the drum. Some shade which I was very thankful for! Wow, what a view, I had come a long ways (just like the commercial!).
 

 

 

 
 
 
 














The thought of climbing back up did not sit well with me, not only was it so flipping hot, I was tired. Decided to forge onwards in valley and saw Loucky klaster, an old monastery (which was on my agenda) quite a ways ahead. On the way I came across a small cafe/restaurant. With the heat and so much walking I knew 100% that I must have something to drink. A beer was definitely in order, OMG...., it was so refreshing!!

SOOOO   GOOD!!

Onwards I trekked to Loucky, which was further away than it appeared initially. No problem, not like I didn't have a lot of time. Boy, sure getting my steps in today! Strolled past some cute little summer homes along the riverbank. On the other side of riverbank was Loucky klaster, a few dark horses grazing along the bank. Beautiful scene, however I did not think to take a picture at that time. Walked around Loucky grounds, the entrace gate was closed so I did not get a look inside the building, although not certain if it's normally open.

                                                

Needless to say I was hot and very tired by the time I arrived at hostel. Had the place all to myself again. Freshened up, then went on a search where to have dinnrer, but first I had to make a trip to the ATM. Found a machine in the main square but it must of been made for taller people, I couldn't see all of it, set up to high! Strange, you'd think they would of had a step up, or left something to stand on. A bit frustrating, however after a few blocks later I found a ATM that I could at least reach and see. Withdrew my money, found a sweet little place to dine and all was good! Needless to say I slept super that night! Spent the next day touring side streets and square, trying to see every nook/cranny.




Znojemska Libuse



Kostel sv. Mikulase was the church above my hostel, I decided to check this place out. The view from this location was just as spectacular as from the hostel!



Tripper hanging around the church

 

Nearby was Svatovaclavska kaple, a small chapel built off the side of the kostel. A woman was inside the chapel and showed visitors around. This chapel was unique to the country as it had another chapel built underneath. A chapel within a chapel! Different, not sure why that was done.

Svatovaclavska kaple

I visted the train station for information on my next destination, Bratislava. I did not want to leave this quaint little town, Snojmo of only 30,000. The hostel was very quiet and I loved sitting in kitchen, enjoying the beautiful view!



Apt building w/ads



Pedestrian overpass by train station





Main square monument



 

 

Stairs to walkway

                                         Walkway to room with the view!

Prague via overnight train

Wencelas Square, Prague

Wencelas Square

View down to Wencelas Square
                                                   

Headed to Prague on an overnight train.
Booked a sleeper compartment as it was a lengthy trip. In hindsight I should of went from Berlin to Prague, then to Krakow but hey what the heck I have a lot of time, rail passes are great also.  The sleeper compartment has room for four people.  There was myself, a fellow Rich from London and two Belgium ladies. Rich looked a little like Hugh Grant plus had the same sense of humour! We were exchanging stories, he had me laughing, in stitches for hours!  Belgium ladies were so tired, they konked out right away!  I'm not convinced now that the sleeper is the way to go.  You have to pay extra for it, not covered on the rail pass and really you don't get a good sleep. The train jostles you around, whistles, etc. By the time I arrived in Prague I was exhausted.  Guess what, I got lost the moment I came out of the train station, don't ever ask me for directions!  If nothing else, I get good exercise. Finally found the place I was looking for, 3 blocks from train station,  located on a quiet street, 15 min walk from center.  I should be able to find my way out of here, you think?  Can you imagine if I was driving how much fuel would be consumed? lol. As Rick Steeves says, one thing about Prague everything is within half hour so walking distance, easy to take in the sights. Czech Republic is in the European Community, however still uses the old currency, korunas. Upon arrival at train station I changed some US dollars. That was a mistake, they charged a hefty commission. So I read later in the fine print, gotta read that fine print. The receptionist in hotel said to get current-best rate is at an ATM, I seemed to have forgotten that.  Live and learn.

One of the many cobble stone side streets

I LOVE PRAGUE!! I have as usual walked many, many steps. So many streets, nooks and crannies, it is easy to get lost. You eventually get turned around. For one thing, street names are not placed on every corner plus not listed on all maps.  I was one of many with a map, trying to find my way. Every street I turned down seemed more beautiful than the next! Just incredible!! I seem to say that a lot. But wow Prague is just magnificent! I explored more areas this time than when I visited 8 years ago. Today I had a scrumptious crepe breakfast in a sweet little cafe I stumbled upon, plus found the pizzeria place my son & I had visited. I decided to stay and have lunch. It was just as great, best oven pizza, beer & free wifi. You gotta love it!

Pizzeria Rugantino, best oven pizza ever!

Cobblestone sidewalk

Decorated doorway

Imagine maintaining these

At Old Town Square

At St Charles Bridge, Prague

Astronomical clock at Old Town Square

 A little sketchy at hotel, there was a problem with shower doors, a vacuum seal and I couldn't get them open at first. In Heidelberg I was locked in the bathroom, good thing I had a roommate, Sissy who was able to get me rescued. You get used to the doors, locks at home, here there is such huge variety. After the fright was over I got ready and walked to the Powder Tower, down to St Charles Bridge, checking out the many shops along the way.  The centre is so full of activity, music being played in the squares, at St Charles Bridge. Busy, busy, plus tourists everywhere. I had thought it would of slowed down at this time of year. Suppose not, families are getting the last of summer vacation done. The Bohemian crystal is so lovely, made into such pretty jewelery, collectibles and amazing chandeliers. Strolled on walkway by Vlava River towards Stvanice Island. On the way part of section was quardoned off, a movie was being made. An American movie...something like Night Movie? We were not totally clear as to what he was saying for the title. A few of us thought we could be movie extras, the response was are you kidding? Carried on walking, almost having a collision with a pigeon, not sure who would of faired better.


Ceilng in Prague main train station

Pariz Hotel doorfront

Mystic Skatepark on Stvanice Island

Walkway by Vlava River

Local train



Powder Tower

Very tempting to purchase little souveniers along the way, if I did that my luggage would be very heavy indeed by the time I was done.  Love the people of Czech Republic, food, ice cream and of course BEER. The receptionist at hotel recommended going to a little town by the name of Znojmo, near the Czech Austria border, so that is where I will be heading next. This time I will make sure I stop at bank machine to get currency, rather than at train station.



St Charles Bridge

Warsaw & Krakow, Poland...Yipee, some pics are posted!

Pretty flowers on balcony/Krakow

Soap bubble  machine @ shop/Krakow

Krakow city garbage truck at work

Personal rented garage, Warsaw

I've walked & walked so much since I have been here, Lots to see, put 29,000 steps on my trusty pedometer, yes I brought it with me! Have managed not to trip & fall on the cobble stone streets, before & after drinking beer,  (so far, better not speak to soon!).   Poland has good beer & ice cream (so much for trying to stay away from ice cream )  Wish we could walk down the streets drinking beer, like the men & woman here do. Doesn't seem fair : (.  Haven't noticed any intoxicated people out and about yet anyways!  Decided to not view salt mines here after reading online reviews etc, very expensive, tourist trap & very cold way down there. Some of the other countries I plan to visit have salt mines & stalagmite caves, will wait til then.  Going to Auschwitz tomorrow afternoon. Wasn't to sure I could make it to the early one in time, meeting point is a bit from here & you know how I get turned around. Although I must say I'm doing well in Krakow - am I getting a sense of direction or is it because the town is smaller,  who knows?  Poland area famous for amber, many shops selling it. Had thought of picking up some stud earrings or small necklace. However when speaking with the very helpful receptionist here it was suggested a lot of the stuff is not really amber?!  How disappointing, but I guess a money saver at the same time!   Met a young fellow (23-30)  from I believe Norway/Sweden, very thick accent.  Had gone on tour to Auschwitz day before, said it was very depressing but interesting to see.  Later that day he went bar hopping  & some ruckus occurred at bar.  Next thing he knew they  were being pepper sprayed.  Said he totally freaked out, thought maybe the occurrence of Auschwitz was happening again, right here & now!  Thought he was going to be taken away forever!, felt very scared!  Poor guy was so drunk, who knows what happened!  My ankle is swelling, tsk, tsk...should of taped it, especially with all that walking! Will I ever learn? Took a tour today (6 hours) to Auschwitz & Birkenau concentration camps. route in bus a dvd was shown, old photos, history. Auschwitz is well known but so small in comparison to Birkenau.  Unbelievable seeing it all. You read about this event, see photos but actually being there is something else! When you are standing at the complex of Birkenau, more than 200 buildings the magnitude of the place is unreal! The tour was done by English speaking Polish lady who was very informative of the history on everything.  A somber mood took place, people close to tears & in tears. I cannot imagine what the people went through, just horrific!  This was an excellent tour, well worth it. In years past a person could arrive at Auschwitz and tour around themselves, not the case anymore,. you need to follow a guided tour, liability etc. Who knows maybe some tourist was locked in after hours?  Ekk...that wouldn't be good.

Roof on Zlote shopping centre, Warsaw

Cute Turkish Restaurant on Jerozolimskie St, Warsaw

Whose watching over my hotel! Metropol Hotel, Warsaw

By Zlote shoppng centre, Warsaw

Ceiling, church in Krakow

Tripper seeking shade? in balcony flowers, Krakow

Who took this burry pic? Darn tourists..@ Wawel Hill

Krakow is crazy today, many people arrived. The Coke (as in Coca Cola) Festival 2011 is on for 2 days and Kenye West, Cudi, Cool?..Q-tip?...some others anyways, are going to be in town. Imagine the fee for a  2 all day attendance is $75 Canadian! Sure wouldn't be that at home, I'm not going.   All these European towns seem to have beautiful castles, old churches, electric tram/trolley and horse drawn carriages for tourists. I feel for the horses standing there waiting, sun or rain, round & round  hauling people. Eat, work & sleep....oh I guess that is the same for all of us!  Doesn't seem like a fun job to me, especially here where all the streets are little cobblestone pavers!  Hey before I forget -  you men out there, heads up the manpurse is very fashionable here! Oh I forgot the men who have long beards can have it put into a few braids, just like in Baveria. Talk about weird looking!  Not sure what I was expecting of Poland, but I hadn't thought I would feel so safe as I did here. Poland is a pretty country, lovely people, the language - well for me it's very confusing. Managed to get around with  a few words, sign language & pen/paper.  I would definitely come back here!  Love the people, food, beer and ICE CREAM, theirs is the BEST. When heading down to the Jewish quarter there was a line of more than 20 people waiting at a Lody ice cream shop. This location was considered the best, of course I stood in que also, it was the best. Yumm..yumm Favourite food was Golabki=cabbage rolls, Pierogi =perogies and Barszcsź=beetroot soup, borscht 

Wawel hill Castle, Krakow



St Marys church, main square Krakow

Young violinist by St Marys church

Road to death, Birkenau



Auschwitz camp

Birkenau

Birkenau