Brno: The Heart of Moravia

• HelloAhoj
  [ahoy]
• GoodbyeSbohem
  [sbohem]
• YesAno
  [ah-no]
• NoNe
  [neh]
• Please/You're welcomeProsím
  [pro-seem]
• Thank youDěkuji
  [dyeh-koo-yee]
• Excuse me/SorryPromiňte
  [pro-meen-teh]
• How are you?Jak se máš?
  [yak se mash]
• Fine. And you?Dobře. A ty?
  [dobr-zhe. ah tee]
• Do you speak English?Mluvíte anglicky?
  [mloo-vee-teh ang-leet-skee]
• I don't understandNerozumím
  [neh-roh-zoo-meem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMohu vidět menu, prosím
  [moh-hoo vee-det meh-noo, pro-seem]
• I don't eat meatNemám maso
  [neh-mahm mah-so]
• Cheers!Na zdraví!
  [na zdra-vee]
• I would like to pay, pleaseChtěl bych zaplatit, prosím
  [khteel bikh zap-la-teet, pro-seem]

• Help!Pomoc!
  [poh-mohts]
• Go away!Jdi pryč!
  [ydee preets]
• Call the Police!Zavolejte policii!
  [zah-vo-leh-yeh po-li-tsee]
• Call a doctor!Zavolejte doktora!
  [zah-vo-leh-yeh dohk-toh-rah]
• I'm lostZtratil jsem se
  [ztra-teel yehm se]
• I'm illJsem nemocný
  [yehm ne-mohts-nee]

• I'd like to buy...Chtěl bych koupit...
  [khteel bikh koh-peeht]
• I'm just lookingJen se dívám
  [yen se dee-vahm]
• How much is it?Kolik to stojí?
  [koh-leek toh stoh-yee]
• That's too expensiveTo je příliš drahé
  [toh ye pree-leesh dra-heh]
• Can you lower the price?Můžete snížit cenu?
  [moo-zheh-teh snee-zheet tseh-noo]

• What time is it?Kolik je hodin?
  [koh-leek ye hoh-deen]
• It's one o'clockJe jedna hodina
  [ye yed-nah hoh-dee-nah]
• Half past (10)Půl desáté
  [pool deh-sah-teh]
• MorningRáno
  [rah-noh]
• AfternoonOdpoledne
  [oh-dpo-led-neh]
• EveningVečer
  [veh-cher]
• YesterdayVčera
  [v-cheh-rah]
• TodayDnes
  [dnes]
• TomorrowZítra
  [zee-trah]
• 1Jedna
  [yed-nah]
• 2Dva
  [dva]
• 3Tři
  [tree]
• 4Čtyři
  [cht-yer-zhee]
• 5Pět
  [pyet]
• 6Šest
  [shest]
• 7Sedm
  [sedm]
• 8Osm
  [osm]
• 9Devět
  [deh-vyet]
• 10Deset
  [deh-set]

• Where's a/the...?Kde je...?
  [kdeh ye]
• What's the address?Jaká je adresa?
  [yah-kah ye ah-dreh-sah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Můžete mi to ukázat (na mapě)?
  [moo-zheh-teh mee toh oo-kah-zat (nah mah-peh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kdy jede další (autobus)?
  [kdee yeh-deh daal-shee (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Jedno jízdenka (do ....)
  [yed-no yeez-dehn-kah (doh)]

Brno, the second-largest city in the Czech Republic, has a rich history that dates back to the early medieval period. The first written record of Brno comes from the 11th century, when it was a fortified settlement. By the 13th century, Brno was granted city rights by King Wenceslaus I, marking the beginning of its development as an important urban center.

One of the most significant events in Brno's history was the Siege of Brno during the Thirty Years' War. In 1645, the city was besieged by Swedish forces under General Lennart Torstensson. Despite being outnumbered, the city's defenders, led by Jean-Louis Raduit de Souches, successfully repelled the attackers. This victory is celebrated annually on Brno Day, commemorating the city's resilience and strategic importance.

In the 19th century, Brno became a hub of industry and innovation, earning the nickname 'The Moravian Manchester'. The city saw the rise of textile manufacturing, machinery production, and other industries. The rapid industrialization brought economic growth and urban development, transforming Brno into a modern metropolis.

Brno is renowned for its contributions to science, particularly in the field of genetics. Gregor Johann Mendel, often called the 'father of modern genetics', conducted his groundbreaking experiments on pea plants at the Augustinian Abbey of St. Thomas in Brno between 1856 and 1863. His work laid the foundation for the understanding of heredity and genetics.

World War II had a profound impact on Brno. The city was occupied by Nazi Germany in 1939, and its Jewish community suffered greatly during the Holocaust. Brno was also a site of significant resistance activities. In 1945, as the war drew to a close, the city was liberated by Soviet forces. The post-war period saw the expulsion of the German-speaking population and the city's integration into Communist Czechoslovakia.

The Velvet Revolution of 1989, which led to the end of Communist rule in Czechoslovakia, also marked a new chapter for Brno. The city embraced democratic reforms and experienced significant economic and cultural growth. Today, Brno is known for its vibrant cultural scene, prestigious universities, and as a hub for technology and innovation.

Brno is accessible via several modes of transportation. The nearest international airport is Brno-Tuřany Airport (BRQ), which has regular flights from various European cities. For more options, you can fly into Prague (PRG) or Vienna (VIE) and take a train or bus to Brno. The train journey from Prague takes about 2.5 hours, while from Vienna it takes around 1.5 hours. Buses are also a popular choice, with several operators offering frequent services.

Brno has an efficient public transportation system that includes trams, buses, and trolleybuses. Tickets can be purchased at kiosks, ticket machines, or via a mobile app. For short stays, consider buying a 24-hour or 72-hour pass. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are also available, but they are generally more expensive. Brno is also bike-friendly, and bike rentals are available throughout the city. Many of the city's attractions are within walking distance, making it easy to explore on foot.

The official currency in Brno is the Czech Koruna (CZK). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are readily available throughout the city for cash withdrawals. It's advisable to carry some cash for small purchases, especially in markets or smaller establishments. Currency exchange offices are also available but be mindful of the exchange rates and fees.

Brno is generally a safe city for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Areas around the main train station and some parts of the city center can be hotspots for pickpocketing. Always be cautious and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Brno has several hospitals and clinics that provide medical services. Pharmacies are widespread and often open late. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, over-the-counter medications can be purchased at local pharmacies.

Fashion: Do dress smart-casual when dining out or attending events. Avoid overly casual attire in formal settings. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially when visiting churches; modest clothing is recommended. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding and always give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a firm handshake. A slight nod of the head is also common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and drinks, and don't hesitate to accept food offerings. Don't leave a tip directly on the table; instead, hand it to the waiter.

To experience Brno like a local, visit the farmer's markets such as Zelný trh (Cabbage Market) for fresh produce and local goods. Engage with locals in cafés and pubs, as they are often friendly and willing to share insights about the city. Don’t miss the chance to explore the underground labyrinth beneath the Vegetable Market. For a unique experience, visit the Brno Dam for outdoor activities and stunning views.