I am forwarding a reply about the logistics of having a family reunion in the Czech Republic (Moravia). If anyone has any questions, please contact Frank Soural directly at <qlt@cyberus.ca>. Ron Mlejnek --------------------- Forwarded Reply ----------------- Hello Sandy. Ron suggested a while ago that I summarize my experiences in setting up a reunion in the Czech Republic.I have actually had two in the same village Bludov in north western Moravia. The first was in the year 2000 and we gave it the catchy name of "Bludov 2000". The key to that one was that it was orchestrated by someone living in Europe who made several trips to Bludov beforehand to organize the venues, like renting the Grand Hall in the Feudal Manor where several genealogical presentations would take place, the restaurant for an authentic Czech dinner and the excursions into the countryside. From what I recall that individual went first to the Bludov Town Hall and they were very helpful in telling him whom to contact for the venues, and the organizing of the excursions. It would not surprise me if they would roll out the red carpet for your event as well.. There must have been about 150 people at both events as the names Kotrly and Soural, intertwined since the 19th Century, are very common in the town. So everyone came to see what we from North America looked like. In the audience was an Ambassador and his wife, professional people and cousins and great aunts that we did not know we had. Then of course is the publicity of the event. I understand that many phone calls were made within the Bludov Community and worldwide to notify near and distant relations when and where the event will take place. In retrospect I must say that they were very successful as we could not have handled any more people. The Bludov press was there too and the event was described in next days paper. Organizing the trips from the US and Canada was in the hands of the various family heads.Mostly grandparents who in some cases funded the transatlantic fares. After all, what are Grandparent for ? I was responsible to assist anyone who had questions on continuity and scheduling. The conversation was mostly in the Czech language, and since I still have a smattering of it, I was asked to do my presentation in that language. Oh Boy, I still vividly recall that embarrassment. Even though the Ambassador came later and said "You've done good" So it must have been ok. There was measurable applause after the presentation. So they must have understood me. With other presenters, some of them professors who currently teach at the Prague university, there was some disagreements with the family trees presented, but that is part of the game as there were 150 people who may have different information. All in all, it was a wonderful experience, one that led to the second visit, last year. I know we have made many friends in Bludov with whom I exchange e-mails frequently. I would be pleased to answer any questions that you may have on your upcoming visit. Good luck and don't forget to bring you digital camera, you'll need it. I will describe my second trip in a short essay on the Czech list. Frank Frank Soural qlt@cyberus.ca