Fields of blooming mustard plants in spring
I took this picture about a week after I arrived in Moravia (the eastern half of the Czech Republic) to begin my time living abroad. This view is typical of rural Moravia in spring– yellow-blooming mustard plants that cover the rolling hills. Isn’t it beautiful?
While I have seen this view numerous times through the windows of buses and trains and while walking through villages that line the border with Slovakia, the day that this picture was taken still stands out in my memory. My American roommate and best friend, who had been living there almost a year when I arrived, took me on a long bike ride through the hills around the town where we lived. What a great introduction to living there, but it was a hard ride, especially because I was using a borrowed 3-speed! We visited Buchlovice chateau and Velehrad basilica & monastery. Velehrad is the most important pilgrimage sight in the country because Saints Cyril & Methodius spread Christianity from there… A fun day between 2 friends enjoying the freedom of being young and exploring a new land. Those bright yellow hills will always remind me of that special place and time.
The area makes for great travel by car– vineyards, castles, wine cellars, traditional festivals, lovely rolling hills, and almost no tourists!
Love that story and the fact that years later, you and Ann Marie are still so connected! Of course, I have my own lovely memories of Buchlovice and the happy days I spent I spent with you in Moravia. p.s. I never realized that the Methodist church was named for St. Methodius! Very interesting.
It never occurred to me that there was a connection between St. Methodius and the Methodist church. Obvious I guess, but I hadn’t thought about it. Another connection: the Cyrillic alphabet comes from St. Cyril.
Buchlovice is a great place, and I’m so glad that Ann Marie introduced me to it. I was there many times and wish now that I could visit it again.
Beautiful photos
I don’t think I’ve ever seen mustard plants before
How neat! Love the color in the first shot!
Beautiful pictures! Czech Republic is definitely on my list but I want to rent a car and drive through the entire country getting the essence of every little corner!
Debbie, your idea of renting a car is an excellent one. When I lived there, I didn’t have a car, so I got around by bus and train. However, it’s a great idea to drive around, stopping in all the historic towns and experiencing the beauty of the rural roads. You will love it!
I was trying to guess where Moravia was before I scrolled further down in the post. You had me stumped.
Love the yellow fields; lucky you having a friend to share such a beautiful bike ride.
Thanks, Leigh. Yes, it was lucky to have a friend to share this ride with, and a year and a half of other memories with. It was a special time for both of us!
Beautiful shot. Recalls fields of rapeseed or lavender.
Nice to see a post about Moravia. It’s quite overlooked, I think – falls in the shadow of Bohemia, somehow. I rather like it. Brno is an interesting city as well – and not nearly as crowded as Prague.
Yes! I completely agree! There is so much to see there. I also am quite fond of Brno.
Love the Czech Republic. Soooo pretty. Especially like that first shot with the fields of yellow.
I saw your posts of Prague, so I knew you loved it, and I love it, too, especially the countryside of Moravia.
Very pretty shot! I’ve heard of Moravia before but wasn’t sure exactly where it was.
What a beautiful area for a bike ride. Gorgeous photo, Jenna. Love the brilliant yellow of the mustard plants.