Bold as today’s title claim may be, the remarkable things was the unexpected issue of Taxis, or the lack thereof at Ceske Budejovice Railway Station.
We were now Nine, Ricky flying back to Yeadon Airport later in the day. Hector envisaged three Taxis to take us from Station to the Hotel Savoy which was just beyond the distance people were prepared to walk. [Stan.TC] spotted the Taxi Office first, it was closed. Two Ladies standing at the window showed me a Telephone Number, I called. Now in the Czech Republic I make a point of speaking English, The Chap on the other end did not. He was at least aware that there was a need to supply transport. A Taxi came for the Ladies and flipping to Deutsch, Hector convinced the driver that three Taxis were required, sorted.
We had checked in comfortably in time to meet the main objective of the day – the Tour of Budweiser-Budvar. With our places on The 14.00 Tour confirmed there was time for a Pivo in the large, modern hall which is part of the Brewery Complex. A Table for Nine was not available at the entrance, and no we could not move a chair or two. As Craig had smelled smoke he was unwilling to accept the larger table on offer in the interior, he disappeared with Yvonne. In the end we were united at a large table, the air filtering system made the atmosphere acceptable. Budvar at Source, achieved at last. Various versions were available, we chose the Krausend which, as we understood it, was Lagered for longer.
Everyone enjoyed the Brewery Tour, especially at the half-way mark when we were able to taste the unfiltered, unpasteurised, almost ready Bier. The Lagering Tanks were in a room whose temperature was around 0C, just what we needed on a hot day.
The Tour completed there was a quick return to the Brewery Tap. A South-African couple who were on The Tour joined us.
We could easily have sat here, forever. Craig and Yvonne took this option. That was the last we heard of them. The Bus took us the short distance back to the Town Centre, Hector was keen to see the Main Square, however we encountered the Budvarka Pivnice en route. Reserved Tables appears to be a tactic employed by the Waiters to restrict where people sit. Despite asking for a non-smoking room we were shown to a reserved table in the heart of the room. [Stan.TC], Neil and Jonathan to the opportunity to eat, Hector had Curry on his mind, I went a wandering.
The Main Square was splendid, the light improving all the time. Hector now had two missions, finding the Gateway to India was simple, finding another venue which was non-smoking could be the more difficult. The Singer Pub had both inside and outside seating, and a range of Bier.
I returned to Budvarka to advise The Chaps. Howard and Mags were up for another Curry-Heute experience, this time there were many positives.
Suitably fed we joined the others at the Singer Pub. I had about three pounds left in Czech Crowns, this would last the night. Howard stood a round, even at these prices, still appreciated.
The Olympic Opening Ceremony was imminent. A large screen was lowered for a Projector TV. We watched the Ceremony without the inane commentary we would have had at home. The sound of the TV was down, various Bands playing Covers kept our ears entertained. It was more fun this way working out for ourselves what was happening. (P.S. : Though it was until Sky News the next day that it was confirmed that The Dam Busters March had featured.) Rowan Atkinson stole the show, even without sound, his Mr Bean segment amused. I kept remarking that this was way better than the usual nonsense of people jumping up and down – Dance – some people call it.
Cue the Dancers.
The Brewery and Pubs visited today:
Budvar Bewery – Karolíny Svetlé 512/4, 370 04, Ceské Budejovice, Ceská republika
Budvarka Pivnice – Karla IV 8-10, 3700,1 Ceské Budejovice
Singer Pub – Ceská 55, 370 01, Ceské Budejovice
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