We don’t have any particular plan for Wednesday, so we go to explore other parts of town. Somewhat by chance, because we explore every place we can get into, we come across a permanent artisans’ market in the courtyard of the regional museum. Across the street is popular lookout where people are taking pictures like there’s no tomorrow, but nobody seems to know about the market. Why? It’s one of the few places in Krumlov where we feel comfortable. It could use some benches – it’s the perfect place for creating a “homey” environment. We find it the ideal place for bringing normal life to Krumlov. Perhaps the museum’s director wouldn’t be against the idea. The artisans are perfect for this, and the space, too. Perhaps the museum employees would like it as a work bonus… not even Google HQ has something like this!

We set out on feet for the edge of downtown, which is clearly separated from the rest of town by the highway to Rožmberk. We walk back down to the river, where the kids splash around, since it is really hot. In this way, we advertise family life among all the passing rafters. Our kids mentally disturb the paddling kayakers’ inner peace of mind by spontaneously crying out “Ahoy” to all that pass. I came through here on a canoe with the two oldest just a week ago, so they’re already local experts who know everything about the weirs to look out for. In fact, we raced all the sluices without a problem, except that both oarsmen got wet. :o))

While preparing a late lunch, we send the kids “off to work” in front of the camera. We have new chalk (though only white), so let them make use of it. They only enjoy painting for a little while, but then hit upon a solution – they start to play tic-tac-toe! Considering how quickly one game is over, however, I bring them some paper so the entire street won’t fall victim to their X’s and O’s. As for me, I set to removing cigarette butts and shards of glass from the corner of our house, where there’s one of the few benches around, so every evening it attracts various trash and other refuse. Strange that the cocktail bar that is here hasn’t managed to put something here where people could throw their garbage. I’d be happy with one of those old metal ashtrays on a long pedestal – the kind best known from socialist-era hospitals. You can tell that they sweep here every now and then, but even so there’s trash everywhere that you have to walk over every day. Once again, I feel the need to point out the city’s shortage of garbage cans.

Later in the afternoon, I manage to get in some reading on the steps in front of the camera. It’s a funny situation, since I’m reading Respekt magazine’s report on the Venice Biennale and on the UNES-CO project just as the camera is broadcasting my image. After also reading an article on various different ways of teaching history, I end up working “overtime.” We end the day with a trip to Rožmberk, where we visit an excellent family fish restaurant even though I don’t eat fish and the kids order their favorite: schnitzel with French fries. The main reason for the trip is that my beloved wife adores fish, and here she can finally savor it. Afterwards, she is literally aglow with satisfaction. I’m glad that in this regard my little surprise worked out, though it was only possible thanks to the owners’ generosity, since we’d arrived after they had closed the kitchen. Thank you so much!!