When the university rektor invited me to a dinner for all university employees, it wasn't like I could say no.  My colleague and office mate, a lawyer and social worker told me, "it's semi-formal, a short black dress and heels will be fine," I had my first heart palpitations. Then she told me we'd arrive... Continue Reading →

I'm finding that anyone who's been to, or is thinking about going to, the Czech Republic, has never heard of Ostrava. Rick Steves doesn't mention it. When you Google it, you're nearly always redirected to Prague. When I talk to Czechs and tell them I'm going to Ostrava or that I love it here, they... Continue Reading →

One day on a walk along the river heading south out of town, I happened upon a castle.  Yep, just like that.  This is no Prague Castle with towering spires and turrets.  This is a good old-fashioned 1297 guard-the-waterways-from-the-Poles kind of castle.  So it looks a little more like a fort than a traditional castle.... Continue Reading →

My landlord/research colleague, Monika, is kindly loaning me her mountain bike for the remainder of the cycling season. I took the path along the Ostravice river south for about 15 miles down to Frýdek-Místek and back again.  I would argue this is possibly the nicest bike path I've ever been on. The path is basically level,... Continue Reading →

When Ostrava University helped me find a flat, I was told about this perfect place that had everything I needed, was close to the city center and to my office, and the price was right.  And at the very end of the message was this:  "...and it comes with a companion animal, Tobi!" Not what... Continue Reading →

Less than a week after my arrival, after staying up late dealing with a broken water pipe and getting up at the crack of dawn to stand in line at the Foreign Police office, I participated in an international conference.  I was completely exhausted and the conference went until 9pm - but it was also... Continue Reading →

Just as I was starting to feel a little settled, 4 days into my stay, the ceiling in my kitchen started dripping - a lot.  Then I opened the bathroom door and water came rushing out - it was literally raining.  It was a late, late night helping my landlord clean up and limit the... Continue Reading →

Somehow I made it to Ostrava with broken wheels on my big suitcase.  It was a 3.5 hour train ride from Prague.  I upgraded to a mid-class where I got a reserved window seat and my own power outlet for a total of $22 USD. I think I'll be able to afford travel around the... Continue Reading →

I have not traveled alone since Peace Corps to Africa nearly 30 years ago.  I'm excited, nervous, and both ready and not ready.  I will live in Ostrava, Czech Republic, which is off the beaten path for tourists in Moravia-Silesia, about 15 minutes from the Polish border.  I will collaborate with faculty from Ostrava University... Continue Reading →