BRNO - The City Of Contrasts, Czech Republic

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

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 (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 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 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 (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. 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.