A Walk Through The Ages In Cesky Krumlov

After a week of mastering animation, using Cinema 4D, we were treated to a weekend getaway. As we descended upon Cesky Krumlov, walking from the station to our traditional lunch venue, it was very apparent this place has gone through a lot of changes throughout time.  While in the town we had many activities that highlighted different periods of civilization.  We started with a tour at the State Castle which was built beginning in the 14th century and we saw architecture, art and design from the Renaissance Period.  We also visited the Baroque theatre in the castle that has been preserved with original sets, props, costumes and all, which they still use to this day.  Theatre in the modern day has gone through many technological advances, but seeing how theatre used to be done with more manual operations was quite impressive.  We ate dinner that night along the Vltava river, the same one running through Prague, and saw how prevalent tourism is in the area these days.  Many people were passing in their rafts on weekend or week-long adventures camping along the river, and nowadays as they pass it is tradition that they greet with "Ahoy," and one must respond with "Ahoy."  On our walking tour we were taken to the main square that was restored to look like it would have before the Communist Regime.  Along the way there were many signs in Czech, of course, but also German, English and even Chinese.  These all signifying changes that naturally occur with time and also come along with shifts in power throughout the centuries.  We spent our final day exploring Seidl Photographic Studio, an old fashion studio that has been preserved and tells a story of the beginning of photography along the borders of Austria and Germany, uncovering a culture through photos and personal notes from the early 20th century.  We finished our weekend with a hearty lunch where we were tucked away in what felt like a medieval tavern with the smell of meat and potatoes cooking over a fire.  Wow, those pieces of meat and potatoes were mouth watering and delicious!  By the end of the trip many of the students went as far to mention that they wanted to live in this quaint little town of Cesky Krumlov.  Our weekend getaway was quite a treat!