Guess where I was!

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Take a wild guess where I was yesterday! Come on just guess! Think of a city in the Czech Republic. I wasn't in Brno, at least for most of the day. Have a place in mind? Were you thinking Znojmo? You weren't! Shocking! Robert and Lenka Kubiček took Bethany and I down to the little town of Znojmo (Z-noy-mo) for the day. It is a one and a half hour bus ride south. In fact it is so far south that the national park and one castle that belong to Znojmo actually spill over into Austria. The city built a series of cellars and underground tunnels that during the 30 years war when the Swedes were about to invade Znojmo, the residents moved down into them. The Swedes came into the town and saw smoke coming from the houses (connected to the tunnels) and thought it was a city of ghosts so they left. That trick only worked once, they were taken over by the Swedes a few years later. The tunnels and system was built on to over the next several hundred years but somehow during the 20th century they were forgotten about until cars and buses started falling as the tunnels collapsed. Now it is the main tourist attraction for the city. We walked all over town. Looked at several of the churches and looked on at the five couples getting married yesterday (not all at once). There is the first castle of the Prymslid princes there, although we did not go in. We did climb the clock tower which had both Bethany and I very uptight. The small metal spiral staircase going up for most of it was a little wobbly. Then came the step, almost a ladder really, wooden staircase that creaked and gave with each step. The scariest part was at the top. Once you get to the top you are in a dark wooden ally around the tower. Each step the wood gives considerably making me think that we are going to fall though at any moment. Along each wall are a series of shutters that you open to get a view. The wind was blowing so strong it would slam some of the shutters closed. An old woman has the job of watching the tourists and was so excited to have two American's up in her clock tower. She couldn't speak English, only Czech and German. I didn't admit to speaking any German as most of it is gone. Despite that she followed us around and chatted away in Czech telling us about everything we could see out the windows. Thankfully there are signs in English that say what the major buildings are, not that that always helped. Bethany and I were amazed that she could make the climb up the tower everyday. Znojmo is also known as a major vineyard area. Bethany decided to buy a present for Jana's dad of some local wine. Robert likes his alcohol so he took us to this funny little wine cellar where they tried the local specailty.

It was a long day and we were glad to get on the bus and be a couple rows behind Robert and Lenka. Making conversation can get so tiresome, especially when their English is not so good. Although I find myself easily slipping back into Czechlish. What is that you ask? Well it is Czech and Englsih combined in a most strange way. You speak slowly so each word is distinct. When you know the Czech word you throw that in, and you speak English but with Czech grammer. It also helps to speak with a Czech accent.

On our way home we stopped at Bila grocery store. Oh the joys of shopping in Europe! I was able to order at the counter and be understood! That was cool! I love the huge variety of juices they have. I rarely drink juice except over here. I got strawberry! I also love that all the sweet treats like cookies and chocolate come with coconut varieties! I'm in heaven! Coconut wafers and strawberry juice and garlic cream and rohliks - what more do you need?? Oh! smoked cheese whips! Yum.

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Photos

Znojmo!
That's right, the great town of Znojmo

Czech lady
This is the lady that watches the top of the clock tower and followed Beth and I around explaining everything in Czech. So helpful!

Tasting the wine
Bethany scrutinizing the local specialty

Comments

[spud]

Great pics
A very nice addition to your blog!! Does Bethany know that her pic was in your blog?? I think that one needed permission!!!!!She looks like she has already had too much to drink! And coconut for YOU! YUM! What a wonderful day for you both. Very interesting. Can't wait to see all your pictures. I will look forward to hearing some Czechlish, although I will be impresed. See as much as you can. Tell Bethany to stick to fruit juice!! Love you both!