Day 164, 15 December 2012, Prague to Cesky Krumlov (pron: "Chess-ski" and see www.krumlov.com).
Our last morning in Prague we finally checked out at midday and proceeded to potter along to the Christmas Market in the Old Town Square for one final look. We decided to try the spiral potato chips. The way it works is this.... place potato on end of drill (Yes. Black & Decker. Ryobi - anything like that). Slot drill into special drill holding spot on table. Turn on drill so that potato spins neatly against blade of some sort. Voila! Finely sliced spiral potato chips/crisps. Drop into massive vat of boiling oil smack in middle of crowded public place and there you have it - the freshest, hottest, saltiest chippies ever. James took a photo of me holding the cornet of chips - and a pidgeon buzzed the tower almost immediately - see today's album for a laugh. We returned to the hotel in loads of time to meet our 2.50 pm transfer to Cesky Krumlov - who proceeded to arrive 30 minutes later than scheduled - our original driver had broken his ankle in the morning when he slipped on ice and the schedules were shot. The drive was many things - but mainly dark. Very, very dark. The air was freezing, but not quite snowing - more of an ice laden fog and we felt quite alone as we sped through the darkness to the unknown. Literally. Everyone we know who has been to the Czech Republic said we must go there. Albeit a small list. But we went. We knew we'd arrived when the pavements turned to cobbled streets and St Vitus's church tower welcomed us to town with booming 6 pm bells. The lodgings were fine - www.unamesti.cz - in the 4th floor attic we were almost in nose-bleed country but very cosy. Schnitzel for dinner at the restaurant just across the cobbles and a very short walk around the Christmas market in the square.... it was gone 8 pm and the pavements were officially being rolled up. Well and truly time for bed. Must. Climb. Stairs.
PS - today's picture of Cesky castle is from the internet.