Round and Square: Czech Republic

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Showing posts with label Czech Republic. Show all posts

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Lederhosen Pug—Bavarian (Bohemian) Forest

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One year ago on Round and Square (7 May 2012)—Primary Sources: Playing Ball
Two years ago on Round and Square (7 May 2011)—Endings: Remembering Mr. Shawn's New Yorker

[a] Lederpug RF

What is the use of running when you are on the wrong road?

—Bavarian Proverb

No worries, though—my name is Lederhosen Pug, and I know the way (知道).

And when I trot to the border of our friends in the Czech Republic, I have to cross through some pretty formidable forests.

These aren't just a little copse off in the countryside, people. These are big, thick, and old. It may not quite be Heart of Darkness dense, but they are impressive (and a little bit scary, even for a tough little Bavarian pug like me).

On our side, we call it the Bavarian Forest. Over across the border, it's the Bohemian Forest. All I know is that even the bark beetle (which has done a devastating job on the beautiful territory) can't eat away the deep, secluded wonders of these forests.

Yes, the Black Forest over to the southeast is something special, but Grandma Pug used to tell me stories about strange beings in the forest that would make the Brothers Grimm run for cover.

I stick to the main roads. I know the way.

Pug Wary; Pug Sensible (Pug Scared).

[c] Stay on the path, Pug RF

[Originally posted on July 8, 2014]

Saturday, July 5, 2014

Lederhosen Pug—Friends and Neighbors

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One year ago on Round and Square (4 May 2012)—La Pensée Cyclique: Mulan Granet (f)

Two years ago on Round and Square (4 May 2011)—Seinfeld Ethnography: Mr. Bookman

[a] Lederpug RF

What is the use of running when you are on the wrong road?

—Bavarian Proverb

No worries, though—my name is Lederhosen Pug, and I know the way.

Today, I know the way to the Bavarian border(s). You see, this great landmass borders a number of independent nations, including the Czech Republic to the west, Switzerland to the southwest, and Austria to the southeast.

[b] Borderlands RF

I should also note that it borders several German states, too, but that is another post for another day.

Let's take a look at the map.

And here's the fascinating thing about it all. These days, Bavarians can trot on into the Czech Republic, Austria, and Switzerland (as well as a whole passel of other EU nations) with no more hassle than an American has driving out of Indiana and into Ohio on I-70.

Give credit to the Schengen Area, and the flow of ideas and goods that it enables.

We generally like our neighbors...until it comes to international fußball. Then all neighborly comity goes out the window.

Pug-snort.

[c] Lake Constance RF

[Originally posted on July 5, 2014]