HK Independent Traveller Blog

20 July 2013 It was the last day of our trip in Czech Republic before we went back to Nürnberg .  It was quite an indirect trip from Cesky Krumlov to Plzen .  First took a bus quiet remotely from the centre of Cesky Krumlov , then a train but noticed at the last moment that we needed to change at Nepomuk .  Quite a trip! We followed a German tourist group .  It led us to its national pride, Pilsner Urquell Brewery. A big complex, possibly with free beer.  However, we were short of time and must set forward to the town centre. The main square is beautiful.  Unfortunately, we were not blessed with sunshine that day.  Never mind.  Let's climb the Cathedral to enjoy a panoramic view.     The gorgeous views are from the cathedral standing in the middle of the square.  Shortly after the descending from the church tower, we had the luck of seeing the town centre with sunshine.  It is totally differen...

Cesky Krumlov for me is a pearl in the south of the Czech Republic.  Two friends, Angel and Florence, bombed the idea of a 'must-visit' place.  After I have been there, I certainly recommend that it worth a few hours journey from Prague to there.  It's a big delight to be there for a day. Our adventure started with a challenge to find our hotel .  It's dark and cold inside.  The wall was about a foot thick. Heating was on at high summer, July. Middle ages heating, furniture and key told definitely that they were antique.  The good thing is it's located next to the Monastery  and with a stone's throw distance to  the castle. We started the visit with the castle tower.  On the way is a brown bear which attracted crowds.  Ticket prices to various spots of the castle were quite expensive and visit by time slot was not guaranteed.   The tower is colourful.  I can't recall I have seen anything similar in...

July 2013 Prague is one of the top visited cities in Europe.  I was there twice.  It remains one of my favourite cities.  There are many articles written about Prague.  Here summarises a few off beaten track places you may consider if you are visiting the eternal charming city. Charles Square (Karlovo náměstí) was founded in 1348 by the Emperor Charles IV.  It is the biggest square in Prague, also one of the three most important squares in the new town.  Other two are  Wenceslas Square (Horse Market) and Senovážné náměstí (Hay Market).  Apart from being an important transport hub, Charles Square also has a big green park where locals spend time leisurely and it is dotted with a few buildings.  A famous one is the new town hall which recorded a few events of defenestration of Prague .  It means people were thrown out of the window. New Town Hall - Charles Square Prague Letná Park is located on the opposite shore o...