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Český Krumlov - A hidden charm in the south

After a bit of a pause in writing - I am back with another little note on one of Czech Republic's amazing towns. This time I'll take you on an approximately two hour journey down south from Prague to a small charming little town called Český Krumlov.


Hidden along rolling hills of south Bohemia, this little gem is one of my favourites to visit and take my international friends to. It is in the end a UNESCO world heritage town.

Obviously it is worth visiting, just based on the picture above alone, but this little town is a place really worth spending a day in... and perhaps a romantic night in one of its many boutique hotels. 

Český Krumlov may be small, but it definitely has a wide range of tourist and local to-dos.

I don't plan to give you a Wikipedia lesson here, but this charming little town has centuries of history behind it, as well as rich influence from many cultures within Europe.

The places worth visiting are of course the magnificent castle overlooking the town.

Czech Republic does have a bit of an obsession with building stunning castles to overlook its cities, and this one is no exception. Apart from the fact that it may be rather large for such a small town. Yet it is a place worth the climb and definitely a good camera is advised, since there are many snapshot opportunities from atop the castle.

A hidden place to many tourists is the open-air turning theater positioned near the castle in its gardens. Specifically in the summer, this little turning theater is worth visiting with the whole family! Even if you don't understand what the plays are about, just the experience of a turning theater is worth it.

Each summer, the local communities also organise a knights festival, where you've guessed it, knights come to joust and cook old Czech foods and play medieval music for the viewing pleasure of passers by. Get the timing right, and you could enjoy all these in one day :)

Apart from these little gems, Český Krumlov also has many romantic restaurants offering traditional foods and especially local fish dishes which are highly recommended! Aside to these the town boasts many handy craft shops as well as museums and trinket boutiques. All in all, it is the perfect tourist destination with a big hint of culture in a small size.

Useful websites: 

• http://www.ckrumlov.info/docs/en/kaktualita.xml
• http://www.czechtourism.com/eng/uk/docs/what-to-see/unesco/all/czech-krumlov/index.html

Enjoy 

;)

On the Top

Prague Castle




A little Prague promo...



The Prague Castle is the key statement in Prague. A little bit like the Eiffel Tower in Paris, or Buckingham Palace in London.

The castle can be seen beautifully from Charles Bridge as well as other areas around the centre. It is worth visiting Letna park to enjoy views from a different angle and see the castle from a more 'local' perspective instead of the tourist stereotype.

On the castle grounds instead, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the golden city, best at sunset/evening, but it is obviously up to individual taste. The castle, apart from being adorned by St Vitus Cathedral, is surrounded by beautiful gardens often blessed with art expositions. Additionally you can explore the Golden Lane, which is filled with cute houses and a lot of charm. The castle is also guarded by slightly 'less serious' guards than you would find in London... and certainly with less amusing uniforms than a fluffy tall hat... :)

It is difficult to write about the charms, elegance and beauty of the castle with just words. I think pictures say it all... so here they go.

Prague Castle view from a different 'bridge'.

the typical night view of Hradčany (including the castle) and Charles Bridge.

The Golden Lane or 'Zlatá ulička" in Czech 

On a misty day...

Taken from Orloj Tower 3 years ago. My view of Prague.

And that was my little introduction to the Prague Castle and all its magnificence :)

Have you been there? Of course...

- "I've been to Prague. It's a beautiful place, just amazing."  - a typical tourist.
      
We Praguians do not say we are from the Czech Republic. We say we come from Prague.

As was once said, Prague is a great city whose glory will touch the stars. 

Prague or "Praha" [czech] is a city of all possible surprises.  Even to those who believe that there is still no electricity in the Czech Republic, that we each have a cow in our kitchen to provide milk, and that our men hunt for food outside with sticks... Especially to those, and you know which countries you are from, Prague comes as a big surprise.

As my home city, I think Prague is amazing. It is rich in culture, it is romantic, exciting, mysterious, young and old, full of life and mainly it is unique.

Like many cities, it represents something different. Like London represents ultra-cool-fashion-central slash amazing night life, great food, cosmopolitan multicultural heaven --- and Paris stands for cliched romance, stunning architecture, artistic expression and that elegant cool, well Prague stands for none of what I just said, because it is completely unique.
Each city represents something to someone. There are no two same places in the world, which is what makes travelling so exciting.

So from now on, my little world travel guide will take you on a trip through Prague... and then through the all-now-developed nation of Czech Republic.

Enjoy ;)

Enchanted, heavenly Prague

Mauritius... Just "relax"

So to continue my Mauritius escapes with you, I will talk about all the exciting sport & spa activities that are available on the island.

In terms of sport Mauritius is amazing for scuba diving. The coral reefs and thousands of tropical fish are awaiting discovery! There are many places that offer scuba diving lessons, where you train in the swimming pool first before they take you out to sea. If you are into that sort of thing than I would recommend trying it out!

Also if you like fishing... deep sea fishing and shark fishing at 5 in the morning is available to you. Fishing is not my thing, but I know that people enjoy it... and Mauritius offers plenty of it to anyone willing to participate.

And whilst you're on a boat somewhere around the Mauritian coast, swaying on the waves through the sapphire ocean... you may even spot some dolphins. I've been lucky once! Dolphins like boats... and tend to swim with them, or even underneath. Just a warning, Mauritius has a law that when dolphins are spotted, the boat engine should be turned off and the boat should stay far away as not to disturb the animals. Of course... the local tourist boaters do not respect this... but just out of interest I thought I would mention it.

Other sport activities on the island include water skiing and all other crazy water activities such as the stereotypical water banana.... which no one ever stays on for longer than 30 seconds! Sailing is also a big hit on the island, as well as parasailing, which I have tried.


It is ridiculously scary, if like me you are not an adrenaline junkie, but the view is amazing!

Other non-active sports include helicopter rides around the island... just had to include that, because it is worth every overpriced penny!

 

Golf is another favourite. My mother plays it.... ALL the time! If you're ok with the scorching heat, than Mauritius really does offer excellent golfing facilities. Belle Mare Plage hotel is one of the places to go, if you are an obsessed golfer yet want some luxury to add to your sport.

But let's talk about Spas.... for a moment.

Nearly every hotel on the island has a spa on its grounds. I have visited a few of these that I can recommend. Ultimate luxury and very interesting therapy habits -> Maradiva Spa. This place is probably the most beautiful and calming spa I have ever been to. As a guest, you are welcomed by very professional therapists in beautifully scented surroundings. A basil honey tea (yes it sounds strange... but tastes great!) is served as a welcome drink whilst you select your therapies. This spa is definitely worth the visit, even if pricey, it is like being on cloud nine...and then ten... and then eleven.

Other spas I'd recommend include Belle Mare Plage Spa.... Prince Maurice Spa... and the Seven Colours Spa, which is in all honesty not as luxurious as the other three, but the massage huts are placed right over the beach, which makes up for the lack of luxury!

Overall... in terms of spas and sports... Mauritius is a great place to have some fun and relax at the same time.


                   ...making it an all in one luxury getaway....

World Discovery Continued: *MAURITIUS*

....sugar cane, rum, white beaches and a sapphire ocean...

           
               The on and on blog visits the island of the Dodo.

Ile Maurice is a place where I have been perhaps six times, maybe more. It is a multicultural rainbow country in terms of people. Yet its heritage is long and complex. Its independence, its languages... it has a lot of variety and a lot to offer.

Mauritius is definitely a hotel destination, with the top hotels offering magnificent service and excellent facilities. Among many there are Prince Maurice  for a hidden getaway... Maradiva for luxurious privacy... Royal Palm for the demanding guest... and Labourdonnais Hotel for business.

The capital city, Port Louis, is situated at the north of the island. Probably the only place for tourist-spoiled civilisation including shopping and so on. A nice visit to the fruit and vegetable market in the city gives you a bustling sound of traders, vibrant colours of exotic fruits and heavy aromas of vanilla, banana and papaya, making it worth the trip.

Mauritius brings together tropical escape with outstanding hotels, great water sports and exciting night life. But it also bring to the visitor fabulous restaurants with quite a show.

All in all, a paradise place to visit.

But there is more to this place than just hotels, water sports and restaurants. There is a spinning web of cultural discoveries, which I want to share with you soon.

:)