Robert K Stephen (CSW)

“Travels to a Different Time” : 10June1975: Brno, Czechoslovakia:

As I was in bed at 20:00 up at 07:00 woken up by workmen banging in the hall. I dressed and washed my face and headed down to the breakfast room for ham, cheese, fresh rolls and mineral water. It was a delicious breakfast. As it looked like rain today I booked another day atContinue reading ““Travels to a Different Time” : 10June1975: Brno, Czechoslovakia:”

“Travels to a Different Time” : 9June1975: Brno, Czechoslovakia: Propaganda Blaring from Loudspeakers in the Street: Where are the Brain Police?

Up at the usual time to the 22cnd cloudy day in a row. I seriously wonder if the weather is going to cause crop failure in Eastern Europe. I packed up and bought a full breakfast at a supermarket and ate in my room and headed out on the road. Gruelling after gruelling walk. Fortunately,Continue reading ““Travels to a Different Time” : 9June1975: Brno, Czechoslovakia: Propaganda Blaring from Loudspeakers in the Street: Where are the Brain Police?”

“Travels to a Different Time: 8June1975: Olomouc, Czechoslovakia: Russian “Friendship”

Had a nice warm sleep and a good one until 09:30. Bread, honey, chocolate wafer cookies and mineral water for breakfast. I washed after and lamented there is no hot water in this place. I am overdue for a shower. Everywhere you go in this town it is coated with propaganda. Those disgusting Russian pigsContinue reading ““Travels to a Different Time: 8June1975: Olomouc, Czechoslovakia: Russian “Friendship””

“Travels to a Different Time” : 7June1975; Olomouc, Czechoslovakia: Squealing Russian Car; A Friendly Czech Army Officer

I woke up early and it was so cold I just wanted to stay in a warm sleeping bag. I forced myself up, packed and dismantled my tent. I had some salami, chocolate cookies and mineral water for breakfast. I took the bus to Mikulas and wanted to get off at the highway but theContinue reading ““Travels to a Different Time” : 7June1975; Olomouc, Czechoslovakia: Squealing Russian Car; A Friendly Czech Army Officer”

RKS Wine: Christmas in April: Stag’s Hollow Media Pack Part 1

Imagine driving the other half to downtown Toronto and heading back after the drop off to buy ¾ of a tank of gas for $90. Then a package at the doorstep from Stag’s Hollow in British Columbia’s Okanagan wine district. Unexpected as if Santa was pleased at me for being such a good boy notContinue reading “RKS Wine: Christmas in April: Stag’s Hollow Media Pack Part 1”

“Travels To a Different Time” : 5June1975: Podbanške, Czechoslovakia: Simmering Hatred for Mother Russia: It’s Snowing

As I head into the Tatra Mountains it is getting increasingly cold. Went to the train station and took a train heading up towards the Tatra Mountains. An incredibly beautiful ride and it was snowing when I reached my destination. Took a quick look at a couple of hotels but pricey at $8 so IContinue reading ““Travels To a Different Time” : 5June1975: Podbanške, Czechoslovakia: Simmering Hatred for Mother Russia: It’s Snowing”

RKS Film: “Geographies of Solitude”: Toronto Hot Docs Festival

“Geographies of Solitude” features Canada’s Sable Island which is 20 miles long and 1 mile wide. It is some 100 miles off Nova Scotia. It might be described as barren and lonely as there is no residential population and no place to stay for potential visitors. Zoe Lucas has been living on Sable Island forContinue reading “RKS Film: “Geographies of Solitude”: Toronto Hot Docs Festival”

RKS Film: “My Two Voices” (Mis dos voces)

The documentary “My Two Voices” by Lina Rodriguez offers an intimate portrait of three Latina women who have immigrated to Canada. It may throw you initially because you hear their voices but it is not until the conclusion of the documentary you see their faces. Strangely this works in such a way that you focusContinue reading “RKS Film: “My Two Voices” (Mis dos voces)”

“Travels to a Different Time” : 3June1975: Prešov, Czechoslovakia: Bad First Impressions: The Men in White Coats

I woke up in my shanty shack and was delighted to see no rain and even some blue patches in the sky. I wanted a shower but it was freezing cold so I declined! The weather so far in Austria and Hungary has been atrocious. I headed into the village knapsack on my back gettingContinue reading ““Travels to a Different Time” : 3June1975: Prešov, Czechoslovakia: Bad First Impressions: The Men in White Coats”

RKS Wine: 2019 Alice Vieira de Souza: Another Douro Winner?

Quality control is the name of the game in Portugal’s Douro region perhaps due to the thoroughness of its “regulator” Instituto dos Vinhos do Douro e do Porto (IVDP). I must say over the years there have been almost no corked or low-quality wines I have encountered from the Douro. And price can be deceptive.Continue reading “RKS Wine: 2019 Alice Vieira de Souza: Another Douro Winner?”