We departed Prague the day after x-mas at the wee hours of the morn, well before the sun rose. And at that hour, snow fell. Our first experience with the stuff this holiday season, and then it never stopped.
It was a three hour bus ride, in a "lovely," old fashioned, communist inspired bus.

ČESKÝ KRUMLOV

South of Prague, this medieval village continued the fairy tale charm of the Czech Republic.
  Just as in childhood story books (& old high school textbooks), the castle was nested atop the high hill, & looked down upon the villagers below.
BELOW: the Vlatava River meanders from Prague down to Cesky Krumlov.
ABOVE: The tower in the castle. Beautiful! BELOW: Fred ponders deeply about what he would like for dinner.
   

 

  
Art pieces were sprinkled around the city. LEFT: One of Fred's friends at night after reading too much Stephen King.
These were our favourites.
This village was more than a bit abandoned for the winter season. Although we could tell this place was a really popular destination in the summer.
But then again, perhaps winter was when the locals got to enjoy a bit of peace & quiet. The streets were still decorated with ornaments & trees for the holiday season.
     
LEFT: The Castle Tower rising into the sky on a cool winter day.  
And then we realized that this tower was visible from practically everwhere in the village. My gosh, there was no avoiding it.
       
We enjoyed spectacular meals & beers here. Pork neck (YUM!), garlic soup (double YUM!), Eggenberg & Budweiser to be exact.
       
Our Inn above a restaurant.. Though this time we got our own room & bathroom with a garden tub. One of the rare times Fred can take a bath.
       
One last look at the beautiful Cesky Krumlov before we leave the Czech Republic & journey into Austria.