Early morning arrives and I bid adieu to lovely Cesky Krumlov.  Warmer weather 
could have kept me here for a week.  The Cesky Krumlov bus terminal is a large 
parking lot with a few sign posts, mixing local and national bus routes.  I run 
around reading the signs and asking locals until I find the route to Ceske 
Budejovice.

Unless you want a bit of scenery, the route to/from Cesky Krumlov should be 
travelled by bus from Ceske Budejovice.  The frequency is almost twice an hour 
compared to twice a day by train. 

I hop on the bus along with a number of morning commuters.  As the bus makes its 
way over, it gets incredibly packed with more commuters.  Given that I was 
inconveniently carrying a large backpack, I recommend that one finds a seat near 
the rear of the bus if you travel this route during rush hour.  

One hour later, I arrive in Ceske Budejovice, one of southern Czech Republic's 
transportation hubs.  I had previously stopped over in Ceske Budejovice on my 
way to Cesky Krumlov.  During my brief stay while waiting for my connecting 
train, I had a very good impression of this town as I strolled through nearby 
streets.  Of course, it was also a Sunday, and the streets were completely 
deserted, giving it a cool, ghost-town feel.  It also had the look and intrigue 
of a small town, although Cesky Krumlov really dominates in this category.

Although the town is busier this morning, I've allotted some time to explore 
Ceske Budejovice a little.  I follow cobblestone paths on wide pedestrian 
streets  until I reach the main square.  It's surprisingly large, and in fact, 
is the largest square in the country.  Settling into a bench, I find myself 
being the only person in the square, surrounded by colourful Renaissance and 
Baroque buildings.

Leaving the town square, I walk along the still, mirror-like river and over 
arched bridges.  It's a nice bit of peace in the morning. 

I regain my bearings and head over to the train station.

I have a creepy feeling about the travel today.  Given the timing of my 
departure, I've picked a rather ambiguous route, making three connections and 
travelling through small towns in the Czech Republic.  Nevertheless, I cross my 
fingers and hope for the best.

The train is the same as the one I took over to Cesky Krumlov - a two-car ride 
filled with locals.  I'm the only foreigner on board.  The train engine is so 
noisy and underpowered that I wonder if in fact, the train really is an old bus 
re-fitted to ride on rails.

The first leg of the trip seems simple enough - a two hour ride over to Ceske 
Velenice.  However, not too long into my trip, the conductor tells me  that I 
have to switch onto a bus (always good to know the word "autobusni").  The train 
stops at a tiny station, everyone gets off, and we hop onto a rather derelict 
bus waiting for us.  However, the ride through Czech countryside and forests 
make any complications worth it.  The bus heads along a poorly paved, single-
lane road passing farmland, lakes, and towns along the way.  I get a glimpse of 
rural folk, tall trees, storks, swans, and droopy evergreens mixed with 
colourful trees.

Some time later, the bus stops at another tiny train station, and we hop back 
onto another mini-train.  The train finally arrives in Ceske Velenice, 45 
minutes later than the time specified on the train schedule.  Thankfully, I have 
enough time to spare before my next connection. 

Knowing that I will soon be transported to the land of the expensive Euro 
currency, I walk over to a convenience store and stock up heavily on schnitzels-
to-go, making sure I dispense of as much loose change as possible (can't 
exchange coins).  

It seems Czech trains like to be late, because my current connection arrives 10 
minutes late.  This is not good though, because I only have 5 minutes to make 
the next connection upon arrival.  This is a short trip though - a really short 
one.  A two-minute ride in fact, according to the schedule.

The train simply takes me across the Czech border to Austria's border town, 
Gmünd No.  Thankfully again, the Austrians are aware of the Czech train's 
tardiness, and the passport officers quickly stamp my documents, while the train 
conductors hurriedly wave riders over to the connecting train to Vienna.

The final ride over is much easier.  I'm back in the European Union, where 
trains are in pristine condition and punctual to the minute.  I never realized 
how dishevelled the trains I've been riding were until now.  

Arriving in Vienna, my senses are overloaded with its grandeur.  Busy but not 
touristy, Vienna has an air of class defined by its beautiful buildings and 
architecture, clean streets, modern stores, and mix of people.  And unlike 
Praha, Vienna is not built heavily solely on tourism - tourists mix with locals 
as they scuttle about to their businesses and destinations.

I hop on a street tram to my hostel, which slowly winds through Vienna's lively 
streets.  Needless to say, it's been a busy day of travelling.  At my hostel, 
the first thing I do is inquire about the inline skate rentals.

Next: Vienna - Cultural Capital of the World