That’s enough, old timer, your also taking us somewhere!
And not just anywhere, but to visit the famous writer Bohumil Hrabal. Although this catch-phrase genius has been dead for some time, he left his indelible spirit in the famous cottage settlement of Kersko in the central Elbe region. So are his favourite cats. But more on that later.
The boat sets sail in Čelákovice, where the rental company Ráj na vodě is located. Here they’ll lend you a small motorboat, because bigger isn’t always better. Even a small child could master it, but you can’t go wrong by listening to a short training session. You might even learn that you can’t turn this ship into the Titanic. Thanks to the durable plastic and double-hull construction, the boat is virtually unsinkable.
Once you know what to do and how to do it, hit the road. You will reach your destination, Kersko, after about 3 hours. In the middle of the voyage you have to cross the Lysá nad Labem lock. Arrange your crossing by phone and be sure to follow the instructions given to you by the operator. A little more bobbing on the water and before lunch it’s time to disembark at the pier on the edge of Kersko.
Will it be with rosehip or cabbage?
The nature trail will help you find your way around the cottage settlement, just follow its green markings on trees and fences and you won’t miss anything important. In Hrabal’s cottage, visit a small museum about his life. The writer bought the house with his first royalty for himself and his 25 semi-wild cats, commemorated by the wooden statues at the nearby bus stop.
Continue exploring the settlement. You can discover the St. Joseph spring, which locals call Kerka, buy a souvenir at the Kuba Forest Studio (a ceramic cat, of course, what else did you expect?) and listen to excerpts from Hrabal’s books thanks to the poetry machine in front of the studio. Just make sure you get that lunch. Where else but the legendary Hájenka. Having boar with rosehip sauce or with cabbage is both Sophie’s choice. The clever ones make an agreement with their loved one, each order a different option and swap halfway through the meal.
Don’t go straight away when you get back!
Don’t you believe the way back will be faster? You’ll be sailing down the Elbe. Cross the lock again and get ready for further exploration after arriving in Čelákovice. There’s more than enough to go around. For example, the Toušeň Spa and Přerov nad Labem open-air museum, and with children you simply have to go to the Mirakulum Park. You can discuss your plans with your loved ones over some spicy appetisers from Habanero Mexican Grill right at the rental shop.
