Karlovy Vary

We are at the top of a hill, looking down on Karlovy Vary. Our host at our flat told us that it's an easy walk down into town - about 15 minutes. Coming back up, she warned us, will depend, and said it will be our fitness for the day. And so the battle cry was born. Let me just say this - don't bring a stroller with small wheels. The don't do well on the cobbles. Just in case it's fuzzy, the picture says 23% for the grade. It didn't help much today that its been 90-something with equivalent humidity. Those of you that know my feelings for heat and humidity are welcome to make your comments.

Our little spa town in the hills/mountains of western Bohemia was founded by the Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV in 1370. (Buena Park was incorporated in 1953, and named by a guy named Jim - so the little respect offered to our little Orange County oasis is...justified.) A tourist destination basically since then, Karlovy Vary is famous for hot springs and spas. Drinking the mineral water from the spas supposedly cures what ails you. Not seasonal allergies or a severe aversion to heat, though. So you buy little cups and walk around the town drinking from hot springs of various temperatures - I saw a low of 30 and high of 72 (Celsius). Clearly, some folks here are intent on soaking up any benefit from religiously experiencing every spring. It tastes pretty bad. Madeline was markably interested in sipping from the various springs, however.

It is absolutely beautiful here and in the surrounding countryside and I've enjoyed wandering the streets in search of shade. You can take a funicular to the Diana tower on top of the hill above the city and look out on the vistas if you like. If I look sour in this picture, you can just focus on the cuties.

Or walk the streets and find the collonades: big gazebo-like things designed by famous people to house the springs.

This one was back in Dresden, but wanted you to know that I do get help with the photos.

And - an automotive note. Our Fiat, I'm sorry to say, has a Twin Air motor. Newfangled twin-turbo 2 cylinder. That's right. Only two. Imagine that 23% grade with some construction that required driving on the curb and some sudden stops. Wasn't sure she would make it. Tomorrow: we drive to Stuttgart.