People are unnecessarily apprehensive about driving around countries in central europe. I assure you this is as far from the truth as you could guess. I was reading reviews on trip advisor about renting cars in the Czech countryside and there were several posts that made us a little hesitant, offset by those that said it was perfectly fine. I am confidently say that driving in the Czech Republic is as easy as driving in any country we've rented a car in (and much easier than the left-handed driving countries).
We set out after our excellent time in Prague, picking up our car from the airport. I initially wanted to rent a manual and Dr. Bauer kindly gave me a quick lesson when I was home. Alas, I need a little more than 20 minutes practice to be comfortable, so it was the automatic, costing nearly twice as much. Maybe next time I am hope I'll commit better!
Onto the countryside.....our first stop was Telc, a Unesco heritage site about 75 minutes Southeast of Prague. Thankfully the torrid rain subsided for the visit, as it was severely lashing on the way out. The town is not worth a visit on its own, but a great stop en route to the destination below. The town is a narrow strip of Bavarian-style houses surrounded by water on 2.5 sides. It is a spectacle from the old tower that is an experience in its own in terms of getting up!
It is essential to cross the bridge to check out the large Carp occasionally peeking out of the water (and a cool view).
Following Telc, we stumbled upon Jindrichuv Hradec. Its castle, the third largest in the Czech Republic, is another Unesco site and equally as impressive as Telc. The main square is very quaint and the is a nice church with, you guessed it, a tower to climb (which is the third of the trip). The church is right on the 15 degree meridian line, which doesn't get quite the numbers as the Greenwich observatory in London. Again, this town is a great stop over for lunch or just to stretch your legs and visit the impressive castle.
We stopped for some statue pictures on the way to the castle. I was the least aerobic of the family members!
Following our photo session, it was on to our main objective of the trip around South-western Czech Republic...Cesky Krumlov. Its the mother lode of villages, voted one of the best destinations by National Geographic Traveler a few years back and another amazingly well-preserved Unesco village. The only drawback I would say is that the locals were only found working in the shops, restaurants and bars, and weren't enjoying the beautiful city. It doesn't however, take away from the amazing-ness of it all, including the main entrance to the city. A castle on top of a triple-arched retainer...only in Cesky Krumlov.
After a dinner of traditional Czech cuisine, senior portraits, and meandering around the town we made it up to the castle, which is open after hours on the walking path under the castle itself (on top of the three tired archway). What a beautiful sight the town was around sunset...pinch me....
We walked around the walled town and arrived at this view upon re-entrance of the town after a nice walk.
The town, ideally protected among a winding river and steep hillsides, first became a settlement in the 12th century as an important Bohemian trade route. The castle was first built in 1302 and passed through various dynasties until 1745, where it was the House of Schwarzenburg until world war II. The castle has several different sections that show clearly how it was evolved over the past.
After walking around some more, we had a beer at one of the many riverside restaurants which provides great night views of the city. We ended the night with a bottle of wine and some cards on the hotel terrace, overlooking the castle. Phew, quite a jam-packed and eventful day!
The next morning before setting off we made it up yet another tower (that's four for the trip) to get sweeping views of the town.
Before getting back into the rental car and meandering our way back to Prague airport, we indulged on a final Trdlnik (sp), a Czech tradition that is thin dough cooked over an open fire and topped with cinnamon. Jenna particularly liked them!!
And to sum it up, if you are considering a trip to the Czech countryside, DO IT!!!!!!
Last weekend, Erin and I started a whirlwind adventure that will span the next several weeks celebrating christmas, probably the longest christmas celebration we'll ever have...you just have to seize the opportunity. Unfortunately, the weekdays are for work (myself trekking back and forth from Galway), while the weekends are for travel! Don't feel too bad though....I know you don't.
We arrived at about 11am on Saturday and hit the markets, where there are four very central markets in Prague's old town (creeping into the new town). We walked around with our first glass of mulled wine and mead checking out the food and trinkets for sale. The square was absolutely beautiful and we did a great job soaking up the atmosphere. The stalls themselves were a bit commerical, but it didn't deter from the ambiance. There is a massive tree in the main square and a stage where carolers from all over the country would come and sing in 30 minute intervals. It was very cool to hear the Czech christmas songs (many like ours just translated, many in english too:) 
The best pics we took were on the first night, when we went to the top of the old town tower and took pics of the market from above (like in the first pic). During the day, we stumbled upon a famous bar that has its own microbrewery and produces one of the world stongest beers at 12.6% (they say the strongest, but I didn't want to disappoint any other brewers reading this out there). U Medivicku (sp) is the name and the pub was founded in the 1400's....it was a really cool place with great beer. Erin had a cult favorite called Oldgott. We then wandered across the Charles bridge for a view of one of the coolest sights in Europe.
Bridge at night with Prague Castle in the background.
The next morning I got up early while Erin slept and took a few shots of the bridge pre-tourist craziness. Erin and I then went to the castle and toured it, as well as St. Vitnus cathedral, an impressive church that dates back to the early middle ages, with the current structure dating to the 1400's.
