Chateau Sobotine

Phew what a day of busy-ness. Marketa and her mum headed out early to have their manicures and Tomáš and I had a leisurely breakfast before Marketa returned to collect us, from there on in it was full speed ahead until we returned to the family cottage here in Loucna a short while ago.

First stop was the stunning Chateau Sobotine, the venue for tomorrow's wedding. My blip is taken from the building where the wedding party will be held. We will first lunch in the grand dining hall in the Chateau. Tomáš and Marketa also have their wedding apartment in the Chateau. We spent a couple of hours decorating the tables and preparing the oil lamps for the balcony before viewing the wedding apartment. The chateau fell in to disrepair many years ago but five years ago was bought and a major renovation began. As far as possible they have used pictures to recreate reproduction furniture and fittings, and it is very grand indeed! The wedding apartment is baroque in style but with an ultra modern bathroom complete with sauna and hot tub!

We decided to lunch in the Chateau, whew such delicious food and first class service. The larger than life executive chef came to our table to say he was presenting us with his signature dessert on the house: Belgian chocolate sprinkled with edible gold.....it bodes well for the food tomorrow!

Then we were off to pick up some last minute shopping in the very pleasant town of Sumperk with Tomáš and Marketa greeting several wedding guests on the Main Street. Tomáš has been introducing me as his British Mother, love it.

From there we drove to Tomáš's home village of Ruda nad Moravou to meet with the priest at the church and to do some decoration. A local choir and orchestra were practising above and it made for a festive occasion. Marketa's friend arrived to do the flowers and she wove magic with collected autumn leaves, cut flowers, woody stems and ribbon. We also walked up the hill to the cemetery to light a candle and lay flowers for Tomáš's mum. I am very aware and very honoured that I am stand-in British mum tomorrow and, although I am not religious, I believe Jana will be with us and proud of her son.

We were off once more to pick up final bits and pieces before saying goodbye to Marketa as she spends her pre wedding night with her parents. She was very tired and had to stop!

And now to bed and a full cultural day tomorrow!