Reference

                         Extended-Family Searching Roots

 

My family (17 of us) spent the last 12 days of August in the Czech Republic visiting ancestral sites, newly found relatives, and doing general sightseeing.  I contracted with Jan to be our guide and translator for this trip; he was able to be with us for all but one day.  Jan also assisted me with making some of the reservations before we arrived.

 

The results were outstanding!  Jan really took great care of us.  His translating skills are exceptional, which were effectively utilized not just in the day to day activities, but also when visiting our Czech relatives, calling ahead with his cell phone to confirm reservations, and translating for two non-English speaking guides on tours of a castle and brewery, respectively.

 

As a guide, Jan really goes the extra mile.  Not only does he listen carefully to his client's objectives and follow through, but he also recognizes situations and quickly volunteers his assistance, even when the issue wouldn't have to be his concern.

 

As an example, we arrived late in Prague and were the last guests to check in to the hotel.  Unfortunately, the hotel had given out our rooms and we were left with lesser quality, non air-conditioned rooms.  Although Jan had nothing to do with making this reservation, he immediately stepped in and took control of the situation.  We made do that first evening, and then Jan volunteered, no, he insisted on staying behind the next day and working with the hotel staff to correct the situation.  While our group spent a wonderful day touring Prague with Marie Zahnova, Jan was negotiating better rooms and then assisting the porter with the luggage, as he didn't want any mistakes.  When we returned to the hotel later that afternoon, Jan was waiting in the lobby with a new master list of rooms for me, new room keys for our group, and five bottles of champagne courtesy of the hotel staff.  Without exception, every room was excellent and every piece of luggage was in the correct rooms.  Needless to say, Jan was the man of the hour and the entire family was smiling again!

 

Jan's skills are excellent and he has a great work ethic, but perhaps what makes him special is his very positive attitude.  On our trip, he was always upbeat and encouraging, and his infectious smile won over all of my relatives.  One of my aunts emailed me this week to say (again) how much they enjoyed the trip and they were already considering going back.  In the same paragraph, she mentioned the great time they had attending Mass in the ancestral churches, meeting and visiting with the distant relatives, and "oh my, we really miss Jan - he became one of the family".  Funny, but she never mentioned me.....

 

My bottom line: I have other relatives hoping I will arrange another trip to the Czech Republic.  Before I set any dates, my first step will be to check with Jan on his availability.  I can't imagine doing another trip without Jan as my guide and translator....

 

Take care,

Mike

 

 

 

 

This reference was  written by Mike Prohaska. Mike is a member of the Board of Directors of the Czechoslovak Genealogical Society International (St. Paul, MN). He wrote this recommendation for other representatives of the CGSI. – Would you want to verify this recommendation, please let me know. I will be glad to give you Mike’s address and phone number.

 

 

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