As my time here in the Czech Republic draws to a close, my calendar is fuller and fuller. Last week I spoke at the University of Ostrava, where I had a terrific turnout of faculty members and administrators interested in e-learning and although I was scheduled to meet with the group for 90 minutes, the session lasted for over two hours because of the great conversation. (Really, it wasn’t because I wouldn’t shut up.) 

Getting there was a breeze because the “new” (in use less than a year) Pendolino trains run between Prague and Ostrava and take only three and a half hours each way. Although the carriages are comfortable and the ride is smooth, the Pendo is known mostly for breaking down in the middle of nowhere. Apparently when these trains were initially put into service there were some “software problems” and so the passengers were never quite sure when they’d arrive at their destination. (I once saw a cartoon that showed a guy walking along the railroad tracks and the conductor leaned out of the train to say, “Why don’t you take the Pendolino?” The man replied, “Not today – I’m in a hurry!”) Anyway, I’ve taken the Pendo several times now without incident, but it will take a while before people forget its bad start. 

The countryside in the eastern part of the country is quite lovely – all farms and small villages amid rolling hills. I finally asked someone what this crop is because I was so taken with the bright yellow blooms. It’s rapeseed (similar to canola) grown mostly for the oil it produces.  Apparently it is cultivated in the US, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen it in bloom like this. (Sorry for the blurriness, but they refused to stop the train so I could take a better picture.)

From Ostrava I journeyed to Krakow, Poland.  (I was scheduled to speak in Bratislava the following Monday, so it didn’t make sense to go all the way back to Prague for only two days.)  I read recently that Krakow is “the new Prague” which probably means that tourists are discovering it, although it might simply have been an indication of terrible restaurant service.  The town square feels a bit like Prague with sidewalk cafes, horse-drawn carriages, street musicians, and plenty of tourists! Here are a few scenes from the central part of town.

The surrounding streets are mostly shops and restaurants (another way it’s like Prague) and I laughed when I saw one shop called “Oh, Calcutta!” that – oddly enough – sold clothing.  Surrounding the central part of town is a greenbelt area, known as the Planty.

From the central square I walked up to Wawel Castle (pronounced VAH-vel) where I took this shot of the chapel...

... and this one of one of the castle gates. (The statue at the lower right is a man on a horse, with his hand -- holding his hat -- in the air.)

Rather than making this too long, I’ll split my travelogue in two and continue the saga in the next blog entry: “If it’s Monday, This Must be Bratislava.”