Nove Syrovice's Grassel

There is much to explain here. Heidi's assistant principal, Frank, invited us to his nearby village Nove Syrovice, or as he calls it, New Jersey. The event that is taking place in the village is recognizing a famous, or more correctly, an infamous robber, Johann Georg Grassel, who was born here in 1790. Frank says that there is nothing really distinctive about the village other than this person... and since they have no famous person, the next best is a person of ill repute. There was a walk tracing some of the trails the crook used to tread, then refreshments, then a tree dedication, perhaps one like he was hanged on for his crimes... then we ended the day with a supper and some polka dancing at the town hall... but I get a head of myself. Above, next to the handsome devil in the red jacket is an interpreter brought in for the Americans' benefit. In the background you may note the gentleman speaking to the crowd - he is the Mayor. This meeting provides those necessary announcements before we begin our 6 km hike into the woods to see the various dark confines that Grassel strode.
I said it was a trek in the woods didn't I? Here is proof. Again, who is that good looking rebel, (in the red jacket) that plays by his own rules? Has Johann Grassel returned from the nether to harangue the peasants once again?
There is Heidi, in the blue jacket, shmooshing the local powerful mayor. ...that or perhaps she is apologizing for me... it's possible... mystery, drama and suspense...

Behold! That rugged good looking lad in the jacket was me! Can you believe it? ha ha ho ho... what a funny mistake. On another note, Grog and food will steal the girl from the mayor every time. This is Heidi and I eating at a mid-walk break. We are served "grog"- a part tea and Rum mixture... some lemon and sugar. At first it tastes... just ok. Second round... gets a little smoother... Third, best damn stuff I ever drank. Also of note, we were served "Special Grassel food" as Frank called it. It's basically a potato skin, stuffed with a stick of butter, some garlicky ham, covered with smoked bacon. ...in other words, it was really tasty, but filling. The building we are in is a hunting lodge built in the Middle Ages by the local aristocrats to rest and eat while on their hunting parties.
The interpreter asks how I feel? "feeling fine!" ...Heidi laughingly apologizes, thus deflecting an international incident.

Here, the Grassel tree planting. Sun is low in the afternoon...
Later, Mark has finished "special Grassel Goulash" to Elise's utter astonishment. The thought bubble above her head reads, "where does it all go?" But what does Mark's surly countenance portray? Lost in the special goulash he looks up and realizes....

Frank has put the moves on his wife. ...but Frank is the department head and Mark has no job. Got to play it cool.

Watch that hand Fresh, I mean Frank! Now's when I gots ta make my move...

Still got it!
I refrain from commenting on the camouflage.

All ends happily. Elise finds a friend and Mark gets the girl. Mari is no where to be seen. I'm sure she is not doing anything I wouldn't. ...ah, we gotta go now.

Ok, silly little drama aside. It really was a great day. I don't know how to explain it. I love places such as Prague and Vienna. The cities are amazing. Having lived in Chicago, we find it hard not to want to be in other cities that offer so much. But I must say in defense of where we are, it is things like this local walk and being with people who are invested here - it's beautiful. The folks here live very presently... they enjoy. I count this as a highlight of this Czech adventure so far.