The BBC Top Gear Survey 05 is out and the Czech car manufacturer Škoda should be proud. In the UK satisfaction survey of over 76,000 Top Gear viewers and readers, Škoda was the second highest ranked manufacturer, tucked nicely between Lexus and Honda. On the overall list of cars, they had three listed in the top 10 (out of 159) – Superb (#4), Octavia (#5), and Fabia (#9) .
New High-Speed Train to Olomouc
Starting on December 11, a new high-speed Pendolino train will begin service from Prague to Olomouc (and on to Ostrava). The trip will take under 2 1/2 hours, which is 45 minutes less than the current typical Prague-Olomouc travel time. The train will leave from the Prague Holešovice station with the only stop along the way in Pardubice.
Update November 10, 2005:
These new Pendolinos will be SC (SuperCity) trains. They will have only 1st class, non-smoking cars and will require a reservation.
Czech Book Covers of the 1920’s and 1930’s
I came across an interesting online display of Czech book covers and an essay on Czech book design, which are a part of the Smithsonian Institution Libraries on Display.
Visit to Kroměříž
Dana and I visited Kroměříž in Southern Moravia over the weekend and enjoyed the town. We were there on a day trip and hope to return to see more.
The Archbishops’ Chateau and Gardens of Kroměříž (Podzámecká Garden and Flower Garden) were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1998. The picture below is a view of the Podzámecká Garden, which covers a total of 64 hectares (160 acres).
