Brno, Short Visit

Brno is the second-largest city in the Czech Republic, the capital of Moravia, the eastern region of the Czech Republic. The journey from Prague typically takes around 2.5 to 3 hours.

I came here for several hours, just to check how the city looks like, without any prepared plan. People claim that in comparison with Prague, Brno offers a quieter, more youthful experience with a strong local identity. And I would agree with this popular opinion.

Streets in Brno blend historic charm with modernity, reflecting the city's unique atmosphere. So, there are many narrow cobblestone streets and more modern wider streets. 

To observe  a stunning view of the city center and the surrounding areas I climbed the the Old Town Hall Tower (Stará radnice). So, from the top I could enjoy a panoramic view of Brno, including the nearby Špilberk Castle and the iconic Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul.

My next stop was the Spilberk Castle, located on a hill in the heart of Brno, which is a historic fortress dating back to the 13th century. The hill itself provides a scenic vantage point, making it a popular spot for both history lovers and those seeking a beautiful view of the city.

Honestly, Brno, while charming in many ways, did not quite meet my expectations. The city felt quieter and less vibrant than I had imagined, with fewer things to do compared to the hustle and bustle of larger cities. The mix of modern and historic architecture was interesting, but some areas felt a bit underdeveloped and not as well-maintained as I hoped.

I believe, Brno definitely has a lot to offer, and giving it another try could reveal more of its hidden gems. So, I would need to come back here one day. 

Pardubice, Horse Racing

The Great Pardubice Steeplechase was first held in 1874. Since then, it has become one of the oldest and most prestigious steeplechase horse races in Europe. The race covers a distance of around 6.9 kilometers, and it demands both stamina and jumping ability from the participating horses.

So, I came to this event quite unexpectedly. My colleague had a spare ticket there. It was a unique chance to obtain a new experience for me.

People are coming here not only to watch horses, but also to earn money on betting. I do not know how others were choosing their favourites, but I paid attention to the horses' names and numbers :-) I had many bets and sometimes my strategy worked, but at the end I was in minus.

While watching horse races I felt a range of emotions, including excitement, anticipation, adrenaline, because I could witness the competition and the speed of the horses, and I also felt sorry for them, when they fall down or did not finish.

It is absolutely thrilling to have a bet and to see if your horse finished the first. To be more relaxed about losing money I would recommend to drink beer and eat some sausages.

Before the main race you can watch the participants one more time and decide for yourself, who might become a winner. My favourite was number 4, Lodgian Whistle. He was one of the leaders during the race, but unfortunately, the last 100 metres before finish he got tired and took only the 6th place.

Horse racing in Pardubice turned out to be the amazing experience for me, I have lost money on betting (all in all, around 500 crowns), but I was extremely excited. Next year I would love to repeat it.