Off to Cesky Krumlov a medieval UNESCO world heritage city, but not until a plump Czech dressed characterization of a hotel manager gave us a special Hotel Hastal coin for our departure and Mary and I gave him an earful about the WiFi. He played dumb (he has to have known) and eventually followed Mary around to give her $20 (that’s about 450cz). Hrumph.
About a three hour shuttle to C. Krumlov with a group of sleeping Asian women. The terrain and foliage are very Pacific Northwest, down to the rain clouds! But we can recognize beautiful countryside through the raindrops. Sadly our bathroom stop was a McDonald’s (they’re everywhere, along with KFC and Starbucks) but unlike those at home the bathrooms were not at all dependably clean. At trips end we have NO time to chat up our driver, Petr, as our arrival to the square from which we needed to walk coincides with a heavy downpour. But the hotel is just round the corner. 
The old portion of Krumlov is encircled by its river. In summer it’s full of rafting and canoes. Remarkably saw three this afternoon and a group of adults (one in wet suit) bracing for their river run with hot chocolates!
The castle from our side of the river.
Excellent pho for lunch and a traditional dinner at the pub-like Na Louzi. The best of the day was ………ta dah….. dessert! Almond cake and apple strudel. We’re pretty laid back – the town is sleepy in the rain.
Meanwhile & Far Away 