South Bohemia, Czech Republic

South Bohemia, Czech Republic is the last trip we took as a group.  We first stopped in Kutná Hora, home of the Sedlec Ossuary.  This small Roman Catholic Chapel is decorated with the bones of 40-70,000 people.  It was strange, but it wasn't creepy.  I can't imagine going to church there, though!
After stopping at the church we made our way to our hotel--not hostel! It was so luxurious compared to what we were used to.
 The town began in 1142 and is famous for its silver mining.  The magnificent church we visited in this town is St. Barbara's Church.  It was a quaint little town with a feeling of simplicity and serenity.

Sedlec Ossuary, Kutná Hora. I want this chandelier for my future home.

Sedlec Ossuary. Just a few of the bones in the church.

 Outside the Sedlec Ossuary, there are even more bones in the cemetery which is right behind us.

Enjoying some zmrzlina (ice cream) in Kutná Hora.

View of St. Barbara's Church in Kutná Hora.

After leaving Kutná Hora we stopped in Budějovice to tour the Budweis Beer factory--the real home of Budweiser.  I quickly learned that the process of making beer is quite complicated and extensive.

Inside the brewery. One of the many steps of the complicated process.

Our group on the tour. The lady in red was the sweetest tour guide.

Inside the factory. How many bottles of beer on the wall?

Following the tour we got back on the bus and drove to Český Krumlov.  All of South Bohemia is whimsical but this town is right out of a fairytale.  We toured Krumlov castle which houses its own Baroque theatre, built in 1682.
The last night in Český Krumlov our group ate together at a wonderful Czech brewery.  Thea, Laura, Tara, Ann, and Caleb presented awards to each member of the group.  The night was special, memorable, and full of laughter and reminiscing.   

Outside Krumlov Castle Wall.

Lisa and me overlooking the town from Krumlov Castle.

Czech candle store. Irene and Jade. Irene studied abroad in Colorado for a year. She was so excited to see Americans! "I miss the friendliness and Chipolte," she told us.

Fairytale city.

A few of our brave group members rafted down this river.  And returned with nettles. No bueno!

Laura, Jade, Hayley, and Abby.

Presenting Awards.

Awards night in Český Krumlov.

Jan and Martin were the greatest! We couldn't have asked for better leaders.

Outside Krumlov Castle at night.