Picto Diary - 10 May 2016 - Chesky Krumlov

Above: TIMDT observes Chesky Krumlov Castle from bridge over Vltava River. Chesky Krumlov, Czech Republic. 10 May 2016.

Above: Svornosti Square. Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic. 10 May 2016.

TIMDT and other Tauck tour goers appear in image.

Above: Svornosti Square, Cesky Krumlov. Czech Republic. October 1938.

Adolf Hitler and German soldiers appear in the image.

Cesky Krumlov, World Heritage Site city, heretofore "off the radar," is in Czech Sudentenlands. Majority German town was visited by Hitler in Ocober of 138. Hitler liked the architecture in this beautiful city, newly part of the Third Reich (thanks to Neville Chamberlain appeasement). He said Cesky Krumlov would be a nice place but for the minority Czechs living there.

As part of the settlement post WWII, German residents of Cesky Krumlov were repatriated to Germany leaving Cesky Krumlov a ghost town. Since the 1980's, major restoration and new Czech residents attracted to run tourist businesses, has resulted in the refurbishing of one of the more beautiful castle towns of Europe.

I walked... today... where Hitler walked......

Above: Renaissance Fun for Tauck tour tour goers. Cesky Krumlov Castle gardens. Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic. 10 May 2016.

Above: TIMDT and the Bishop. Feigning Renaissance. Lunch for Tauck tour goers. Renaissance music, juggling and lots of protein. Cesky Krumlov Castle. Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic. 10 May 2016.

Above: TIMDT, Montage, and Spago walk towards May Pole in Hauptplaz. Linz, Austria. 10 May 2016.


Above: Wirt am Graben Restaurant. Linz, Austria. 10 May 2016.

Montage led us here for some authentic - and excellent - Austrian dishes. Recommended.

https://www.facebook.com/wirtamgraben/photos/a.400359113312364.114098.137519099596368/1230443400303927/?type=3&theater

Above: Arstechnica Building. On Danube. Linz, Austria. 10 May 2016.

LED illuminated, virtual Rubic's Cube building. Image captured from lounge on Tauck Savoy river boat docked on Danube River.

http://www.shutterstock.com/video/clip-8213098-stock-footage-linz-austria-october-timelapse-of-the-illuminated-building-of-arstechnica-in-front-of-the.html

Above:  "The Metamorphosis," Franz Kafka. 
 
While in Prague I picked up a copy of Prague denizen writer Franz Kafka's novella, "Metamorphosis."  I completed the book today, 10 May 2016. 
 
30 year old traveling salesman Gregor lives with parents and younger sister when not on the road. 
 
One morning, while at home, he wakes up in the morning in his bedroom and finds himself transformed into a grotesque insect.
 
Gregor's transformation is an absurdity.  Nothing, Kafka tells us, is certain in this world.
 
Even more absurd is the reaction of Gregor's family members.  They are shocked, to be sure, but, they do nothing to diagnose the problem or seek a cure for his condition. 
 
Rather, Gregor and his family do their best to try to adapt to their new situation.
 
Over time... months.... Gregor's family becomes alienated to Gregor.  Gregor (the insect) overhears that he is not wanted in the house any more.
 
As an act of self will and self disgust for his effect on his family, Gregor the insect dies.  His remains are carried out by the cleaning lady.
 
The remaining family, thinking their lives were ruined, goes through a renewal of sorts.  All end up with good jobs.  On a spontaneous picnic parents note the physical maturity of their daughter (Gregor's sister) and muse about possibilities for her marriage.
 
Is the author's metaphor that Gregor was already living an alienated life?  A live void of any humane appreciation?  Were his emotions cold and his ability to communicate constrained so as to have already turned him into the equivalent of an insect?
 
And what about us......?

Addendum:


We loved Prague. Great beer...Pilsner Urquell
We stayed in a lovely hotel, former monestery that
Had an on going brewery from 1300s.

Bronx Girl,
Pelham, NY

Steve:

If you're still in Nuremburg, go to the Brathaus in the old city. Outstanding.

Bling,
Albuquerque, NM


America is about an idea, embodied in the Declaration of Independence. Immigrants assimilate by identifying with an idea, not a culture. In America, they can keep their culture and be Americans. European countries self identify with a national culture. Despite your admiration for German motor vehicles and a French bistro, neither country would adopt you. But we, whose forebears were among the "huddled masses, yearning to be free," consider you one of ours.

FeeNix,
Phoenix, AZ