Ostrava was an unexpected visit that turned into a meant-to-be stopover. I visited my sister (Rikenette Steenkamp) in Germany to support her Europe athletics season in June this year (2017). She had some time off so we planned a few nice things to do in Germany so that she can enjoy the time off between races. Unexpectedly she was invited to race at the Ostrava Golden Spike World Challenge. Our plans changed there and then, because a world challenge is not necessarily something you say ”no” to. We packed our bags and got on a bus from Nuremburg, Germany and journeyed all the way to Ostrava, Czech Republic. I was so lucky to be there when she got this beyond cool opportunity. My sister’s Europe tour lasted a total of 9 weeks. I visited a random 10 days and in that time I too was coincidentally invited to attend a world challenge and explore a city I would not have seen otherwise.
This was an unexpected, unplanned and random trip and I can’t be more thrilled that I got to know, meet the people and explored the streets of a place such as Ostrava.
GETTING THERE
Keep in mind that we needed to travel last minute and that we did not plan anything in advance. We were in Nuremberg and got on a bus to Prague very early in the morning. Travelling this part with a bus was a real saver. It is way cheaper and easier especially if you have huge luggage. The bus drops you off at the Prague train station. From Prague we took a direct train to Ostrava that took us about 3 hours. Flying to Ostrava is not really an option so taking a direct train from Prague will be your best choice. Catch-up sleep and reading on the train is always effective when you are travelling, but the scenery is also beautiful and Czech Republic will ensure some green ‘jealousy’. This way you are literally traveling from the most west side to the most east side of the Czech.
STAYING THERE
My sister obviously stayed with the other athletes and event organizers, but I had to make a quick plan. Hotel Padre was by far one of the best ‘hotel’ experiences I have had in Europe my entire life. Going to Europe and choosing a hotel is always such a difficult task. As South Africans we can’t really afford more than 3 stars and then you still can’t expect anything glamorous. I really had no choice being in a rush and needing to be close to the stadium. I managed to make the booking via booking.com earlier that morning on the bus. Hotel Padre added to the amazingness I was experiencing in Ostrava. The people were extremely nice. The hotel was stunningly located walking distance from the Metsky Stadion which made adapting to all of the unplanned faster. The rooms were clean and neat and the beds were comfortable and glamorous. What I adored the most especially from a hotel in Europe was the food. The breakfast options were exactly what I needed. Good coffee, enough eggs and a very fresh croissant started all my days in Ostrava.
EXPLORING THERE
Rikenette was getting into what I call the ‘race-mode’ and I needed to explore on my own. The nice and proper Ostravarians made this so easy. Without the trams you can’t really get your way around and about Ostrava. Taxis will be too expensive and the trams really take you to where you need to be. The staff at the hotel explained to me where I will find the best places and again this was also adding to the Ostrava experience. My favourite spot was Stodolni (and no, I don’t know how to pronounce this). There were night live, busy bars and the best restaurants.
EATING THERE
Considering the fact that I only had four nights in Ostrava and miraculously managed to eat at the two best restaurants in Ostrava confirms the sincere foodie that is within me. On my first night I longed for some meat and I wandered the streets all by myself and saw the green place in the very busy street; Bernie’s Wine & Grill. I don’t want to exaggerate but you will not find this type of quality meat easily in most parts of Europe (and I have stayed in Europe for weeks on end). The setting, the atmosphere, the friendly people and food was a real stunner. My dad joined us to watch my sister’s race and I had to take him to Bernie’s. So I spent two of my four nights in Ostrava at Bernie’s.
The whole of Czech was surprising when it came to their food. Every meal was authentic, quality and not too pricey. The next trip I will plan is to go to Prague as the Czech people amazed me with their food possibilities. The last night we went to Comedor Mexicano (steak restaurant). The quality and feel was yet again beyond our expectations. On our way back to travel to Switzerland the hotel manager gave us a lift to the train station and he asked where we have dined and we told him about these two places we have discovered. He told us that we luckily got to experience two of the best restaurants in Ostrava. It was really something.
RACING THERE
So after all we were in Ostrava to see my sister race. Here is what I have posted the day after I have experienced an international event such as the Golden Spike World Challenge;
