As amazing as last year‘s stares at the recumbents, are the startled experiences of people when Daniel starts speaking Czech. Today it was the hotel porter.

The town of České Budějovice at the confluence of the rivers Vltava and Malse was founded by King Premysl Otakar II in 1265 and soon it became a crossroad of commercial tracks connecting the Czech kingdom with the Danube basin. A large square, broad streets and expensive houses show its secular qualities, whereas the oldest building - the Dominican abbey - points to the higher goals of the inhabitants. Protected by the King and ably administered by city elders the city prospered. Continuous development was not even shattered by the Hussite wars (it remained on the Catholic side), nor by a number of incidents in the 16th century, like fires, an earthquake, flood and epidemic.

After a shower and lunch at one of the outdoor cafes on the square, we spent the afternoon at the internet cafe, strolling the city centrum and shopping. What is most incredible are the prices. An hour of internet time is 60Kc($1.50). ‘Pivo‘ (beer) is less than 40Kc for a litre.

We had another good dinner at the outdoor cafe on the square just outside the hotel. Watched the full moon rising over the Samson fountain (Samsonova Kasna) in the center of the square. People watching included the arrival of a tour bus full of Japanese.
Daniel seems to get quite a lot from Czech TV. It is on almost always whenever we are in the room. So far his favorite TV program has been a Czech dubbed episode of the ‘Simpsons‘...

Lying in bed at this time of night in the middle of the city, I have the hotel window open... There are no ‘city‘ sounds. It is beautiful.