Instead, I found myself in the Baroque church of St. Michael.  Somewhere in another room, a chorus of monks belted out medieval chants.  I explored the hallways of the adjoining gothic-vaulted seminary, taking in the large saintly paintings on the walls & pieta sculptures tucked into corners. That's when I noticed a sign, guiding me to the church tower.  A sucker for views,  I started the climb, amazed that there was no entrance fee. Within a few steps the circular stone staircase became pitch black.  I hesitated, unsure if I should trudge forth.  This is the kind of adventure, I thought, that I'd never have in other European cities.  There are no such pathways or stairways that haven't been completely sterilized for the tourist.  Except in Olomouc.  I lifted my right foot & began the blind climb. [ Next: Page 11 ]

Though the view from St. Michael's bell tower was not as commanding as from St. Moritz, I loved the haphazard
not-ready-for-tourists feel of this place.  Boards creaked under my feet & I had to step over large beams to walk around the
empty bell tower.  On my way back down, still in the dark, I briefly lost my balance & braced my hand against the wall to
stabilize myself.  When I did, I slapped on a light switch, illuminating the entire stairwell.  I was glad I hadn't found it on my
way up, that I'd mustered up the courage to make a go of it in the dark.  It made it all the more rewarding.

Written By: David Farley of New York City, NY  |  Location: Olomouc, Czech Republic  |  Photographs By: GEOhype, Alaska
Photographed while on assignment for StudentTraveler Magazine  |  Web Site: www.PHOTOhype.com