Cesky Krumlov to Linz to Vienna

Thursday

It was really misty and foggy, so after walking around town for a bit, we headed up to the castle. The interiors and gardens were closed for the winter, which was unfortunate, and as the day was too low on visibility to make going up the castle tower worthwhile, we headed back down to get some lunch. The town is encircled by a river and the streets curve around somewhat so you can't really walk to anywhere in a straight line. It has a very medieval feel to it - very cobbled, narrow streets which don't really seem to invite cars, not many buildings over a few storeys and mostly pensions or restaurants or shops. The area is really picturesque and the mist gave it a strangely empty air.

We tried to dispose of our extra Czech currency at the supermarket, but with little success as there is only so much that we can carry with us and things are pretty cheap there. So I walked back into town before the stores closed to buy a few more little things with the remainder before we retired for the evening.

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Friday

After breakfast, we took a vigorous but brief last walk through the town before returning. The shuttle bus to Linz we had arranged arrived and after picking up a family who were also travelling that way, we took a winding, fairly picturesque drive to the Austrian town. We drove through curving roads that were so narrow in some parts that the snow laden conifers on either side brushed the bus. Up at the top of the hill/mountains there was a lot more snow - everything looked grey and white against the grey sky. There was some pretty interesting geology about the area too. I was reminded why I dislike cars and buses/coaches again, the constant swaying makes me feel ill. I infinitely prefer trains; when they are running efficiently of course.

It was really good to get out into the relatively fresh air at Linz, although it was colder than at Cesky Krumlov. We got out tickets and got on the train. There was a bit of confusion finding some seats, but we managed to find a compartment with few people in it. For some reason, European trains are really cold...

Got to Vienna, where it had been raining and for once, we had no real trouble finding our hostel. Basic room but clean. Having not had lunch, we went out to a local Turkish place to get a late lunch/early dinner. The servings were a good size, and I was reminded that my favourite eggplants come from Turkey. Tried a drink called Ayran too - yoghurt with salt and water. I quite like it. As usual, it was a bit cold dark to wandering strange streets so we found a local super and checked out some bakeries before calling it an evening. Probably still a bit early for me to turn in for the night yet, but my travelling companion S is sleepy. She didn't get a nap in today while travelling as I did.