Saturday, December 19, 2015

Dinner with a View

Karlovy Vary at dusk
Rooftop Seating at Karel IV
I have but a few pictures left to share from our trip this past summer. This set is one of my favorites. It was one of our last nights of the trip and we spent it having dinner at Karel IV, a restaurant with a view over the town of Karlovy Vary

This amazing little place was nestled in the rooftops just a few steps from our hotel. It had absolutely stunning views of the old architecture surrounding us.

I caught a picture of an older couple sitting off to our right who were seemingly within arms reach of the onion dome and its shingled roof next door. The closeness of the buildings was something that was just so different for me. You could tell that the layout of this town was old. Built well before you needed all that space for cars in a town center.

Local Band at Karel IV
While the food was amazing, and the views spectacular, my favorite part was the music. A local band was playing that was clearly well known .... well, to the locals. We arrived just as the sun was setting and the restaurant was nearly empty. We enjoyed a drink, listened to the band and watched the sun set. Before long we noticed the place was full and hopping with locals and travelers.

Playing classic Russian songs
Early in their set we heard the riff on the electric keyboard and looked at each other. It sounded familiar, but couldn't quite place it. A few more bars and we were humming along. Yes, it was absolutely familiar. Then when the main melody started we both said at the same time "Oh! I think this is Santana." Oh yes it was. Black Magic Woman sung with a heavy (and I mean heavy) Czech accent. It was awesomeness.

They played for hours with a mix of classic old rock to traditional Eastern European songs to ones I can only assume were classic Russian. The table next to us were clearly a group of Russian ladies who knew all the songs and were singing along quite freely. They were very intent on getting a picture with the violinist who was in the middle of one of these Russian songs. The ladies kept pulling at him to get closer. Poor guy. He was trying to sing, play the violin and appease these ladies. Bending closer, and closer ... as they tugged at him to bend down into the picture. He didn't miss a beat! 

15 comments:

  1. OHMYGOSH...how magical! What an amazing place.

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  2. Sounds like such a fun time! I love the pretty blue color of the onion dome but I'm sure the music would have been my favorite part! Imagine, Santana!

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  3. Wow! Sounds like a great time for sure!

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  4. What a glorious view, and what a wonderful memory!

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  5. I can just imagine sitting there surrounded by all the beauty and enjoying the great music! Love Santana!

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  6. What a great memory to go back to! The view... ah... Love that they did Santana! This is why I think travel is so awesome. You see that we are not all that different across the world. You also get these wonderful memories to talk about on a lazy weekend at home.

    Merry Christmas Cynthia!

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  7. I love to follow your travels! You and I have very similar interests while travelling, I think...ie, not so much laying on a beach, but more investigating the culture and "feel" of an area. I envy your ability to get around much more than I can, end enjoy your telling me about it!

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  8. What a magical atmosphere! and Santana? even more magical :)

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  9. That sounds absolutely perfect! What a fabulous memory from your trip!

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  10. A night to remember ~ the stars aligned for you both that night <3

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  11. Beautiful! WOW!!! So magical! Merry Christmas my friend! Big Hugs!

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  12. Merry Christmas and Happy New 2016 Year!!!!

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  13. Lovely post!!!!!!!
    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, dear friend!!!!

    Besos, desde España, Marcela ♥︎

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  14. I visited Czech Republic a lot of times. Once I and my friend from http://paperwriting.xyz/ visited Karlovy Vary and all I can say it is really beautiful and special place.

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  15. Beautiful place!!! Nice post!!!
    Have a good week!! and my g+ for you!!!!:)))

    Besos, desde España, Marcela♥

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