Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Home!
I've been home for more than a week now back in T.O! Check out pix from my last trip before leaving CZ. Scroll down for pix of Cesky Krumlov - Absolutely stunning and worth the overnight trip =)
Sunday, May 2, 2010
05.01.10 Konopiste Castle - former home of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
Visited Konopiste castle with David and Mel. This castle is well known because it housed Franz Ferdinand, his family, and top political figures. It is said that Franz Ferdinand's assassination sparked the already looming WW1.
Franz Ferdinand was one of the few who married for love. Although, Countess Sophie Chotek came from a lower ranking family he refused to marry anyone else. Because of this a morganatic marriage took place. Truly a story of how love prevails. The total history is depressing and I know not everyone wishes to be reminded of these things so I'll keep this more about the castle. It's said that the castle is cursed considering members of families who once lived in the castle were either assassinated or died some horrible death.
Since we weren't allowed to take photos of the interior I'll describe it to you.
+As soon as you enter you will see the halls lined with animal heads and stuffed animals around every corner. Franz Ferdinand was an avid hunter and it's estimated that he hunted more than 300,000 animals.
+As expected the rooms we elaborately decorated with ornate furniture and gems mostly from Italy, Spain and Bohemia.
+Beautiful 200+ piece hand painted china.
+Portraits of family members.
+Outside the castle there is a man made lake because Franz Ferdinand needed it for his underwater turbine for electricity. Unfortunately, he had to destroy a village to build the lake.
+ The castle's interior was way ahead of it's time. Foremost, it had electricity something that was invented 8 years before. - for it to be brought into Bohemia and light up an entire castle was something locals even now find fascinating. Franz Ferdinand brought technology from around the world into his castle. Another fascinating thing was that the castle had central heating. Although there was an elaborately designed fireplace in every room it was only for display and ventilation.
Special thanks to David for taking Mel and me around.
Below are some pix of the exterior.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Monday, April 5, 2010
Saturday, April 3, 2010
So many things to do yet....
Argh! still not feeling well. Went out to get fresh air to the Holosovice market but ended up getting a migraine...but at least I have 2 days to sleep and recover =)
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