Claire on the Move

Today was just such a good day. We left Vyssi Brod with a 4 mile climb up out of the valley and away from the river – not a very auspicious start you say? But the views back over the monastery on the banks of the river, were spectacular and Rob spent such a long time taking photos that I was able to get quite far on ahead for once.

The monastery was disbanded after the Iron Curtain was formed and only restarted in 1990.

After leaving Vyssi Brod I was on the look out for potential wedding sites. Smetana picks up a polka dance theme as the river is imagined to pass a wedding on its banks. You can visualize the wedding party in local dress, dancing as they have been accustomed for all their lives, as the music is so crisp and uniform.

This field, with the river flowing beyond, is perfect with a local hostelry behind the photographer, ready to dispense food and drink to the revellers. This was soon after the village of Rozmberk where the castle was the first we had seen. Built in the 13th century it is one of the oldest castles in Bohemia.

And then bliss – our reward for that 4 mile climb. A long steady downhill run with the river right beside us. The main theme of the music has successfully surplanted Chopin in my head and I am able to hum along contentedly.