So, this morning at roughly 8 or 8:30 am my door buzzer rang. After following my detailed instructions from the airport, my friend Heather had finally arrived at my doorstep - and this after an airport bus, metro, and short walk. Woohoo! It was so nice NOT to have to go to the airport at 6 or 7 am. Rather, Heather looked at it as an adventure and was ready and eager to take it on.... hint, hint to future visitors.
Having eaten a proper breakfast and strong coffee, we made our way to Karlstejn (33 km; 45 min away) to see Charles IV's castle and former protectorate of the crown jewels. Although the Tour 2 doesn't open till June, we still enjoyed the rooms viewable on the Tour 1 and were grateful for the beautiful sunshine and castle glimpses to and from Karlstejn. We learned Charles IV was a bit of a philosopher king, with 4 wives, and spoke numberous languages. Good King Wenceslas is one of his ancestors. Wenceslas, a Christian, was murdered by his jealous brother, Boleslav, a pagan who wanted to rule the kingdom. I finally know the story of Saint Catherine who was Charles IV's favorite saint since he won his first battle on her name day. Saint Catherine refused the advances of a pagan King who decided to tie her to two wheels and tear her apart. Miracularly, she survived the wheels, but then succumbed to the sword. These are just a few of the quick facts our guied shared with us AND I actually retained.
Our trip went like clock work, which is always a nice thing. Oh, one more thing, Heather and I had some tasty Czech gulash and dark Kozel pivo before heading back. Beer and Czech food go to together like a marriage made in heaven. I kid you not!
Tomorrow is church in the morning followed by a bus ride (one way under $10; 2 hrs 15 min) to Karlovy Vary - the famous mineral water and spa town. We are spending the night in the 4 star Humboldt Park Hotel and Spa. Yes, we girls are due a little self pampering. We have a double room booked with full breakfast, lunch or dinner, and 3 spa treatments for 115 Euro. I'm looking forward to the sauna and sub-aquatic massage (we'll see what that means!) and perhaps lymphage draining (no idea - sounds a little scary like the modern day use of leaches). Heather is intrigued so maybe we'll be able to let you know. On a serious note, I really hope Karlovy Vary and its mineral waters help heal my ailing joints - hands, wrists, feet, and ankles, in particular.
Karlovy Vary here we come! And if this works out, I just might bring my sister and brother-in-law or at least treat them to a weekend.
PS: Christina: No crystal tiaras scouted yet. We'll keep trying!
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