Peter's Blog

I’m reading, rather listening as I have an audiobook, “Gottland” by Mariusz Szczygieł. It’s about interesting people and facts from Czech Republic. Unfortunately, despite it has been translated into many languages, English is not one of them. Really good read. I’ve learned about many things from Czech culture I’ve got no idea before. First story from the book is about Bata’s family and begins with description of life of Tomas Bata. Great entrepreneur. And as I don’t like people of business, I found them shallow and greedy, Mr. Bata and his family is really interesting. He was not only a businessman, but also a visionary and patriot. Thanks to him and his successors Zlin flourished and so did people of Zlin, and rest of Czech Republic as well.

So I’ve decided to make a trip to his hometown and to see what survived from his empire after WWII and Soviet’s occupation. There is still this big shoe store with walls made of glass, quite impressive. And there is Bata’s museum. There is one story in the book about Bata which I don’t like very much. Bata had big factory and was producing shoes on mass scale, so many shoemakers gone bankrupt as they couldn’t compete with Bata’s prices. One of such people when lost all his money committed suicide along with his wife and child. But before he did it he sent his workshop to Mr. Bata with a letter that he has ruined him. Tomas Bata wasn’t very touched apparently and ordered to place this workshop in the museum with description “that’s how shoes were made before me”. I think I’ve found it in the museum and you can see it below.

There is another story about Bata which I’ve learned when I was studying Management at University. He sent two employees to Africa to find out if there is market for shoes. After some time two telegrams came. First said “Nobody here wears shoes, absolutely no market”, second was “Nobody here wears shoes, big opportunity. Send shoes asap!”. It was real pleasure to see the place where he operated.

Within past three months I was called couple of times by my ISP’s (UPC) representatives. They offered me to change my Internet plan from 15Mb/s to 10, of course price would be lowered by 80-100 CZK, but I’ve declined it as I prefer to have faster than cheaper connection. Last call wast a little offensive as guy when I’ve declined his offer became angry and was very close to call me an idiot (at least it’s my feeling). He was trying to daunt me saying that they’re planning to lower rates for everybody in my block anyway, so I would stay paying more for the same what everybody else got. I’ve refused it as I got my contract signed for certain speed. But on Friday they’ve called me again and offered 25Mb/s for 25 CZK more (around 1.20 USD), obviously I’ve accepted it and since Saturday I’m enjoying higher speed. Don’t let anybody fool you, if you have a contract it’s obligatory for both sides, not only you.

Today I’ve received a call from my ISP, the lady who was talking with me offered me to change my current plan 15 Mb/s to new one 10Mb/s. She really made my day better. Still laughing when I think of it.

Just for the record, of course I’ve declined this “lucrative” offer:)

Last Sunday in Prague was fantastic! It’s amazing city with a lot of places worth seeing. A little overcrowded, but still has it’s feel. See the pictures!

Some time ago I’ve mentioned that I’m going to start writing posts about Czech cuisine. Well, I didn’t forgot about it. But there is someone who is already doing that and is doing it good. So there is no place for me I believe:(

Check this amazing blog of American guy who lives in Prague and is writing about food (not only Czech):
Czech Please

I’m eating Czech cuisine everyday, and happily everyday it’s something new. Today I have eaten Hermelin. It’s mildew cheese. If you like this kind of food you must try it. It’s better than French ones, well in my opinion of course. When I was at the supermarket I saw Hermelin which was grilled, it can be good. Worth trying:)

This post is starting the series “Peter – discoverer of the ancient…” Wait, no. “Peter – discoverer of Czech cuisine”. Yes, that’s good:)

Cheers!

Yesterday I’ve watched new Indiana Jones. As a big fan of this movie I was a little afraid about new one. Harrison Ford is not young, and to be adventurer with a hat and a whip you must be really healthy. But as Hollywood has best stunt men ever, it was pretty fun to watch Mr. Jones running and jumping most of time. Story is rather simple and, as it is always in such movies, naive. So, we have a Russians, no no Germans this time:), who are looking for ancient city where are crystal skulls which would give big power to the one who posses it. I mean sidekick power. Everybody are seeking this town and it’s quite interesting to watch them doing it. Movie is very quick and you have no time to think for too long, and that’s good, because if you would… Well, this movie is not to thinking about story, but to watch special effects and action. Hough!

Oh, and I must say a word about new character in the movie. Young man who is assisting Indy in his journey. I don’t think I like this actor, as he was main character in Transformers (stupid movie). But he was alright in Crystal Skull. And he is also a little surprise, well I knew this almost from the beginning:), as he is… Haha, I’m not gonna tell you, watch the movie and you’ll find out.

Another thing worth to mention it, is nuclear explosion. Yes, nuclear explosion, and Indiana is in the middle of it, literally. It’s consistent with Alfred Hitchcock’s rule, which says “You must start with a big bang, and keep audience excited to the end”. And new Indy is just like that! If you love such movies, I do, you must see it. If you’re looking for something which has deep and sense, better stay at home.

Did I mentioned that this skull is from space? No, so I’m telling now, it is. And I think it’s little too much. Jones is archaeologist, not ufologist. He should hunt for history, not for unreal. That’s why I’m giving Crystal Skull 9/10, not 10. But it’s still worth seeing. Only one rule, you must see it at cinema!

Finishing this post I must write that this movie is the first one I’ve seen in Czech Republic, thanks it had original audio, only Czech subtitles which weren’t much disturbing luckily.

First of all I’ll explain meaning of the word “Ahoj”. It means simply “Hi”:) Yes, I’m learning Czech. I’ve found really funny Czech word “napad” which means “idea”. It’s funny because in Polish “napad” means “attack”. So, this is a nice one:)

What can I say after three weeks of living in Czech Republic. I must say, I’m enjoying it! It’s very peaceful here. Everything has slower rhythm. And it’s very good place for people who like to see wonderful places. Near Brno (about 50 km south) is church on the island. I’ve seen it only on pictures and it’s amazing. But I’m planning to see it by my own eyes, so be prepared for photos!

Only one thing is worst than in Poland (probably there are more, but I haven’t discovered them yet, lucky me), Banks. To open a bank account in Poland you need only to fill the form on bank website and carrier would bring you all paper which you need to sign, and take it back to the bank for you. And it’s absolutely free. Also bank account is free of charges, as well as credit card and internet access to your account. In Czech you need to go to the bank, which is opened then you’re working. Provide them your passport and document that you’re employed. Also you must pay for everything. So it’s not so convenient as in Poland. But this is just one thing and is not annoying me much. Well, nothing is perfect.

Very good thing for me is that I have only 4 km from home to work. So I’m spending less on gas, in Warsaw I’ve had almost 18 km. And there is absolutely no traffic! Of course comparing to Warsaw:)

OK. That’s it for now. Stay tuned for another great news from Czech Republic. Good night, and good luck!

It have been a long time since my last post, but there were so many things do deal with… The main news for today is that I’ve became a Czech resident. I’m living in Brno from now and will work here also. I’ll try to write something more as soon as I get some experience in living here. For now take a look at my photos from Uherskie Hradiste (place I’ve spent first night in Czech) and the way to Brno.