Had a surprisingly wonderful time in Milan. What a city. We loved it. The duomo here is unsurpassed both inside and outside and one could spend hours there. When we went there was a big political rally building in the duomo square as Bellesconi's party had been defeated after 20 years in Milan and in Naples and they were partying. It was great to be around the area all afternoon to see the Italians having a good time. Bands were playing, people were dancing and all in all a feeling of relief and excitement. We met our friends from the boat, Sunny and Ron, for dinner in the evening and had a good night with them. The next morning we headed off for a viewing of the Last Supper. One of those times when you can't believe you are looking at the original - painted on the wall of a refectory. You have to book months in advance to get in to look at it but it is well worth it.
Flew to Prague and what a city that is. It is a very "wanderable" city. Something around every corner that makes your eyes pop. The architecture is delightful. those of you who have been there will understand what I mean. We loved our three days there. We wandered through the Old City and the New City, walked down Wencelas Square, watched the Astronomical Clock strike, drank and ate at beer gardens, went up to the Castle and St Vitus, walked along the river and generally relaxed and enjoyed ourselves immensely. We will be back in Prague for a few days at the end of our trip.
We picked up our little car and headed off for Karlstejn Castle. Google it - a fine example of a Czech castle. From there to Plzen where we had a tour of the brewery. Very interesting especially the underground cellar tunnels which is the only bit of the original brewery still operational. Here they give a glass of unfiltered Plzen beer. Very very tasty. From Plzen we headed down to Domazlice via Stribo. Both beautiful villages. We stayed in Domazlice and wondered why until we came into the town square and what magic. We sat and had a beer looking onto one of the most beautiful - not huge - squares of any town I have ever seen. Had a great meal here - two bowls of soup and two big pizzas and a big beer for $16. Great night.
The next morning we headed over to Klatovy and Sviho (village and castle) and had a relaxing time. Big drive then into Germany and to Regensburg where we had a look around and then up to Eichstatt. This was our worst day so far and one that makes you wonder why you travel. In hindsight it doesn't seem too bad but we couldn't find accommodation because it was a long weekend in Germany and everyone was travelling. Also prices jumped extraordinarily from the Czech Republic. We eventually did get a lovely room but instead of staying in the area we headed off the next morning to Nurnberg where we still are. John wanted to come back here - we had been here quickly in 1982 - as this town contains the square where Hitler held all his big rallies. He went out there yesterday while I rested up as I have a bad cold and cough but found it was closed because of a rock festival. We are off to the Romantic Road this morning where we will stay for a couple of days.
We are a bit disappointed in Germany and part of us wishes we were still in the Czech Republic. But we have booked up our accommodation so we have some definite bookings and destinations until we get to Berlin. Think it's all a bit sanitised for us!!!
Hope all is well at home.
No comments:
Post a Comment