Jon and Lynsey's Blog

So while we were watching the season finale of Lost Season 2 last night, we heard this joke and Lynsey couldn't contain herself!

What did one snowman say to the other snowman??


Smells like carrots!

After a wonderful Thanksgiving, we were off to Budapest, Hungary for the weekend with a small group of 25 or so students. We all boarded the incredibly overbooked train at 1530 for our 4.5-5 hour journey to Hungary. Of course, the 10 Czech students started drinking immediately and were wasted by the time we got off the train. It was an adventure finding the hostel with all of them in tow. 3 steps forward, stop and let them catch up all the way to the hostel. We dropped our bags, and set back out to see some of the city. We walked for a hour or so to get to a pub, stopping along the way for dinner at a greasy spoon. Needless to say, we didn't stay to long because it was a hole-in-the-wall! So back we walked to the hostel, 6 of us, grabbing dinner along the way, and crashing early for a full day of exploring on Saturday.

So Lynsey and I got up early on Saturday morning to leave the group behind and do our own thing for a bit before meeting back up with the group. We ventured down the street to a HUGE market, full of fresh veggies, meat, spices and Hungarian crafts everywhere. Two full floors and probably 25,000 sq ft of shops. So we explored for a bit and then wandered back to the hostel to meet up with the group. We headed back to the market for a bit and then set out towards the Parliament building. We arrived at the Parliament building after an interesting tram ride where none of us had tickets again! Of course, as we get to the Parliament building I stub my toe, bad one of course, and man did it hurt. Could barely walk and of course, no place to sit anywhere! Once we finally got in to the building it was well worth the wait. Beautiful inside and out. The guards were a little anal about wandering away from the group so we didn't see much outside the tour. After the Parliament building we headed towards our genuine Turkish Spa! After a short stop for lunch and a bus ride to the spa we arrived at our 3 hours of pure enjoyment. After several attempts at finding the correct entrance, we entered our paradise! Lynsey was kinda weiry about going into a pool and Thermal bath outside when it was 50 degrees out, but it turned out to be pleasantly comfortable. It was a little chilly once you got out of the water and the crisp air hit ya, but other than that it was great! We ventured around the enitre castle like spa and took a dip in each of the thermal pools and even made a pit stop to join half of the other visitors in the Sauna. After the sauna there was a nice cold carbon dip you were suppose to go in before rubbing some ice on yourself to close your pores, but we skipped the cold dip, rubbed our faces with some ice and we're on our way to the next pool. We tried to get a massage, but were running short on time and they were mostly booked up. Oh well, I guess there's always a next time, I hope! After our relaxing adventure at the spa Lynsey and I walked around down town for a little bit before running into a nice little square market. Since we hadn't eaten almost all day we stopped at one of the little stands and had a traditional Hungarian pepper sausage and some potatoes. We did some walking around and admired all the interesting, yet nice crafts. We ran across a stand that was making handmade sweet bread over charcoal, and of course we had to stop and get one. Hungarian sweet bread with walnuts.....yum!!! Some of the best bread I've ever had. So good we had to go back the next day and get some more! We wandered around the city a little more before heading back to our sauna, i mean hostel, to crash for the night to get up early and go do some more sight seeing.

Sunday morning was yet another early morning for the two of us. After a slight detour we went and saw Europes largest synagogue. It was absolutely beautiful! Lynsey found some silver shoes last night that she thought would be perfect for Jen's wedding so we had to go back and try them on. Sure enough, they fit and they were just what she wanted! Thank god, no more shopping for silver shoes! After our shoe purchase we headed across the river to Buda to go check out the castle. What a breathe taking view. We went to a little grocery store, grabbed some rolls and lunch meat and had a nice little picnic overlooking the river and the rest of the city. We meandered through all the cool sites around the castle before starting our journey back towards the train station. We made a stop at Saint Istran Basilica. There was a church service taking place when we went in but from the view we had it was yet another astonishing European Church. We made our way back to meet up with the group and head back to the train station for our long ourney back to Brno. Overall it was a great trip. Budapest is a beautiful city, probably one of our favorites! Who knows where we will be next weekend. It looks like we are going to try Vienna but with no schedule or any huge constraints, we'll see what we feel like when the time comes! Until next time, take care and we will you all!

Lynsey and Jon

It was no American Thanksgiving but it was still dang good! Last night some of the Czech students from the International Students Club planned a big Thanksgiving dinner for Lynsey and I and anyone else who wanted to join at one of the local restaurants/pubs. There were about 25 of us who showed up and enjoyed all the delicious food they had prepared for us. Two HUGE turkeys, mashed potatoes, potato pancakes (Czech style), stuffing, vegetables and Czech style Pumpkin Pie. Lynsey gave a little history on Thanksgiving as the food was being brought out and we were even given the honor of cutting the first turkey. It turned out to be more like butchering the turkey but we managed pretty dang well. It was picked clean by the time we got done with it. We all ate way to much and were all extremely exhausted after filling our belly's of turkey and Moravian Wine. We came back, stored our leftovers and crashed! All in all, a very good dinner! Thanks to everyone who took the time and effort to put it together for us and for those who joined us in celebrating our wonderful holiday. It really does mean a lot to both of us.

So today after a little bit of class, we are packed our bags and our getting ready to board the train and head to Budapest, Hungary with a group of students. Should be a good time and as you all know, I'll take plenty of pictures for everyone to see Check back in early next week for all the details and pics from the trip. Have a great weekend, enjoy X-mas shopping today with all the crowds and if you're doing what I'd like to be doing right now, enjoy hunting and mother nature! Especially, enjoy who you're spending time with. That's the most important thing in life! Surround yourself with people you care about and who's company you enjoy and anything turns out to be a good time. We miss you all back home, especially over the holidays. Thanks for checking in on our adventures, it really does mean a lot to us. Until next time, take care and have a little fun everyday. Life's to short not too!

Ciao!!

CHILI COOK-OFF NOTE:

Please take time to read this slowly. If you pay attention to the first two judges, the reaction of the third is even better. For those of you who have lived in Texas, you know how true this is! They actually have a chili cook-off about the time the rodeo comes to town. It takes up a major portion of the parking lot at the Astrodome!

INEXPERIENCED CHILI TASTER

NotesFrom An Inexperienced Chili Tester Named FRANK, who was visiting Texas from the East Coast: "Recently, I was honored to be selected as a judge at a chili cook-off. The original person called in sick at the last moment and I happened to be standing there at the judge's table asking directions to the beer wagon, when the call came. I was assured by the other two judges (Native Texans) that the chili wouldn't be all that spicy, and besides, they told me I could have free beer during the tasting. So I accepted."

Here are the score cards from the event:
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CHILI # 1 MIKE'S MANIAC MOBSTER MONSTER CHILI

JUDGE ONE: A little too heavy on tomato. Amusing kick.

JUDGE TWO: Nice, smooth tomato flavor. Very mild.

FRANK: Holy crap, what in Hell is this stuff? You could remove dried paint from your driveway. Took me two beers to put the flames out. I hope that's the worst one. These Texans are crazy
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CHILI # 2 ARTHUR'S AFTERBURNER CHILI

JUDGE ONE: Smokey, with a hint of pork. Slight Jalapeno tang.

JUDGE TWO: Exciting BBQ flavor, needs more peppers to be taken seriously.

FRANK: Keep this out of the reach of children I'm not sure what I am supposed to taste besides pain. I had to wave off two people who wanted to give me the Heimlich maneuver. They had to rush in more beer when they saw the look on my face.
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CHILI # 3 FRED'S FAMOUS BURN DOWN THE BARN CHILI

JUDGE ONE:: Excellent firehouse chili! Great kick. Needs more beans

JUDGE TWO: A bean less chili, a bit salty, good use of peppers.

FRANK: Call the EPA, I've located a uranium spill. My nose feels like I have been snorting Drano. Everyone knows the routine by now get me More beer before I ignite. Barmaid pounded me on the back; now my backbone is in the front part of my chest. I'm getting *%#*-faced from all the beer
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CHILI # 4 BUBBA'S BLACK MAGIC

JUDGE ONE: Black bean chili with almost no spice. Disappointing.

JUDGE TWO: Hint of lime in the black beans. Good side dish for fish or other mild foods, not much of a chili.

FRANK: I felt something scraping across my tongue, but was unable to taste it, is it possible to burnout taste buds? Sally, the barmaid was standing behind me with fresh refills; that 300 lb. wench is starting to look HOT, just like this nuclear waste I'm eating. Is chili an aphrodisiac.
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CHILI # 5 LINDA'S LEGAL LIP REMOVER

JUDGE ONE: Meaty, strong chili. Cayenne peppers freshly ground, adding considerable kick. Very Impressive.

JUDGE TWO: Chili using shredded beef, could use more tomato. Must admit the cayenne peppers make a strong statement.

FRANK: My ears are ringing, sweat is pouring off my forehead and I can no longer focus my eyes. I farted and four people behind me needed paramedics. The contestant seemed offended when I told her that her chili had given me brain damage, Sally saved my tongue from bleeding by pouring beer directly on it from a pitcher. I wonder if I'm burning my lips off? It really pisses me off that the other judges asked me to stop screaming. Screw those rednecks!
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CHILI # 6 VERA'S VERY VEGETARIAN VARIETY

JUDGE ONE: Thin yet bold vegetarian variety chili. Good balance of spice and peppers.

JUDGE TWO: The best yet. Aggressive use of peppers, onions, and garlic. Superb.

FRANK: My intestines are now a straight pipe filled with gaseous, sulfuric flames. I crapped myself when I farted and I'm worried it will eat through the chair. No one seems inclined to stand behind me except that dumb Sally. She must be kinkier than I thought. Can't feel my lips anymore. I need to wipe my butt with a snow cone!
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CHILI # 7 SUSAN'S SCREAMING SENSATION CHILI

JUDGE ONE: A mediocre chili with too much reliance on canned peppers.

JUDGE TWO: Ho Hum, tastes as if the chef literally threw in a can of chili peppers at the last moment. I should take note that I am worried about Judge Number 3, He appears to be in a bit of distress as he is cursing uncontrollably.

FRANK: You could put a grenade in my mouth, pull the pin, and I wouldn't feel a damn thing. I've lost sight in one eye, and the world sounds like it is made of rushing water. My shirt is covered with chili, which slid unnoticed out of my mouth. My pants are full of lava-like crap to match my damn shirt. At least during the autopsy they'll know what killed me. I've decided to stop breathing; it's too painful. Screw it. I'm not getting any oxygen anyway. If I need air, I'll just suck it in through the 4-inch hole in my stomach.
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CHILI # 8 LESTER'S LAST OF THE RED-HOT LOVER'S CHILI

JUDGE ONE: A perfect ending, this is a nice blend chili, safe for all, not too bold but spicy enough to declare it's existence.

JUDGE TWO: This final entry is a good, balanced chili. Neither mild nor hot. Sorry to see that most of it was lost when Judge Number 3 passed out, fell over and pulled the chili pot down on top of himself. Not sure if he's going to make it. Poor Yank, wonder how he'd have reacted to a really hot chili?

Let's just say the weekend started off right! After deciding we need a long 4 day weekend, we headed to Poland bright and early Thursday morning. Krakow was our destination. A short 3 hour bus ride to Ostrava, Czech Republic and a short, but eventful, lay over we boarded the train towards Krakow. We switched in Katowice, later we would find out why they call it the worst train station in Poland, and then jumped on our last train to Krakow. Pulled in a little after 1600, ventured off with some Aussie's we met on the train towards our hostel. Found our hostel with no problem thanks to good directions and navigating by Lynsey! Checked in, dropped our bags, got our bearings and ventured out for a bit. Saw a few sights in the city and then headed back to the room for an early evening and to catch up on some sleep.

Got up bright and early Friday morning to catch a bus to Auschwitz. After a long, very packed mini-bus ride for 2 hours, we arrived at the camp. Words can not even begin to describe the feeling you get when you visit there. You learn so much about it during our years of schooling but to actually be there is something completely different. We walked around the camp for a bit, exploring the building and learning of all the horrific crimes against humanity Hitler and the Nazi party inflected on so many people. How can man be so cruel to one another is beyond me! We took a short 3km walk to the largest of the Auschwitz Camps. This was the main camp were the majority of the prisoners were brought in, unloaded and slaughtered. I know, it's not the best thing to visit, but it's one of those things you have to do if the opportunity is presented. We boarded the bus back to Krakow, which took forever, got back to town, walked around a bit and had some dinner. It was very good and not to expensive. All in all, a great day.

Saturday we were up early again to head to a 700+ year old salt mine. Yah, I know what you are all thinking, "wow, a salt mine, big deal!" But this was pretty cool. It had huge caverns with man-made chapels, statues and even salt chandeliers. Very, very cool. Since salt is a natural preservative, the wood and original tools were all very well preserved. That took the better part of the morning and along the way, we even ran in to a few American girls teaching English in Prague. We would run in to them again later on! We headed back to town, toured the local castle and cathedral and some more of the town in the day light, got some groceries for dinner and headed back to the room. Made some dinner, had a few beers, watched "You Got Mail" and relaxed before heading out to listen to some Polish Jazz. It was not what we were expecting at all. A little to dated (complete 80's with synthesizer and all). Still, it was entertaining and we called it a night a little after midnight. Early morning ahead.

Woke up bright and early to catch our train. We were ready in plenty of time, so we ate breakfast before checking out. Yeap, didn't except credit cards so I had to run 15 minutes down the street to get cash. So, instead of having plenty of time to catch the train we got on as the doors were closing. Thank goodness. We got off the train in Katowice and were immediately greeted by 30+ Polish police in full riot gear on the next platform. As we stood there wondering what was gonna happen, a train full of hooligans pulls up with every window and door open on the train, yelling, screaming and throwing beer cans out the of the train. So rather then going the other way, I ran over to get a closer look. Pretty cool actually. Got on the train with our previously made American friends, sat with them and chatted until we got off in Ostrava. Hooped on the bus and got back to Brno a little before 1800. Long day of traveling, so we came back, unpacked, watched Lost and crashed. All in all, a great weekend. Maybe it was just the company that made it so great!

Well, as far as the rest of last week went, not to much to report. Tuesday, Greece and Latvia presented their countries. Greece's was hilarious. Monday night, 20 or so of us went to a Czech play/opera in the center. Besides not being able to understand any of it, it was pretty cool. We showed up in jeans while everyone else was in black tie and dress. Oops! We still had a good time. Work is going ok. We are still sitting in front of a computer typing away with no idea what we are doing! No one talks to us but thats ok cause we don't really talk to anyone either. We just turn on our Texas country music and work away! Less than a month and we'll be all done with school! We are getting our travel plans together for the last month or so before we have to head back home. This weekend it's Budapest, Hungary with some ERAMUS students. Should be a good time. Well, it's time to post some pics, so keep checking in when ya can!! Thanks for reading and I hope this finds ya in good health and spirits! Until next time, ciao!!

Jon and Lynsey

Well, It has been awhile since we've last updated! Sorry! Alot and not a whole lot has happened in the past few weeks but I'll fill ya in as best as possible.

We finally got a job and started working with a software company here in Brno. They are a rather large company with offices in the US, all through Europe and Japan. Check out their website Moravia. So we started the first Monday of November working a large multi-national summit here in Brno that the company was putting on. They invited some 33 different companies/partners from 24 different countries around Europe and Asia. We were involved in the set-up, organization, meet & greet, sat in on a few presentations and escorted the clients around the hotel and to and from the local offices. It was quite the experience and we even got a few free meals out of it and met some great people too. That was Monday and Tuesday and Wednesday we started in the office with our first assignment. Since then, we have been sitting at a computer, actually 2 computers each, staring at a monitor trying to complete the assigned tasks/projects they have given us. I know Dohr and Ax would love this job, but it's a little to much for me. We are trying our best and making the most out of it. At least it's only until the middle/end of December! We'll keep ya posted on how it's going in future entries. Oh and by the way, Office 2007 is pretty cool! That is one of the nice things about the job

What else is new with us?? Since we got back from Salzburg, the group has had to little events planned for us. That first Friday back we had a beer marathon around Brno. It was more like a Pub Crawl . Needless to say, Lynsey, myself, Filip, Caroline and our fearless leader Martin beat out the opposition and won the first annual marathon. We all got nice 1L mugs from a local pub. Pretty cool. After being completely hungover the next day, we started our USA presentation which we gave last week. We both put a lot of time in to it and it turned out pretty good. I think they all liked it. We got our first snow fall the first week of November and the buses had to shut down in the morning due to too much ice on the roads. So we had to walk to the tram and along the way we saw two different accidents within 50ft of one another. Our first Czech car accidents. So one day of snow wasn't enough, it snowed the next 3 days as well. The second day it was a blizzard when we woke up. Check out the pics. Other than working and the presentation our lives had been a bit on the slow side, which isn't bad, until this past weekend.

This past weekend started out with a great trip to a local brewery for a tour, sampling and dinner. I even got to play a few games a darts with the Spanish guys and I haven't lost my touch! Just call me Jon "The Bullseye" Hall. Saturday morning saw Lynsey and I set the alarm for 0500 to catch the 0610 bus in to town. Well, I woke up at 0600 and we scrambled to get ready and had to run to catch the bus. Yah, good thing we packed a bit before bed. We caught the 0700 bus to Prague to spend the weekend up there. We arrived, found our hostel, dropped our bag and set out to explore. It was cold, windy and kinda drizzly but we made the best of it. The city is absolutely beautiful. So many old buildings everywhere and a large base of tourist as well. It was so nice to hear English on a regular basis almost everywhere we went. We walked the majority of the city a few times seeing as much as we could. We even ate lunch at Subway cause Lynsey was craving it once she saw the sign! It was good. We even splurged and had a good dinner at a Tex Mex style restaurant. It was good! We walked around a bit that night and crashed somewhat early. We got up early, had a free breakfast and walked around some more. Another cold, windy, drizzly morning but who can complain when you are in such a city as Prague. For anyone who is thinking of going, highly suggest it! We caught the bus back to Brno at 1430 as well as a little sleep on the bus. All that fresh air and going from cold to warm and back again can make ya tired. We got back in to Brno, bought bus tickets from Brno to Brussels, Belgium for less than 40 bucks there and back! HAHA, that is dirt cheap. We head out the 19th of December and return the 4th of January.

It's time for Lost and bed! Thanks for reading and enjoy the new pics posted as well. Until next time, ciao and take care! Jon and Lynsey