BRNO - The City Of Contrasts, Czech Republic

Note: The author's views are entirely his or her own and may not reflect the views of RetoxMagazine.com

BRNO – the city of contrasts (not only in drink prices)

Brno panorama

Brno - the second most important city in Czech Republic. Image by Erik Redli.

Brno is the second most important city in Czech Republic with its population slightly over 400,000. It is situated in the south-east region of Morava, known for being a nation of its own within the country. Sports fans joke that if Morava separated from Czechs (like Slovakia did in 93), they would claim all three medals at the ice hockey Championship.

City Of Contrasts

I arrived to Brno from London and could not help, but see it as a city of contrasts. While pilot was circuiting over the airport, I realised that at night most cities look like Las Vegas. But indeed, Brno is a bit different than the Western metropolis.

Brno Airport, Czech Republic Kofola beer

Brno Airport, Czech Republic (left) and Kofola beer (right). Images by Erik Redli.

Healthier And Cheaper Alternative(s)

A bottle of Kofola - a non-alcoholic refreshment unique to Czech and Slovakia. The traditional recipe is similar to Coke, but contains less sugar and more herbal extracts, which adds a typical taste. A little bit of a healthier caffeine boost, drunk by everyone who can't or won't have beer, another Czech export. Brno is a very drink-friendly city thanks to the cheap prices at pubs and its low rates of crime.

I do not want to promote only cheap drinks, therefore I'll give you another example involving a hot-dog. In Luton a hot-dog will set you back by £4.50, compared to 12 Czech crowns in Brno, which is approximately 50p. Czechs still pay in Czech Crowns. They even have a 50-crown coin, which is approximately £1.75. FYI "Parek v rohliku" stands for "sausage roll".

Ginger Cakes, Czech Republic Hot-dog prices

Ginger cakes on sale right next to McDonalds (left) and hot-dog prices (right). Images by Erik Redli.

I am not going to describe the colouring of the bohemian streets, keep it for Prague. Instead look at these traditional ginger cakes on sale right next to McDonalds.

Legends of the pop music and footwear

Here are two music legends. Michael Jackson and Karel Gott – the "divine Charles" is adored not only by the Czech, but also in Germany. Gott stands for "God" in German.

Karel Gott, Czech Republic Bata

"Karel Gott and Michael Jackson are adored by the Czech" (left). Bata - biggest shoe sellers in former Czechoslovakia (right). Images by Erik Redli.

Bata started as a small cobbler in the early 20th century and gradually developed into one of the biggest shoe sellers in former Czechoslovakia. His shoes are good, but overshadowed by the commercial brands.

Trams, cathedral of two saints and the judiciary

Brno's transport in the centre is operated by trams and buses connecting the city with the suburbs.

Brno trams, Czech Republic Bata

Brno trams (left). Brno clock (right). Images by Erik Redli.

This strange statue is to be found at the Namestie Slobody. When asked about what I think it was, my guesses were a space ship and a vibrator. Actually it is nicknamed 'vibrator', but indeed it's a clock.

Brno Cathedral, Czech Republic

Brno Cathedral, Czech Republic. Image by Erik Redli.

Late-baroque neo-gothic cathedral of St Peter and St Paul. I was curious why the cathedral is named after two saints and therefore asked one of the monks walking towards me. He explained that it is because their festive day is 29th of June and the saints were most probably executed on the same day.

Although all institutions are located in the capital Prague, Brno is the house of judiciary. You can come across constitutional, highest and whatever court you can think of at one square mile. I did not have time to explore more of the city, but definitely, one day I will come back – and not only because of the cheap prices.

RECENT STORIES

Create a Record Cover with London’s Salvador Dali of Rave

Junior will sketch out an idea for a record cover or an A4 poster and will create…

Have you tried to freeze your own hair?

Once the hair is frozen with lots of frost and ice build-up, which happens in around…

The Famous Abbey Road of London

Explore the London's iconic Abbey Road zebra crossing, why it's so famous and which…

Top 9 Virtual Beach Travel Destinations

Top travel destinations to watch while you're quarantined...

How to cut your own hair during the Coronavirus pandemic

With hair salons closed in many countries during the coronavirus lockdown we are…

Facial Hair Styles During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Facial hair is a hot topic during the coronavirus pandemic with individuals, organisations…

Crazy: Attempts to Escape the Coronavirus Lockdowns

Would you rent a private jet or buy a boat and do a crash course in sailing?

Coronavirus: Bog Roll Bandits - toilet paper theft during Covid-19 outbreak

Shameless thieves stealing toilet paper - a crime picking up in several countries.…

Frieze Sculpture in Regent’s Park 2019

Frieze Sculpture returns to London's Regent’s Park showcasing artworks of over 20…

Bucharest: 5 superb ideas for things to do in the Romanian capital

Top things to do on a long weekend break in Bucharest, including tips and photos!…