Mikulov

Going to Mikulov was really the first experience I've had here where I could see why people fall in love with Europe. Up until now it's been city after city, packed with tourists and buildings and trams and smoke. Which has its own charm, true, and cities are amazing things to see. But for a girl who grew up in rural Cache Valley, surrounded by mountains and fields and cows and space, it's not home. Mikulov, and Southern Moravia in general, spoke to me because it's so much more real. Real people work there, live there, raise families there. And it's beautiful. 

Mikulov is about 45 minutes from Brno by bus, and right on the border between the Czech Republic and Austria. From the hills, you can see into Austria, it's that close. The Southern Moravian region is known for its grapes and wine making (vinification), so the whole area is rich with vineyards. 

The castle (which is now a museum because the inside has been destroyed by fire twice) is surrounded by beautiful gardens, including rose gardens that are probably breathtaking in the summer. We made do with the brilliantly colored Autumn leaves. 

I went with two girls, Ivona and Ivana. Mikulov is Ivona's hometown, and she worked as a guide in the castle for several years, so we got all the insider information. Also free entry to a lot of places. Like the wine cellar. 

You can hike up the hill near Mikulov, and it has a gorgeous view of the city and surrounding regions. It helped that it was a beautiful day, and the sun was shining for the first time in a week. 

All in all, the trip was wonderful. It was only a day, but it was perfect, and just what I needed to be reminded that maybe I can love this place after all.