The Ball, or Ples, as they say.

Kids learn the waltz in special evening dancing classes in the Czech Republic. And the Foxtrot, Polka, Jive. Then they rent fancy outfits and pay to go to places like the Grand Hotel Pupp, to show their parents what they've learned. And sort of like cheerleaders in-between football game quarters, little preteens come out every so often and do saucy dance numbers to pop songs. Unfortunately, this information is all much more exciting than my photos, which mostly have to do with interior lighting and a blurred crowd.

The Angel Castle

Story is: a virginal princess of this castle refused to marry the knight that wanted her. So the knight decided to conquer the castle, built on a steep crop of rock, and force her to be his bride. Unfortunately for him, the princess preferred to be a virgin forever, so she flung herself from the window and died.
Now, the castle ruins sometimes endanger low flying planes headed to the Karlovy Vary "international" airport.
Near Karlovy Vary, CZ

Šumava

Two nights at the ecofarm in Vyšši Brod meant fresh eggs, a walk through the horse pasture both ways, antique tea cups and lace curtains. Cross country skied, skated for ten minutes on barren, icy lake Lipno, and visited a Cistercian monestary housing a bible translated by Martin Luther. It was sunny, blue, white and COLD.

Michal on the train

Eating apple pastry.