"They could speak... Czech fluently :-)" Mosty u Jablunkova Tourist Trap Tip by matcrazy1

I was glad to meet personally a few natives in local pubs/bars and I must admit that they all could speak Czech language and exclusively Czech language quite fluently.

Waiters in local restaurants, bus drivers, owners and staff of "Chata Studenicne" (mountain cottage), of local library and of groceries could speak exclusively Czech and sometimes... a little Polish and Russian neither English nor German or French. One exception: once a girl of maybe 14-15yo in a restaurant understood at least one my English word "ash-tray". More: they rarely offered menu in either German or... Polish, never in English in local "eating/drinking places".

Why Russian?
Older folks could speak usually a little Russian as Russian language was obligatory in Czechoslovak schools till, I think 1990 or so.

Why Polish?
This area of Czech belonged to Poland in the past and there were still quite a lot of people which used to speak Polish language (or mixed Polish-Czech :-) at home. Now, there are even Polish schools with Polish as basic language around (in nearby Jablunkov for example).

Why it was NOT tourist trap for me?
Czech language is similar to Polish and Slovak. The three languages form Western Slavic language group. And Czech is similar - although less - to other Slavic languages as well. But it didn't mean I could communicate fluently with my Slovak friends. Don't ask me how many times I ordered "wrong" food in Czech restaurants, haha!

Unique Suggestions: My suggestions:
1. Try to ask younger folks, even kids - they should learn English or German at school, although it often didn't work in Mosty u Jablunkova. Just in case... don't except good knowledge of any non-Czech language.
2. Always carry a piece of paper and a pencil by you to draw/write what you mean. For more up-to-date visitors maybe palmtop instead :-)
3. Always keep smiling and have your... hands and face ready :-))) Drink Czech beer to improve your "face-hand-language"!

Fun Alternatives: No way:
- learn at least basic words in Slovak - Foreign Languages for Travelers - click on Cesky, Czech below Czech flag. Check correct pronauncation at this page (turn your speakers on!) or/and ask the first Czech you meet.
- buy English-Czech dictionary easy available in most/all Czech bookstores.