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Czech Culture

Anything about the local culture.

Tourism in Moravia

Posted 16 August, 2010 - 12:47 by Dardac

Hi guys,

I don't know if I'm posting this in the right place. So apologies in advance.

I'ld like to know someone that it is working in the Tourism business.

Since I've arrived in Brno I've the feeling that the Tourism Business in Moravia it is not much develop and I think it could be a bit more than now. But again this is just a personal feeling.

I am interested in this business because I think that Moravia has a good potential, somehow, maybe I'ld to work in this sector here one day but before I'ld like to know how is being developed. Also I would like to make it clear, I'm not looking for a job with this post I've one already and I'm happy with it, just happens that I find the tourism business quite interesting.

Well, so anyone of you works in this business, or anyone can give me his/her point of view I will really appreciate it. Also If u don't feel to post anything but instead you would like to meet for some talk and drink some fresh beers, just let me know

Cheers!

Names

Posted 28 January, 2010 - 00:09 by mod

I was looking for an office in Kralove Pole last week and scanning the doorbell panel I came across "Vitamvasova" as a surname for those of you who don't know Vitam vas means I welcome you in Czech so I was astonished to find out it was a real surname.

Others I've come across include my mother in law's maiden name which was "Nejizchlebova" (sp might not be spot on) which means something like doesn't eat bread or "Skocdopole" which means means jump into the field.

Anybody else come across any wacky Czech names?

4 comments

Czech Christmas Traditions

Posted 18 December, 2009 - 14:35 by mod

Here's a crash course in some of the stuff the locals get up to at this time of year. Carp, cakes,church they're all here.

http://www.czech.cz/en/current-affairs/cultural-heritage/czech-christmas...

Bar Etiquette

Posted 25 November, 2009 - 11:04 by mod

One thing which newcomers to the Czech Republic sometimes find a little difficult to get their heads round is the "honour" system operated in most pubs.

That is drinking on a tab and then paying when the session comes to an end or you leave early. Drinkers from the UK find it particularly strange as we are used to going to the bar, ordering and definitely paying as we drink

Occasionally, especially when there is a large group, or people come and go during the evening the tab can get a bit complicated and payment at the end of the night can get a bit tricky.

So, if you are out drinking in a large group (at a Brno Expats meet up for example ) don't forget to pay your share of the tab especially if you leave early. It's easy to forget especially if you are not used to the system.

Cheers!

1 comment

New Wine

Posted 10 November, 2009 - 10:17 by mod

Today 11.11 is St Martin's day on the Czech calendar and traditionally sees the launch of this year's St Martin's wine the Czech equivalent of Beaujolais Nouveau. In restaurants all over town and indeed the country you will see Svatomartinska Vina being cracked open.

No means Yes

Posted 16 October, 2009 - 08:54 by bridboy

I know it's language really but have you noticed how Czechs use the shortened form of ANO (YES) "NO" especially in agreement in conversation.

So, if you over hear a phone conversation and all you can hear is NO,NO,NO,.... and you think things are going badly don't be surprised to find everything is fine and dandy at the end of the call

2 comments

Pig Killing

Posted 30 September, 2009 - 16:59 by bridboy

The tradition of keeping a pig at home and fattening it up for an autumn kill has a very long tradition in Central Europe. As a teacher I spent many years winding up my Czech students by telling them that this pig killing or "zabijacka" as it is known would be outlawed under EU regulations. They used to scream at me that this pig killing party was an integral part of Czech culture and would never be surrendered.

Well it seems like it nearly happened last week but the Brussels bureaucrats gave the tradition a reprive. So for now carry on squealing,slitting, draining etc.

Actually from the pig's point of view it is supposed to be a very stress free end to its life.

BTW If you are ever invited to a "zabijacka" go along by all means it's really interesting but be prepared to see a butcher at work.

Read the full story here:

http://www.radio.cz/en/article/120728

Burcak

Posted 7 September, 2009 - 10:44 by bridboy

One of the highlights of the Moravian calendar has come around again the first sign of autumn in fact, it's burcak ( pron burchak)time!

If you are in Brno city centre you will see this yellowish liquid being sold from stalls on street corners. For the uninitiated burcak is grape juice sold in it's first stages of fermentation.

It can be delightful, tasty and refreshing. I had my first burcak of the year yesterday on a visit to a wine cellar in the Palava hills and it was great.

However beware burcak is deceptive it isn't fruit juice and needs to be handled with care from the consumption and storage point of view. Avoid buying or drinking any burcak which appears grey in colour or too cloudy. "Bad" burcak can have immediate and severe effects on your digestive system

Also, as it is still fermenting it needs to be stored correctly and consumed withing a day or two of purchase. Believe me you don't want a bottle of burcak exploding in your kitchen. (

Read more here in this Radio Prague archive article, Nazdravi!

http://www.radio.cz/en/article/58148

3 comments

Czech Foodies?

Posted 23 August, 2009 - 12:36 by mod

The Czech authorities are hoping to promote tourism and Czech cusine by recognising particular pubs and restaurants which excel different local spe cialities.

Czech Football

Posted 24 July, 2009 - 09:34 by mod

Despite the latest in what appears to be a never ending series of corruption scandals the new Czech football season gets underway today and throughout the weekend.

Brno start away on Monday in a televised game against newly promoted Bohemians 1905 and the following weekend have an attractive fixture at home to current champions Slavia Prague.

Below is a link to Sam Beckwith's excellent Czech Football Daily. If you don't speak or read Czech it's a great way of keeping up with all the latest developments in the domestic game.

http://prague.tv/czech-football/