Blog

Duha’s alarm rung at 4:45. I was waiting for mine to ring an hour later, but apparently I turned it off without having any recollection of it at all. So it was emergency wake up at 6 AM. Oops…

We wake so early because today, Duha’s European escape is sadly reaching its conclusion. Her plane leaves at 8:30, so we need to move. irst, we have half an hour of tram ride, through what is looking to be a beautiful day in Praha [Prague]. After changing for a bus, we were finally at the airport, an hour after leaving the airbnb. We quickly said our fond farewells. Who knows when or where of if we’ll ever meet again?

Again, it was amazing to have someone by my side for a week on this trip. It makes me relax much more too. However, this is the last time a friend follows me until early May… April will be quiet lonely I’m affraid. Tired by weeks of reletentless travelling, exhausted by a short night and early wake-up, with an heavy heart for being alone again for a while and an empty stomach, I felt a bit sick. I bought an overly expensive coffee and sat to gather my strength, get rid of the ill feeling until it sleeps, and do a bit of planning.

I’ve done almost none for the upcoming days. Only thing I know is that I’m spending the next two nights in Český Krumlov. More on that later.

After an hour, as Duha’s plane took off, I took off myself from the airport, back in the bus, and this time taking the Praha Metro towards the train station. I walked past the National Museum and some more impressive buildings, and took a first train to České Budějovice.

Half asleep, I changed here for a very unusual train. It was made up of only one carriage, and had an interesting seat pattern: I was seating on a single seat, back to the window, between the glassed driver’s compartment and a five-seat configuration. Slow but rather scenic ride.

It got me to my destination of Český Krumlov. So why this city you’ve never heard of? Well first, learn your history, the old center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site! Ok… I had never heard of it either, until one of my old TrackMania friend, the legendary Petr, told me he was living there. Of course I wouldn’t miss the opportunity to meet one of the most creative people of the community of the last decade.

And holy shit… what a town! It has to be the most beautiful city you’ve never heard of. Its old town is located inside a meander of the Vltava river (the one going to Praha!), walled off on the West bank by a large cliff. But the most impressive feature is the entry into the city, under a multi-arched bridge, made of four levels of arches, linking the castle to the aforementionned cliff. It’s a postcard and a half!

Unfortunately, the two hostels in town were full, so I took an airbnb. I thought it was a bit expensive for a night but, ah! It’s actually insanely good value: I have an entire big appartment for myself, fully equipped, in the freaking old center, with view on the castle bridge. Properly amazing.

I already walked a bit in the city to get there, so I preferred to get a bit of sleep in the afternoon, before going out to meet Petr. He took me to a bar with very good cheap beer, and by sunset, we went for a walking tour of the city. He took me to some very scenic viewpoints, most notably on the bridge itself, and then around the center. We had some very nice talk, and a great stroll around town. A great evening, and as always, a pleasure to meet people you’ve known for years just through nicknames. A good timing too, after this difficult morning.

Week 7 video is already there!