A brief summary of Czechia.
We like Czechia a lot. It's the third time we've visited now and, each time, it's been a pleasure: given the grace to overlook the torment of millions of <3.5m bridges, and omnipresent road closures!
The country feels relaxed, comfortable in its own skin, and is far from brash. It feels a bit like Finland in as much as the people seem quietly content, yet don't feel the need to whoop and holler. Or even ever smile.
Once past the understanding that a dour and impassive countenance is the cultural norm, the Czechs we encountered were, to a fault, polite and accomodating. Though adults basically respectfully 'nothing' you, the kids are another story and we received countless enthusiastic waves and beaming faces at the sight of the truck easing its way through conurbations.
The understated courtesy extended to drivers, too. Though not always strictly law-abiding, we found fellow motorists competent, patient and pragmatic. At no stage did we encounter any trace of road rage or idiocy.
We like how it's obvious the state expects drivers in particular to take personal responsibility. Very often we came across junctions with no white lines indicating lane demarcation or even where to give way. We also like that many railway level crossings still have no barriers. The state seemingly assumes if people are encouraged to concentrate and use judgement, they won't drive into each other, or trains. And they semingly don't.
As mentioned in the blog narratives proper, stewardship of the countryside seems to be in pretty good shape. Civic pride is also up there. It's not quite rural Dutch or French standards, but it's not far behind.
Though we've basically just transited this time, we know from previous visits that there's a good number of formal natural history and cultural heritage attractions to be visited, should the desire take.
Foreign tourist seem incredibly rare out in the sticks and we only saw about half a dozens motorhomes / campers in all the time we pootled.
Fuel is currently comparatively cheap, too. We filled up at the converted rate of £1.10 / l.
In summary, we consider rural Czechia something of a largely undiscovered gem.