Hi! I am visiting the Czech Republic for the first time to visit some university-age relatives I have never met before. I'm trying to think of some American things that Czech people don't have and would like as presents/souviners. I've already heard that brownie mix and coffee are some thigns to consider. Does this seem correct and what else do you think would be nice presents? Thanks!
I'm sure others on the forum will suggest things for you to bring and you might want to do a search on the message boards for "gifts" (the subject has been addressed before) but, one thing I can recommend is bringing along photos of your home, your town, local attractions and the like. Your relatives in the ČR are going to be as interested in you as much as you are in them. If you don't have a lot of photos or time to take them, buy some postcards of your local area and bring them. Hope you have a great visit.
When my mother-in-law came to the States to meet me for the first time, she brought me a porcelain elephant which is given for luck in the CR. It meant a lot to me because it was something I could keep forever and distinct to her country. Perhaps you could give a rabbit's foot (our token of good luck) a lighter of the Statue of Liberty (corny but cute to those who don't live here). Something that represents our country that they can keep would be great gift. Also, maybe some wine from a local vineyard or beer from a local brewery. They may think it is not the greatest tasting beer (compared to czech beer) but at least they will have a chance to taste it. Also, czech chocolate isn't very good (in my opinion), so maybe you can bring them some good American chocolate. I don't think they have a lot of our types of candy bars like 100 Grand or twix.
Sorry, but no I'm not joking. My mother-in-law brings it every time she comes to the states because she thinks I like it. I'm not going to tell her I don't like it. You'd think her son would tell her. But no one in the house eats it (and we have 2 teenagers). It sits there for a couple weeks and then we throw it out. My husband doesn't even eat it. But if I buy candy bars or some other American chocolate, it last 2 days at the most in our home. I don't like German chocolate either. And my brother-in-law buys me that every Christmas. I also don't have the heart to tell him. I set it out and it eventually gets eaten over the holidays with all the company and such.
Fair enough. :roll: But be careful when broadcasting this to the Czechs. The popular opinion in the Czech Republic is that "our chocolate is the best in the world and the world knows it". Same goes for Czech beer, by the way: we think the world of it. That someone might not like it is beyond our comprehension. And for the record, as a Czech I believe both these prejudices are entirely justified. Na zdraví a dobrou chuť! :wink:
I knew that Czechs believed their beer and girls were the best in the world (except my husband would argue that I'm the exception ) However, I was not aware that they thought the chocolate was so good. I thought the entire world believed Swiss chocolate was the best in the world. All I know is that there are several czechs that frequent our house and I put out the czech chocolate and I still end up throwing it away. By the way, to your amazement, my husband's amazement and all his friends... I hate czech beer! I know, that's sac-religious but I can say that on this site because you guys can't throw stones through a computer. :twisted:
Don't worry, i hate beer too and I'm a Czech I can drink only dark beer, preferably Irish Guinness I hate bread dumplings too, although I love potato or fruit dumplings. Well, with one exception, i tolerate bread dumplings with roast sirloin with cream sauce.
Oh, Swiss chocolate...mmmmm...and Belgian chocolate! Ahghgkgkkllllghmnsf (that's some Homer Simpson-style drooling, in case you're wondering) :wink: *gasp* :shock: I hope that's just because you're not fond of beer anyway! By the way mdances912, there was this thread on American candy if you decide to go for feeding your relatives' sweet-tooth (teeth?).
I must admit, beer in general is not my favorite drink. But I like it. Bud Ice and Bud Select is the best. I guess I'm a loyal American when it comes to the taste buds. Are you talking about svičkova? It's one of my favorite foods. Bread dumplings are delicious. Too bad I've tried several times to make svičkova and always failed. I simply have to rely on others to make it for me. [/img]
It is not so difficult to produce a good chocolate. The quality and price of chocolate highly depends on the content and quality of used cocoa beans. Cheap chocolate with cocoa butter replaced by vegetable fat cannot be really good, but the majority of Czech consumers require cheap products. Chocolate with 40-70% of cocoa is too expensive. BTW, the Czech chocolate is now produced by Nestlé, which is a Swiss company (I believe). The Nestlé company can produce "Swiss" chocolate everywhere in Europe (chocolate is not wine).
Yes, right. Yes, svickova it is. I must admin, I love this kind of Belgian chocolate since childhood:
How about Taco Bell or some good pizza like Papa Johns??? dude... I miss stuff like that living here in Prague. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ When the dog bites, when the bee stings, when I'm feeling sad, I simply remember my favorite things (Czech beer and Czech Women) and then I don't feel SOOOO SAD !!!!! lol
