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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.

:)

Seychelles to the Third

As promised I'm writing the third part of my tropical islands discovering. Still keeping my mind on the Seychelles, I thought I would in the last chapter note down a few funny, memorable and interesting moments from my trip.

              First, when going to Bird Island... Taking a tiny plane, for only ten people, you get transported via air by a 'trainee' pilot (indeed...) only to land on a grass runway of about 50 meters in length. If afraid of flying, I recommend either taking very strong sedatives before the flight (which I should have done), or taking a boat... May I point out that on this island also lives the biggest tortoise in the world, called Esmeralda. You can see it if you are lucky, but I think all the tortoises on the island look the same, so good luck spotting the biggest one.

Warning: It is unbelievably easy to get addicted to Seychelles food. If you have the luck to be invited by some locals for food, then go! Or try to go to more local restaurants... or grill on a boat and go to the local supermarkets. Red snapper is a great fish choice to eat on the islands and always tastes great no matter how it is prepared.

...Be ready to snack on all possible types of fruit crisps! Whether it be breadfruit or banana crisps etc., all are delicious. Often sold in clear plastic pouches, I think I bought some everyday at local food stores or supermarkets.... Coconuts are another favourite of the Seychellois and are put into nearly everything. Plus fresh coconut water is not only refreshing, but also full of vitamins and 'healthy' fat :)

          Finally when taking a trip to the Seychelles, be prepared to spend most of your time out of the hotel, because it is really worth the extra trouble. Second, understand the fact that there is no normal length landing strip on the island, and even in Victoria you have to land on an airport set on a very small semi-island surrounded by the sea. Also stroking a turtle's head/neck is totally normal and should be tried by all means and... to top it all of eating a lot of yummy food on holiday is not a sin, rather a cultural discovery worth every kilogram gained.

       That is all from the Seychelles.
            I will write soon again... x

Seychelles Discovering Part II

Perhaps the most interesting thing once on the islands is the scenery and the tranquility that the islands bring to a person. As a twenty three year old, not much brings tranquility to me, or more likely I do not appreciate its forms. However, the deep green coverage of tropical trees and tall slanting palms was enough to make me feel pretty tranquil without the usage of any illegal substances...

What is more, the islands fill you up with a vibe of happiness and relaxation already in the morning when you look outside your window to take in the glimmer of the sunshine, the humming sound of the wind in the trees and the mysterious shimmer of the indian ocean. This may be sounding rather poetic, but this was the effect that the Coco de Mer islands had on me. And as I said, I am only twenty three. So imagine what the effect would be on a person that is actually of age to appreciate this stuff.

Another thing I noticed was the way the Seychellois people look at you. You can walk in a bikini into a supermarket somewhere on the islands and no one stares at you. They don't care. Why should they? I have not met one prejudiced, unfriendly or somehow in other ways negatively-motivated person whilst I was there, and it was a great change from other tropical islands; where the mild hatred towards caucasian tourists is visible.

But to quickly escape from political correctness, I have to say that the Seychelles made an impression on me, that I cannot dismiss easily. I loved every minute of my holiday there. It goes that far that I got a ridiculously expensive golden necklace from the airport (yes, tourist trap) with the Seychelles symbols of the Coco de Mer on it.

              Yet even if I fell for the touristy things, which I usually don't, I enjoyed all the miniscule and hard to get to locations, that as a tourist you cannot experience. I touched a few giant tortoises, and scratched their rough necks and heads, with a constant fear that my hand will be eaten... and I saw the most beautiful fish you can imagine just swimming under a boat. I drank coconut water until I felt slightly sick, but could not get enough anyway, and I went fishing on slightly rough sea with a strangely old fashioned rope and hook... and managed to catch the first fish of the group!

It's the little impressions in life that make the biggest impact on us, and this experience certainly did that.
And since there is so much more to write about the Seychelles, I will not overdo it, but will write one more entry about them, and then will continue on about another tropical paradise, called Ile Maurice. :)

My World Part 1: Paradise Islands

SEYCHELLES
                Islands worth every promise




This is the first part of my "travel the world" series of blog entries... among many other entries I write, as always totally random and irrelevant to any specific topic a proper blog should have... but I have been to many places, mainly thanks to one amazing person in my family, and sharing it with whoever wants to read, is a good way to share some stories, I think.




So to start...


There is an amazing lady, full of energy and vitality, who comes from the Seychelles. So actually she is a Seychellois. Her name is Therese. Thanks to her I discovered these beautiful, exotic and unbelievably amazing islands and their food and culture. I will come to the food later...


The reason why I mention Therese is because she is a local. It is always worth visiting a place with a local person, which every tourist guide will recommend too... but apart from the greatness of Therese's generosity, kindness and great love of these islands... her greatness also comes from having a beautiful house with a beautiful view on the Island of Praslin. Thanks to her, I saw these islands like no other tourist probably has.


The thing about going to places with locals, is that they show you places you would never dream of. You probably wouldn't even think of visiting them... because you wouldn't know about them. Simple.

So our journey to the Seychelles started with an approximately two hour flight from Mauritius. And I can really say sitting at the airport at two in the morning is not exactly my view of a holiday, but it was the only flight available... so worth the lack of sleep.


The first thing you do, before you actually step foot onto the tropics of the Coco de Mer, is attempt to land on a ridiculously short landing strip at Mahé island.


Since my fear of flying is pretty bad, this part really turned into my worse nightmare... but after a successful landing! we could happily step into the blinding sunshine.


We rented probably the smallest car you can imagine... (I swear even smaller than a smart car) and managed to fit four people and six suitcases (three out of those four people were women...) into this car. Pretty much a miracle.


So p.s. If someone who reads this decides to go to the Seychelles, I would seriously recommend renting a car there. (probably not one of those proportions but...) The islands need to be explored and Mahé is one of them!

We drove through Victoria (the capital of the Seychelles) which is a beautiful and very clean and well taken care of city. Unlike many other tropical islands where I have been, the Seychellois really take care of their heritage, which is great.


Since for the first night, before going on to Praslin, we stayed at some lovely and welcoming friends (thanks to Therese again), we got a chance to see how some people live on the islands.

Not bad, right?


Well apart from the house, the views from it were magnificent. Located on top of a mountain, we had the view over Victoria harbour and of course the Indian ocean. After a welcome drink of wine, we explored Victoria itself.

The fruit and vegetables market was amazing. Unbelievably colourful and full of coconuts. And the great thing about being there with Therese, was the fact that we got everything at the 'local' price and everyone was very very friendly towards us.


And fresh coconut water, I can say, has become my most favourite drink in the world.


However... since this entry should not be too long... I will write more about Mahé later. 
I will also cover the ultimate paradise greatness of Praslin, La Digue, Bird Island and others. 


But to end for now I just wanted to say... that


THE SEYCHELLES LOOK EXACTLY LIKE THEY DO ON POSTCARDS 


-> really.

Save our Planet -> Donate Money [WWF]

Just before Christmas I was at Trafalgar Square in London as a huge ice sculpture of a polar bear caught my eye. I was slightly taken aback by its ugliness, as in the enormous metal skeleton that was coming out of it.

Than all of a sudden, caught out by my own interest (stupid me), this young over-eager guy hops in my way and I know already that I will stay a while. (Don't get me wrong... I'm not an evil person, but charity people not only scare me, but also strangely annoy me..)

So there he goes on and on if I get the point of the sculpture (well duh... obviously, who wouldn't) and then he tells me about global warming and the Copenhagen Summit and what the WWF organisation is trying to do about it. (oh and rescue the polar bears along the way...)

So he asks if I would like to sign a petition, to save the polar bears. Well he was in luck, since I happen to like polar bears quite a bit and would not mind signing a petition to help a cause. However, this signing actually did not require my signature.... as you might have guessed... but actually all my personal details, from age, address, phone number... (I know... stupid me) All in the name of this petition... and there will be no phoning up or passing onto third parties, he said.

So off I went to enjoy my Christmas break in a few European countries.

Get a call from WWF whilst I'm abroad on holiday. 1st time. Say I am on holiday, so can't talk.
Later get a call from WWF in England. Miss the call. 2nd time.
Get a call from WWF again about 4 times the same week until I pick up.

And off it goes... "We saw that you signed our petition, well you know what happened? Nothing... so we need you to donate this much per month... would you do that?" <> "How about this much?" <> "This much?" (By now he has gone down to £3 a month) So I say I would much rather look at their website to find out what they are really about as an organisation. But here's the catch. According to this WWF 'volunteer' I cannot donate on their website....

Well I 'politely' said goodbye and WWF leave me alone.

Let me explain this story. I am not some horrible cruel person who hates the world, but at the same time I know very well how many if not most charities work. £3 a month will not even closely cover admin costs that will go on to promoting their cause to that one person (i.e. me). Not to mention supporting and helping some endangered animal.

What is more, if you do go on their website, you may find, that if you donate or subscribe to their magazine, not only do you get gifts for your donation (panda key ring, shiny papers), but you also get a thick glossy magazine to tell you how great it is what you are doing, and how you are helping all the pandas, chimpanzees and so on.

Now please tell me if this makes sense?

Shiny thick glossy magazines probably cost a lot of money. Not only that, paper comes from trees, and shiny glossy paper comes from trees plus uses a lot of chemicals etc to get produced.

Saving the environment?

I don't think so.

*Night cream and Aromatherapy*

My new year's resolution did not involve night cream that gets rid of wrinkles... I do not call it anti-wrinkle cream, because I'm only 23... and that would make it strange...

But anyway, I bought myself a night cream that has all these great essential and fatty oils in it (or so says the ingredients on the packaging). So far, after two days of using it, I must say it's pretty good. It doesn't make my skin oily, which is a first, and it wasn't expensive!

This is not the reason why I am writing this though. My new year's resolutions included a lot of things, which as always, I am not sticking to, well maybe apart from the one of getting a good grad job...

So night cream is a post for today. And since I am actually obsessed with cosmetics and fashion... I guess it's more interesting than writing about unsuccessful job applications and the world of marketing...

From now on, beauty and fashion, will be the main topic! Or at least one of many topics that will set a new me... or at least a great new year.

Happy 2010 :)