Surprising Signs # 6 - Litomyšl, Czech Republic

I found this rather cryptic message on a sign in the parking area outside a hotel in the Czech town of Litomyšl. The English part of the sign might be trying to declare an ominous prophecy of doom and misfortune for anyone who stays in the hotel, though I'm sure this isn't what they had in mind. I think their intention is to say that parking restrictions are not applicable to hotel guests, since the sentence above written in German says "It does not apply to hotel guests". The line below in Czech simply says that the parking area is monitored. It's sometimes hard to believe that companies don't check translations carefully with a native speaker of the language before using them on signs and in advertising, but it certainly brightens my day and gives me a chuckle when I come across humourous examples like this one.

Surprising Signs # 3 - Bratislava, Slovakia

This sign can be seen in Bratislava in Mlynske Nivy street, which is close to the central bus station. I can't be certain exactly why they've chosen "Witch Style" as the name of their beauty salon, but it certainly made me look twice. With Halloween coming soon, perhaps they'll get some extra business... :)

Surprising Signs # 2 - Suceava, Romania

This sign stands in the main square of the city of Suceava, Romania. It shows the distances to a number of major European cities, but the distance given at the bottom is certainly the most interesting one. It declares for all locals and visitors to see that the distance to the European Union is 0 kilometres. Apparently the city council of Suceava feels the need to assure people that their city really is within the boundaries of the EU. It also expresses a certain element of local pride in celebrating the accomplishment of Romania joining the EU, but I haven't seen a similar sign elsewhere in the newly expanded EU states. What do you think of this?

Surprising Signs # 1 - Kremnica, Slovakia

This sign is found at the foot of the staircase leading up into the castle tower in Kremnica in central Slovakia. Read what it says carefully - while climbing the stairs it appears to be necessary to discuss obscure indie bands and new-age philosophy...