Note the down jackets & gloves--it is C O L D!
These are the largest ice caves in the world---the guided part was 700 steps up (40 stair flights) and 700 down. With miles of caves beyond the main chamber. We were not allowed to take pictures in the cave, BUT I found this jewel on Youtube
Courtesy Josef Nemec
We walk out of the cave and find the clouds are clearing-
This could be classified as the nose bleed section.
Back in the van and we are headed to our last Austrian stop Hallstatt.
Nestled between the edge of Hallstätter See and the towering Dachstein mountains, Austria’s oldest and possibly most photographed village is something like a mirage in the Salzkammergut Lake Region. (might sound like a travel brouchure or WWW advertisement) The village is beautiful--but filled to the brim with tourist. After a while you begin to get "Quaint Overload," if you aren't careful. It is characterized by glazed over eyes and yawns when staring straight in the face of beyond belief.
We FOOLISHLY got out of the van without our raincoats and the van driver is forced to park elsewhere while we explore. AND GUESS WHAT-A SUDDEN RAINSTORM BLOWS UP! We sit under a slightly leaky umbrella in a sidewalk cafe and eat a delightful-yet soggy lunch.
BACK IN THE VAN--off to the Czech Republic.
It is immediately apparent when we enter the new country. The ravages of decades under communist rule have left their mark. We are thrown back in time at least 50 years. The decay of neglect are evident--even though strides have been made to correct it in the last few years.
The hotel while certainly adequate reminds me of a motel from the 60's. Further evidence of the weak economy is the country's currency-the koruna. If the economy is weak, a country is not allowed to use the Euro as its official currency. I don't believe I have ever carried thousands of any currency before--but if you want to eat you had better have a wad of bills.
After eating and exploring the village, we accept the challenge of or trip planner, Doug Postel and find the Hostel Postel.
MANY THANKS FOR A TRIP OF A LIFETIME, DOUG!
Your riches have rotted and your garments have become moth-eaten.
James 5:2
All that ice and not one ice cream in sight. I would have had a kiosk there selling iced tea, milk shakes and ice creams. Not very entrepreneurial are they?
ReplyDeleteThank you for a wonderful holiday share, Lulu.
God bless.
Too many years of Communism kills the entrepreneurial spirit!
DeleteBlessings !
And how was the hostel? Was it better? That village in Austria is beautiful....smiles
ReplyDeleteWe did not see the hostel- note the gate to the front! No more hostels! Quaint becomes ho hum after overload kicks in!
DeleteBlessings!