That's what the "bus crew" told us as we began to make our way to Brno, a university town in the Czech Republic. So I may not have been able to read anything other than "zmrzlina" (ice cream) or follow along in a conversation, but you don't always need language to understand other humans, at least, such was my experience.
Libor was awaiting us at the bus stop when Matthew and I arrived on a bus from Vienna. At that point, I had no idea how much I would love the country, or the people who live there. We spent a day in Brno, sightseeing and being fed large amounts of food by Libor's grandfather. Brno was like a little Vienna, and that's probably the best I can explain it.
The next day I got to see Libor and Matthew's respective universities, of which there are 12 scattered about the city. Afterwards, we made our way to Libor's hometown, which I won't even attempt to spell here. We spent the evening at a local pub eating freshly grilled fish (skewered whole and thrown on the grill - the best way to eat fish!) and drinking beer.
To preface the next day (Saturday) I'll say that Matthew and I had talked about what the food would be like, as he's been there several times. I told Libor I didn't want his family making anything special for me, basically meaning that I wouldn't mind eating meat, if that's what was being served. Matthew told me to beware - Libor's family has a lot of rabbits... rabbits that do not serve as pets; an fact that made Matthew uneasy, but got me excited. And so I told Libor there was one thing I wanted to do while I was visiting: help kill a rabbit for a meal. And so now I am known as the American vegetarian who gets excited about killing rabbits.
I awoke the next day to my favorite breakfast of bread and spreads. Before I had fully digested my meal, it was time for the butchering. Libor's mom gave me her red sweater, as an indication that it would be wise to wear something red. I also got an apron. "This could be a real murder," Libor tells me. What have I gotten myself into...?
We went to Libor's grandfather, who had prepared everything for the American vegetarian rabbit killer, and followed him into the area where the rabbits are kept. So I'll jump to the chase: I didn't kill the rabbit. Everything went so fast and I wasn't quite sure what I was supposed to be doing (Libor's family and I don't have a common spoken language) so I just watched. I can't lie, I was slightly relieved not to have to kill the rabbit when it came down to it, but it was really interesting watching his grandfather kill, skin and gut the rabbit that would become a very delicious dinner (thanks to Hannah, Libor's mom). His hands worked with such confidence, ease and skill; I was impressed, to say the least. So I didn't need the red sweater or the apron after all, but I still experienced something that most people from the city won't.
The trip was exactly what I was needing, after beginning to get fed up with Vienna and all the frowning. Even though we didn't speak the same language, Libor's family communicated interest and love to me. They did everything they could to make me feel at home, and at home I felt. I left, not only feeling a rekindled love for human spirit, but also with some homemade jam, honey and home-crocheted baby hat for my cousin's newborn.
Needless to say, it was wonderful to see two friends who I haven't seen in two years. I had a great time with them, and am happy to know that I will be only a few hours away from them for the next year. Thanks, Libor and Matthew, for a fantastic few days.
At this point in the trip, they would still amuse me by smiling for the camera
Slowly becoming unsure of my picture taking...
View from Libor's house. Bottom right: Libor's Opa and dog
Hanna and Matthew drinking Pivo
Grilld fish at the pub
I spy, I spy, with my little eye...
Last day: fed up with my picture taking
