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The Colossal Gong that Delivered Exciting TBEX Ostrava 2018

8/27/2018

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Ostrava and Rock Groups

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​Not to be Confused with the rock group, T-Rex and the Bang-a-Gong song from the 1970’s. Wondering how many of you will get that? Surely , that dates me! A big L-O-L

But there is a Colours of Ostrava Music Festival held in Ostrava every year with contemporary artists. I heard it was fun. 

The Official hashtag: #TBEXostrava2018

I was excited to be going to my first TBEX travel bloggers event all the way in Ostrava, Czech Republic. I only had been to one other travel blogger conference previously, the WITS summit in Quebec, so I didn’t know what to expect and didn’t want to compare the two as being the same. The WITS was focused on women bloggers while TBEX is open to both female and male of all ages. If I had to guess the demographics of this conference it would be that it is primarily people in the their late 20’s to early 30’s. Having said that, I can also say I met baby-boomers (in retired mode) and couples blogging together. It’s a good mix of all ages and backgrounds. Many know each other from attendance at previous TBEXs.

It was a lot to take in on two fronts; the TBEX conference itself, and the overall visit to the Czech Republic. Both were important to how I planned to develop my travel blog strategy so I decided to go into absorb-mode and sponge it all in then later find time to reflect on it and write it up to the best of my ability. I didn’t find time at all to reflect during the trip as it was a whirlwind of activity daily including the FAM tour at the end of the 3-day TBEX conference.

1-2-3 Get, Set, Ready, Go!

​But here is how I started out visiting the official conference center for TBEX called The Gong in Ostrava. It was originally a Gasometer, or a gas storage tank that had a sunken gasholder bell in the center of it. The architect repurposed this building with its round shape to create a monumentality to sound. The bell doesn’t chime but the acoustics in this building are perfect for holding large venues.

On Thursday morning July 26, I was scheduled for an external session to learn about branding a blog. Instead of taking Liftago or a taxi, I decided to take the bus to the Dolni Vitkovice area where The Gong is located. Using the IDOS app I figured it would take me about 10-15 minutes and left 20 minutes early for good measure. But I hadn’t figured out yet how to make a cross-over from one bus-tram stop to another at the Namesky Republik so when I got there I wasn’t sure to walk across the street or go under the pedestrian tunnel. It was confusing because there were no signs in English and trying to figure it out in Czech was challenging. I mention it here in anotherpost. I basically got to my class 20 minutes late (ugh!) and was embarrassed to walk in that late but the teachers for that class were accommodating and helped me fit in my introduction right away and get focused on class instruction (which was to be a half-day session) 
​When the session was done for the day I had some time to walk around the entire Gong conference center inside and out to figure out where everything was as the next day was to be the start of the conference.
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I took photos while it was still quiet with only a few people milling about getting things ready for the conference start on Friday, July 27, 2018. I also met up with another travel blogger who had requested to meet me through the official bloggers bridge website. She was from Vienna (one of my favorite places)and we talked about our goals and how we could perhaps help one another business-wise.
​After my meeting I took a walk around outside and looking up at the massively towering hunk of iron and steel overhead was mind-blowing. This HUGE, and I mean huge complex was hard to figure out just what it had once been – a coal mining factory erected by the Soviets during their occupation of the Czech Republic. It looked very communistic in terms of being foreboding, generic, and obtrusive to the landscape. Maybe that’s not an apt comparison but it just didn’t seem like something that should be in a bourgeoisie town of Ostrava especially after seeing how magical the capital of Prague is.
​But I learned that the Czech people are resourceful and very skillfully came up with this project to repurpose the coal mine into a world-class conference center. They did it cleverly too because it’s modern in the inside and they even repurposed a tall tower, the Bolt, to become a 360-degree viewing landmark for visitors renaming it after the Jamaican sprinter. 
​Other areas outside around The Gong include an open expanse for outdoor concerts and venues. A relax zone with steps up to Adirondack chairs to kick back in and chill out. I found 2 cafes on the premises, one inside and one in a separate building outside. All of this detail I explored during the 3-day weekend TBEX conference. I thought TBEX and Czech Tourism did a really fantastic job of putting it all together. It felt very professional to be there.
​On Friday the first day of the conference, I arrived early for the newcomer’s welcome speech. There were a lot of us “newbies” there, new to either TBEX or to travel blogging in general. While I wasn’t a total newbie to travel blogging (because I re-launched my site in 2018) I felt the buzz and energy of the conference to be welcoming. Everybody was friendly and I made new connections to people as we ate lunch together or attended sessions together or stayed at the same hotel. It was all good. 
​I found that they offered a lot of sessions that peaked my interest but there were conflicting times as I couldn’t do them all so I had to choose from the several that were offered. I was pleased with the ones I chose too. The last one was particularly inspiring for me as given by Yeison Kim. He had a lot of practical advice to give on how he succeeded with his travel blog. As I took notes profusely on my mac while he spoke, I realized I was getting all kinds of peripheral ideas to implement somewhere down the line for my own travel blog.
And that I think was my biggest take-away from the TBEX conference in Ostrava. It was that I had a plethora of ideas to develop and so many things to do once I got back home and sat down in my office chair. (Yes, I know some bloggers like to write on the go and manage it efficiently but my mode was to process everything and get back to my comfort zone)
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Would I recommend a TBEX conference? You bet. Especially if your new in the world of travel blogging. It’s a great way to connect with others who are doing what you do or what you want to do and just hanging out with people is fun in and of itself. I also enjoyed meeting many of the Czech Tourism people—they are young and current with trends and were so helpful with anything you could ask about their country. No topics were off-limits. In that respect I think it’s a great form of diplomacy to meet up and learn about one another’s countries. Thumbs up for me TBEX! 
This was just some of the travel bloggers from TBEX attending Cryptomania Game Night on the streets of Ostrava!!! Photo Credit: Michael Collins
This was just some of the travel bloggers from TBEX attending Cryptomania Game Night on the streets of Ostrava!!! Can you see me? Photo Credit: Michael Collins
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Best Things to See in Enchanting Kroměříž

8/27/2018

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The Great Town Square of Kromeriz

​We arrived in the town of Kroměříž, Czech Republic in the hot afternoon of a July summer sun. At first sight, the baroque-style buildings looked dainty in their pastel-hued colors surrounding the cobbled-stone town square dating from the 13th century making for an intriguing allure to want to go and explore. The Marian Column with the Virgin Mary on it stands out in the square and is a reminder of the plague that struck the town in the 1713 for 2 years. As with many Czech towns, there is much history to be discovered going back many centuries. ​
The Marian Column in the Town Square of Kromeriz, Czech Republic
Pretty Flowers Adorn the Town Square, Kromeriz, Czech Republic
Town Square with Church in background, Kromeriz, Czech Republic
The Clock Tower on the corner of the Town Square, Kromeriz, Czech Republic

Hotel La Fresca where actor Tom Hulce stayed during filming Amadeus

Hotel La Fresca, Kromeriz, Czech RepublicHotel La Fresca, Kromeriz, Czech Republic
​Before exploring, we checked into the Hotel La Fresca, a historic Hotel facing the square, with a restaurant out front serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. ​
My room was on the 3rd floor (there is a hotel elevator) facing the back, but it had a very good working air-conditioning unit over the door which I quickly turned down to cool off the room. The room was really cute, with an iron framed double-bed, desk with chair, large armoire and a separate en suite. I slept comfortably (and coolly) and found out from my FAM mates that the rooms facing the square were a bit noisier due to all-night partiers in the square. Plus those rooms didn’t have A/C but some had a bathtub. 

Chateau and Tower Tour

The next morning we were scheduled for a lot of activity in one day as is common on FAM trips. We started with a walk to the Chateau Kroměříž : Archbishop’s Palace
The Archbishop’s Château and Gardens are among the most attractive and historical places in the Czech Republic. This is evidenced by the fact that the Archbishop’s Château, the Flower Garden and the Château Garden were declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1998. In the interior courtyard and foyer entrance are some marvelous marble statues.
Statue in the courtyard of the Archbishop Chateau, Kromeriz, Czech Republic
Statue in the foyer of the Archbishop Chateau, Kromeriz
Cannon in the foyer of the Archbishop Chateau, Kromeriz, Czech Republic
Look up! Gesturing Statue in the foyer of Archbishop Chateau, Kromeriz, Czech Republic
Starting the tour of the chateau we went into the trophy hunting room where hundreds of stuffed animal heads, guns, and a large pool table are featured. This room was furnished for a meeting between the Russian Czar Alexander III and Austro-Hungarian Emperor Franz Joseph I. The room in which they held their meeting in August of 1885 was called the Czar’s room. It is done mostly in a rich burgundy color with many paintings on the wall, exquisite marble statues, diamond chandeliers, marble console tables, and intricate tapestries all lend for a lavish décor.
Deer Head Trophies, Hunting Hall, Kromeriz Chateau
Pool Table in the Hunting Hall, Kromeriz Chateau
Pair of stuffed birds on table in hunting hall, Kromeriz Chateau
Dozens of animal trophy heads in the hunting hall, Kromeriz Chateau
Pool table up close, hunting hall, Kromeriz Chateau
Gold books, Quartz stones on table in hunting hall, Kromeriz Chateau
Marble table on pedestal, Kromeriz Castle
Marble console, parquet floor, side view of Virgin Mary, Czar room, Kromeriz Castle
Virgin Mary gazing down upon you, Czar room, Kromeriz Chateau
​From the windows of the Czar room one can look out to the chateau gardens below. 
Gardens of the Kromeriz Archbishop Castle
Archbishop Gardens Kromeriz Castle
​“The painting collection of the Archbishopric of Olomouc is the second most valuable in the Czech Republic after the National Gallery in Prague.” 
Painting of the Pope, Kromeriz Castle
Painting of the Pope, Kromeriz Castle

Where scenes in the movie Amadeus were filmed

​Moving on to the next room, the Abbey or Church, one can gasp at the immense size and see the hundreds of light-blue and white chairs set up orderly. The 52-foot (16 meters) high ceiling is adorned with an intricate painting while the antique-white walls with touches of gold reflect the long hanging oversized diamond chandeliers. The floor-to-ceiling windows were open letting in a warm breeze and lots of beautiful sunlight danced around off the shiny decorations. There is a grand piano in the corner as music recitals are held here. Parts of the movie Amadeus were also filmed in this room. 

The Rooms in the Chateau

​The next rooms we visit are the “office” with a secretary desk, the Bishop’s personal bedroom displaying the Bishop’s clothing of the period and more intricately painted ceilings to remind one they should look above to the heavens. Further down is a sort of Judicial-type room where legal matters were addressed. Next was the music room, then the massive library with 4-ft tall spinning globes. After viewing this beautiful interior we headed outside making a quick stop at the chocolate shop on the bottom floor to get some quick energy before ascending the 300-steps to the medieval tower top. 
Secretary Desk
Bishop's Bed
Bishop's Garments
Ceiling in Bishop's room
Court room for legal matters
Bishop's armoire
Music room
Extensive Library
Where legal matters were decided
4-foot tall globe

Medieval Tower; a Cultural Monument in Czechia

​The views from atop the tower were breath-taking of Kromeriz and the surrounding countryside. You can walk all the way around the tower and read the plaques that orient you to which direction you are looking and what landmarks to look for. 
View above the Town Square Kromeriz
View above the Town Square Kromeriz
View down below to the courtyard of the chateau Kromeriz
Entranceway to town
Plaque with directions on what to see, Kromeriz tower
View of another church in Kromeriz
​On the way down there is a small exhibit with historical reference to the building of the tower. 
Above the history display inside the tower, Kromeriz
Window view of Kromeriz from inside the tower
History information of the Kromeriz tower
Going downstairs looking out the window to the street below, Kromeriz tower
​Back at the ground floor there is a gift shop. Standing floor posters explain the historical significance of this Moravian region as the D.O.M. which stands for Duchovni (Spiritual) Osa (Axis) of Moravy <Moravia> This axis includes the Archbishop’s Palace in Olomouc 35km away and the Archbishop’s Palace of Kromeriz. 
Spiritual Axis of Moravia - DOM
Spiritual Axis of Moravia - DOM
Sauntering outside behind to the immense Chateau gardens that span 64 hectares we hopped aboard a tram-train. There we saw trees, peacocks roaming peacefully everywhere, ponds, and small buildings with forgotten histories. There is a café with picnic tables and a children’s sandbox area. 
One of the many Peacocks & Peahens on the grounds
Chinese pagoda in the garden grounds
Our touring tram with young guide
Unusual tree that's been here for ages
The pond with lily pads
Armless, naked lady statue in the pond
Unidentified stone building on the garden grounds
Picnic tables and children's sandbox, Kromeriz, Czech
Cafe in the Archbishop Gardens, Kromeriz, Czech Republic
Then to the city hall where we saw a wall mural done by the famous local artist born in Kromeriz, Max Švabinský
MAX SVABINSKY Mural in Kromeriz City Hall
MAX SVABINSKY Mural in Kromeriz City Hall
Finally stopping for lunch at the Cerny Orel or Black Eagle, we were also given a behind-the-scenes view of this restaurants beer brewery. The owner also showed us the adjacent chocolate shop they run and gave us some delicious samples.
Cerny Orel=Black Eagle Restaurant, Brewery, Hotel, Chocolate Shop, Kromeriz, Czech Republic
Yesterka Chocolate Shop behind the Cerny Orel Restaurant, Kromeriz
Chocolates infused with herbs and spices. Yesterka Chocoloate Shop, Kromeriz
​Next up was the outdoor Archbishop Flower Gardens which is its own park. The park is designed similar to Versailles in that there are geometric patterns ornately designed with hedges and flowers and plants placed in orderly fashion. ​In the center of this awe-inspiring wonderland is a rotunda that contains a pendulum hanging from a 25-foot wire. This is another nod to the French design as you can find a similar pendulum in the Pantheon in Paris.
The Colonnade, The Flower Gardens of Kromeriz
Pathway to the Rotunda, The Flower Gardens of Kromeriz
Looking out from the terrace above the colonnade
Looking out from the terrace above the colonnade
Looking out from the terrace above the colonnade to the arcada gallery below,Kromeriz Flower Gardens
Looking out from the terrace above the colonnade to the arcada gallery below, Kromeriz Flower Gardens
That was the end of touring Kromeriz for the day. Jumping back in the van, we were headed next for Luhacovice Spa Town.
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Vizovice: Slivovitz Plum Brandy Factory

8/25/2018

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Rudolf Jelinek Brandy Factory in Vizovice

​A must see and visit is the Rudolf Jelinek Brandy Factory in the town of Vizovice. This town lies in a valley and upon entering  it looks much like you would expect from a grape-growing vineyard area much like in Italy or California. But this town doesn’t produce wine, instead plums are grown here, for this is the capital of Plum Brandy as first started in the late 1800’s. The brand is called Slivovitz (the Czech word for plums) and is famous around the world. Here you can go take a tour of the distillery, watch how Brandy and Whiskey are made, and taste a variety of flavored brandy you might not ever have imagined trying. I know because I tried several flavors since I was on an adventure. 

As we drove onto the vast orchard grounds we stopped in the midst of acres of beautiful plum trees and plucked a few right off to taste! Sweet and delicious fresh blue-purple plums now made me curious as to how the brandy would taste.
Plum trees in Vizovice, Rudolf Jelinek Plum Brandy Factory, Czechia
The vista of the valley as you drive onto the Rudolf Jelinek Brandy Factory
The vista of the valley as you drive onto the Rudolf Jelinek Brandy Factory
Vizovice region where the Rudolf Jelinek Plum Brandy Factory is
Old-fashioned Green Truck on the Rudolf Jelinek Brandy Factory grounds
Types of Plums in the Vizovice region as shown on a wall in the Rudolf Jelinek Brandy Factory

Variety of Brandy Flavors

After a brief introduction film we were given shot glasses to try of the famous brandy. Whew! It was almost 100 degrees outside, so we were already hot and thirsty, but this isn’t something you want to chug down in the heat. Sips were just fine.

Gold Cock Whiskey

We were given a private tour of the Whiskey distillery and shown 100 lockers in a room that are held by private members of the Jelinek club. It is rumored that the 100th locker is owned by Vaclav Havel. There was a special story as to how the name of the whiskey came about but I will leave it to you to find out when you visit there.
One private locker belongs to a member of the club, you can see it has plum brandy bottles in it
The interior room of the Gold Cock Whiskey with private lockers for members
Display of the Gold Cock Malt Whiskey
Room with variety of brandy on display with 2 large open vats to walk through
Walk through an open barrel formerly used in brandy production
One of the vat barrels producing Brandy in the factory
Upstairs sitting room where corporate and private guests are treated to a drink and fireplace
Upstairs sitting room where corporate and private guests are seated near display cases
View of the sitting room from the gangplank above
​Even the Jelinek production line is fascinating to watch

A Quiet Town Named Holesov

After we got our afternoon buzz we headed off to the town of Holesov which is on the boundary line of Hana and Wallachia, trade routes from medieval times. Stopping at Holesov Chateau (Castle) we viewed the expansive, yet peaceful and serene gardens of this ancient castle. 
Holesov Chateau/Castle entrance
Holesov Castle view from behind in the gardens
Holesov Castle view from behind walking in the gardens
Huge pond with ducks sunbathing at the Holesov Castle
​Around the corner from the Holesov Chateau is one of the oldest Jewish Orthodox Synagogue and Cemeteries. While other Jewish buildings in Holesov were destroyed during WWII this building stayed untouched due to what some believed was the Rabbi Shach influence. 
Rabbi Sach memorial photo
Images of sacred Tallits in a glass case
The school room above the Synagogue
The school room above the synagogue with artifacts and historical references throughout
An ancient Torah on display in the school room above the synagogue
Display case showing Jewish books in the old school room above the synagogue
​We were there when a big tourist bus full of American Jewish people was there holding a service thus we were not allowed to enter until they left. But we were given a behind-the-scenes look at the room of the Rabbi complete with ancient Torahs and manuscripts. The ceiling had the original decorative painting on it still from the 16th century. Amazing!
The Šach Synagogue in Holešov
The archway in The Šach Synagogue in Holešov
2 Jewish men conversing, one is part of a visiting group, the other was our guide
Ancient Hebrew writing on tablets on the floor of the synagogue in Holesov
​The small church itself was a sight to behold with its ancient decorations on an arched entryway. Walking across the street to the cemetery we were amazed at how old some of the tombstones looked to be. It was hard to tell since most were written in the Czech language or in Hebrew. There are around 1500 graves here. This cemetery was built in the mid-15th century and survived through the holocaust despite the Nazi occupation and the killing of 253 Jews in this city alone. Rabbi Sach is entombed here. We didn't get photos as there was a ceremony taking place but it was amazing to see this piece of important history has been kept alive and is still used to this day. 
Shot glass of Jelinek Plum Brandy
Cheers! Na zdraví!
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    Travalerie LLC is the travel company founded by Valerie Delzer in 2018. She likes easy adventuring and enjoys take-offs more than landings 

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