Brno Sweet Brno

Christmas Day was bright and sunny here, so I decided to head out and explore the hills near my neighborhood. After hiking for awhile I made it to the top of a ridge, and looking back, I could see spread out against the hills the spectacular swath of paneláky (Commie-era apartment blocks) that are characteristic of Czech cities in general, and Brno in particular. Keep in mind you're looking at only a thin section of the city here. I'm lucky enough to live in a small, pleasing-looking panelák on the very edge of town. I don't envy those who live deeper inside the suburban jungle. But as you can see, on a sunny day, from a distance, the paneláky can look quite shiny and serene.