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Savvy Traveler: Let Czechoslovakia Die, Please
It has been 14 painful years for me since Czechoslovakia broke up in what they called a "Velvet Divorce". Not so velvet for me.
Since January 1, 1993, I have been trying to patiently teach everyone outside the country to learn to love the sound of "Czech Republic" and "Slovak Republic". I know, I know. It doesn't quite come out as easily but please, don't make me suffer any longer.
See what I have to go through on a daily basis:
"I can detect an accent. Where are you from?"
"Czech Republic."
"Ah, Czechoslovakia."
"Well, it's actually the Czech and Slovakia now. The country split up in 1993."
"Oh, I see. So, in Czechoslovakia, do you have indoor plumbing?"
Well, OK. It's not quite that bad but it often comes close. Sometimes, when I travel I just tell people I am from Iceland so I don't have to put up with the whole routine of "Czechoslovakia" any more. Please, let the nonexistent country die a velvet death.
Filed under: Arts and Culture, Europe, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Savvy Traveler
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
jon Aug 28th 2007 12:14PM
I think you're going to have to get used to it!...the United Kingdom formed in, er, 1707 (I think), and people still don't understand the difference between the UK, Britain, Great Britain, the British Isles, and England..
:-)
CEOMITZI Sep 13th 2007 6:20PM
I am always amazed that people traveling to a country
do not have the courtesy to learn the correct name.
I imagine it is the same group who wear tank tops, athletic shoes and a camera around their neck planning to visit a temple or cathedral.