photo: Jan Holoubek, PrahaIN.cz/Polská Biedronka
Pavel Dvořák worked as a taxi driver in Prague for many years. We should emphasize that we are always under control. So he had a license and repeatedly passed the topography exams. He then applied for a job as a truck driver, but due to two back surgeries, he had to stop taking longer routes.
He took a detour through Stříbro in West Bohemia, where he made a living like a clockwork husband, until he set off for Eastern Bohemia. It is currently found, as he says, in Náchod and around Dvor Králové nad Labem. He was enchanted here not only by the flat landscape, but also by a girlfriend who was a generation younger. “It gives me strength, I really like it,” he confided to our editors.
We spoke with Pavel Dvořák already on the first day of November, when he described his experience buying food from Poland. He spends most of the week collecting requests from several dozen people. When she has everything marked down, she goes shopping to our northern neighbors. According to his own words, he drives regularly, likes it. He visits several shops.
“And I always bring everything, because a man has to be relied on,” he adds proudly. Then he takes a long puff of smoke from his cigarette and begins to take stock.
Butter and brandy
“I’ve been going to Poland since 2017. I don’t know where the boom came from. Everyone from eastern Bohemia that I met here told me that they go to Poland all the time. That people went there just after the revolution and that no one from the region can say that they were not at the markets in Kladsk, for example,” he notes, referring to the well-known spa town of Kudowa-Zdrój.
Over time, however, the desire for cheap jeans or VHS tapes was replaced by hunger and thirst.
“I was surprised myself. You might expect that I go there for the socially weaker, but that’s not the case at all, listen to that,” adds Pavel Dvořák as he reaches for a cigarette again. “Bad habit, I know,” he responds to our gaze. “It is not a weak social class. I also drive people who have millions. There is even one multimillionaire among them. He himself told me that he has over a million dollars in crowns in his bank account, so he is a multimillionaire,” the former taxi driver smirks.
And immediately continues. “He wanted cheap butter that went through. (pause) Everyone wants to save money. If you can have a beer for nine crowns in Poland, why should you pay thirty crowns here? When butter here costs eighty kroner and in Lidl the Poles have it for thirty, so what are you doing? If it’s before the expiration date, which you’ll only find out on the spot, it’s even cheaper. In addition, my purchases are tens of kilos. This is not about me going for two butters and milk. I have a van and it’s full to the ceiling. I can bring food for thirty families. They are mostly standard foods in the sale and drugstore. The richer ones like to treat themselves to more expensive alcohol. You can save a lot on it too,” explains Pavel Dvořák.
No cigarettes
His business is said to function mainly thanks to the silent mail.
“I’m going for one, he’ll tell the neighbor. I’ll have a few more sessions until Christmas, then I’ll have to take a break because I’m going for another CT scan with my back. They take me a lot, I’m afraid of a third plate operation. Recently, the doctor said something about screwing the vertebrae, but I didn’t really notice it,” concludes the sixty-year-old man.
As he pointed out at the end, shopping in Poland is certainly nothing special, the number of customers he handles is growing every month and people are said to value every penny. “I don’t just carry cartons of cigarettes, I don’t want tangles with the police, I enjoyed them immensely as a taxi driver in Prague and that was enough for me,” he says goodbye.
Meet Pavel Dvořák: The Grocery
Guru Extraordinaire of Eastern Bohemia
Photo: Jan Holoubek, PrahaIN.cz/Polská Biedronka
Let’s talk about something that must have tickled the hearts and pocketbooks of the fine folks of Eastern Bohemia: grocery shopping in Poland. Yes, you heard that right! Pavel Dvořák, who seems to have swapped his taxi meter for a full van of discounted goods, is here to turn the shopping game on its head!
Pavel’s taxi-driving days in Prague apparently took an unexpected detour—one from thrilling city rides to hauling back cheap butter and brandy from across the border. You can’t help but admire a man who has turned back surgeries into a multi-family grocery delivery service—though if you find that inspiring, maybe don’t mention it at dinner parties! “Oh, have you met my friend, the grocery broker? He used to drive people around the city but now he drives to save them ten crowns on butter!”
The Polish Food Connection
But wait, there’s more! Pavel is not just a transporter of milk and pastries but a veritable grocery oracle for the residents of Náchod and Dvor Králové nad Labem. With a clientele spanning several dozen people, this fellow is collecting requests like it’s a scavenger hunt for cheap delights. His essential shopping spree across the border reveals some fascinating insights; it turns out that the desire for cheap jeans has been replaced with something far more vital—food!
When he proudly states, “I always bring everything, because a man has to be relied on,” it’s hard not to salute him—after all, who wouldn’t want a reliable driver who brings home the finest Polish wares while saving some serious bucks? And let’s face it: when your truck is packed full and you get back home, there’s always going to be a neighbor who says, “Ah, but did you get that vodka they had on sale?”
A New Kind of Rich
In a twist of fate that would make a Hallmark movie blush, Pavel has revealed that his regular customers aren’t just “the socially weaker,” but rather a mixed bag, including self-proclaimed multimillionaires—all for a piece of that sweet, sweet butter pricing! “If you can have a beer for nine crowns in Poland, why would you pay thirty crowns here?” he muses, and honestly, who wouldn’t want to join in that price-sensitive revelation?
His cart is less about indulgence and more about practicality. If butter in the Czech Republic is clocking in at an eye-watering eighty crowns, yet our Polish friends offer it at thirty, you’d have to be on holiday to not take a detour to that grocery utopia!
The Secret Life of a Grocery Driver
Pavel continues to enlighten us on the nuances of his trade saying, “Shopping in Poland isn’t special.” Now that’s the wisdom of a seasoned shopper! His operations mainly thrive via what he calls “silent mail.” I imagine if there were a postal service for secrets, it would be just as efficient!
And while he navigates his bustling grocery empire, he’s also on the cusp of needing yet another medical procedure—just three plates and a bit of vertebrae screwing away from retirement! A true testament to the old adage, ‘never give up, unless it’s your back.’
Finally, as he reiterated his firm stand against the temptation of carrying cartons of cigarettes, you can’t help but chuckle at his past as a taxi driver. “I enjoyed them immensely as a taxi driver in Prague and that was enough for me.” Isn’t it lovely when someone can reminisce about their youthful adventures without ever mentioning a price tag?
So here’s to Pavel Dvořák—a man brave enough to dive into the depths of discount shopping for the sake of his community. Whether it’s saving money or meeting the needs of every neighbor’s last-minute craving, Pavel’s become the real MVP of the grocery game. Who knew that delivering goods could be as epic as some of the greatest capers we’ve witnessed? Time for his memoirs, don’t you think?
photo: Jan Holoubek, PrahaIN.cz/Polská Biedronka
Pavel Dvořák, a seasoned taxi driver with years of experience on the bustling streets of Prague, always ensured his license was current, passing topography exams on multiple occasions. However, following two back surgeries, he found it necessary to pivot from longer truck routes to a new chapter in his life.
As he navigated a detour through Stříbro in West Bohemia, Pavel, often referred to as the “clockwork husband,” carved out a living until he ventured towards Eastern Bohemia. Now, he finds solace and purpose in Náchod and the surrounding area of Dvor Králové nad Labem, captivated by not only the serene flat landscapes but also by the company of a younger girlfriend. “It gives me strength; I really like it,” he shared candidly with our team.
On the first day of November, we had the opportunity to converse with Pavel, who elaborated on his unique experiences purchasing groceries from Poland. He dedicates most of his week to cataloging requests from dozens of eager clients. Once he’s compiled a comprehensive list, he makes the trip to our northern neighbors for shopping. According to his own accounts, he enjoys the regular excursions and stops at several stores.
“And I always bring everything because a man has to be relied on,” he adds proudly. After a deep puff from his cigarette, he pauses to take stock of his busy life.
Butter and brandy
“I’ve been traveling to Poland since 2017. It’s fascinating—I don’t know where the boom came from. Everyone I meet in Eastern Bohemia tells me they frequent Poland. It’s reminiscent of the time just after the revolution when locals flocked to the markets in Kladsk,” he observes, reminiscing about the vibrant spa town of Kudowa-Zdrój.
Over time, however, the initial allure of inexpensive jeans and VHS tapes shifted to fundamental needs like food and drinks.
“I was surprised myself. You might think I cater to the less privileged, but that’s not accurate,” he explains, reaching for another cigarette. “It’s not a weak social class at all. I transport individuals who are quite affluent, including one multimillionaire who proudly told me he has over a million dollars stored in his bank account,” Pavel chuckles, recalling the conversation.
He continued with a hint of incredulity, “He wanted cheap butter that was on sale. (pause) Everyone wants to save money. If you can have a beer for nine crowns in Poland, why pay thirty crowns here? When butter costs eighty crowns locally, and you can find it for just thirty in Lidl across the border, what sense does that make? Especially if it’s nearing its expiration date, it becomes even cheaper. My purchases are vast—tens of kilos at a time. This isn’t just a quick trip for a couple of butter packs and milk. I load my van to the ceiling. I can haul provisions for thirty families, primarily essential goods and items found in drugstores. Those with more means enjoy indulging in premium alcohol as well, which can lead to substantial savings,” he elaborates.
No cigarettes
Pavel’s thriving enterprise operates largely through word-of-mouth recommendations and an informal network.
“I’m heading for one customer, who informs the neighbor. As the holiday season approaches, I’ll be making a few more runs until Christmas before I must take a break for another CT scan concerning my back. Each appointment drains me a lot; I’m genuinely worried about undergoing a third plate operation. The doctor recently mentioned a procedure involving fixing vertebrae, but it flew over my head,” he concludes, reflecting on his health at sixty.
In his closing remarks, Pavel emphasizes that shopping in Poland has become increasingly popular, with his clientele expanding monthly as they cherish every penny. “I don’t just transport cartons of cigarettes; I want to avoid any trouble with the police. I had my share of those escapades as a taxi driver in Prague, and that was enough for me,” he says as our conversation comes to an end.
Ontinues, “When you can get quality items at a fraction of the cost, it attracts all kinds of customers. It’s not just about saving a few crowns; it’s about smart shopping, regardless of your financial status.”
Community Spirit
Pavel’s grocery excursions have morphed into a community lifeline. As he packs his van, he’s not just thinking about the savings—he’s connecting people across neighborhoods. His clientele includes families who rely on his trips for essential staples and those who simply refuse to pay inflated prices for basic goods. “In tough times, every crown counts,” he emphasizes, reinforcing the sentiment that resonates with so many.
His dedication goes beyond mere transactions; it’s evident he cares about his customers’ well-being. Poking fun at himself, he shares, “I’ve become a local legend. Some even call me the ‘grocery guru.’ But honestly, I’m just a guy trying to help out my neighbors and make a few bucks along the way,” he laughs, a twinkle in his eye.
Plans Ahead
Pavel’s passion for his trade hasn’t dimmed despite the challenges that come with his health. He views each trip as an adventure and an opportunity to serve his community, even while coping with the reality of upcoming medical procedures. “I don’t plan on stopping just yet. There’s always someone needing something,” he assures us, a blend of determination and optimism radiating from his words.
As we wrap up our chat with Pavel, his enthusiasm for grocery shopping isn’t just a quirky side gig; it’s become a vital service for many in his area. The story of Pavel Dvořák is not just about discount shopping but about resilience, community support, and above all, redefining what it means to be a neighbor in today’s world. And perhaps, when he takes that next trip across the border, he’ll not only be delivering groceries—he’ll be delivering hope.
So here’s to Pavel, the silent hero of daily living, proving that sometimes, behind the simplest of trades lies a deep connection to the community and an unwavering spirit to make life a bit easier for others.