Andrew Dubber     

Over the weekend, we had a couple from the Czech Republic couchsurfing at our house.

Petr and Dasa arrived on Friday and I picked them up from the train station. I walked them to Bobbie’s work, and then she gave them a lift home (I was on the bike).

Of all things, it turned out that they had met in New Zealand. Judging by the sheer size of their backpacks, they travel pretty extensively. Anyway, the story goes that Petr was looking at buying a car from a friend of Dasa’s. He rejected the car, but ended up with the friend.

We gave them a key and some local info about buses and so on – but mostly, we left them to their own devices, and – armed with a map – they explored the city centre. I told them about the canal system too, and they went and had a look at that.

We did end up arranging some activities with them though…

Dancing
On the Friday night, I took them out to the Hare and Hounds to catch Juggla and the Friendly Fire band. Really great night, and they seemed to have a good time. Especially Dasa, who danced pretty much the whole time. With pretty much everybody.

The band were great (naturally) and the DJs beforehand were superb. Robin, Juggla and Damon all got on the decks and there was the usual assortment of guest vocalists. Really good night. [More photos here]

Driving
On Sunday, Bobbie took them go-karting at her work. Petr’s an engineer, who had worked at Yamaha and so was no stranger to motorised speed. Dasa was a little more reticent on her first time out, but on the second set, was a bit more enthusiastic with the accelerator. [More photos and a video here]

Once again, a lovely Couchsurfing experience. They were not only no trouble, they were nice people who have now decided to look for work here in Birmingham for a few months so they can winter in England. As you do.

Drinking
As a parting gift, Petr presented me with a bottle of a Czech drink called Becherovka. I hadn’t heard of it before, but it’s an alcoholic drink made with herbs – most strikingly, cinnamon and anise. And it’s quite yummy.

I couldn’t quite knock it back in one go like Petr could – but I suspect that comes down to practice.

So, we made some new friends, learned some interesting things, had a good time – and now have an open invitation to come and stay next time we’re in a small village 50 miles out of Prague.

Tagged: Birmingham, Travel