We were able to leave Prague for a day trip to Českŷ Krumlov. Once out of the citywe saw many small towns and villages. At a rest stop on the way I looked across the road and sa this church and tower as Pisek.

Our next stop was in Českĕ Budĕjovice, the original home of the original Budweiser beer.

As in Prague we found that the roofs were decorated with elaborate iron work and statues.

The St. Nicholas church in Českĕ Budĕjovice

If the main square in Českĕ Budĕjovice reminds you of the main square in Prague, it isn't a coincidence. The area was modeled on Prague.

I can almost pronounce the name of the city, and I can read the sign, but would not attempt to pronounce the street.

Buildings that have been meticulously restored were all around the square and down the side streets.

Another word I learned quickly on our trips was "pivovar" which is brewery (or micro brewery now). They have been brewing beer here since the middle ages

We made it to Českŷ Krumlov just in time to eat lunch at a brewery which has been converted to restaurant. I believe it is the law in the Czech Republic that tourists have to try the local beers, so I did. As I recall, that was the best part of the meal.

We will see these stone walls all over the castle grounds. Look at them closely.

Did you look? The stones are actually painted. Sometime in the Baroque era the owners thought this was clever.

The tower, which really is this pink, dominates

It looks real, doesn't it?

Even the statues are painted.

I suppose maintenance cost is lower this way, but this is the only extensive use of "faux" stone I have ever seen

If it has a point, it might as well have a gold ball and a flag.

This sundial was airly accurate. I wonder how often they have to adjust it