Category: Culture

Integration

Published on by Grace16 Comments

Yesterday, it was -4C (25F) outside.  But I found myself enjoying my homemade guláš and downing it with a mug of cold beer.    A year ago, the idea of drinking cold beer on a cold day was quite repulsive for me.  Having been raised in a tropical country and spending a lot of time in a temperate country with very mild winters, snow was very foreign to me.   But the longer I stay here in Czech, I am starting to appreciate it now.  Somehow, dealing with the cold temperature has become a way of life.  I guess I am now integrating.

Another tell-tale sign is that I am starting to dig Czech humor.  Although I still don’t understand everything, I somehow get the drift.  Here is one popular Christmas commercial that touches on a Czech tradition and is presented in a very humorous way.

During Christmas, some people still practice the old tradition of fasting prior to midnight.  Little children are told that if they don’t eat anything, they will later on get rewarded with a sighting of a golden boar.  In this commercial, the little girl is asking her dad what the boar looks like.  She further mentions that she doesn’t need to wait for later since she is already seeing one.

I hope to awaken the Christmas spirit in me, as we are moving to our new place this weekend.    After the long wait, it is finally here.  The place is not fully furnished yet, but it is already “habitable.”  But we don’t have a tree yet.  I hope we don’t end up like the dad in the commercial.  Ironically, we live close to the woods.

Mikuláš Day: A Czech Tradition

Published on by Grace13 Comments

These past few days, my son has been playing this game where he says  “Čert”, then runs off and hides under the covers.    The first time he said it I didn’t understand what he was talking about until it occured to me that he was actually referring to a Czech christmas day tradition, the celebration of Mikuláš name day (St. Nicholas’ name day).    Although Czechs don’t believe in Santa Claus, they believe in St. Nicholas, his other personality.

Because I am still not used to this name day tradition, I completely forgot about Mikuláš Day, which is a tradition that is widely celebrated here in Czech.  When I saw one of my friends’ picture of the celebration, I felt bad about not giving Jakub the opportunity to celebrate this tradition.  But what I saw in their school’s photo board brought a smile into my face.  He was able to celebrate Mikuláš Day after all.

Earlier that day, they were drawing angels.

Photo courtesy of Zuzana Yousif
Photo courtesy of Zuzana Yousif

Then they were out for a walk.  It was snowing that day.

Photo courtesy of Zuzana Yousif
Photo courtesy of Zuzana Yousif

On their way back from the walk in the locker area, the mascots for Mikuláš Day were there.

Photo courtesy of Zuzana Yousif
Photo courtesy of Zuzana Yousif

It was funny to see my son’s apprehensive face beside the devil (Čert) mascot.  So this was the reason for the game.

Photo courtesy of Zuzana Yousif
Photo courtesy of Zuzana Yousif

Here in Czech, the whole celebration starts on the early evening of December 5th.  Traditionally, three personalities  “Mikuláš, Anděl a Čert” (St Nicholas, the angel and the Devil), visit children at home to ask them if they have been good or bad.  If they have been good, they will be rewarded with candies or chocolates.  Otherwise, they will be rewarded with coal or potatoes.

Mikuláš Day signals the start of Christmas.  In my household, we haven’t even put up a tree yet since we are in the process of moving to our new place.  I’m glad that he’s in school and got to celebrate Mikuláš Day nevertheless.

Jsem řidič

Published on by Grace16 Comments

After passing all my driving tests last week, I guess I am now eligible for a Czech driver’s license.  I only started getting serious about obtaining a Czech driver’s license 4 months ago, after living here for more than a year now.   One can get by with an International Driving Permit, but this is only good for one year.  Since we are here indefinitely, there is the inevitable need for me to obtain a Czech Driver’s license.   Obtaining a Czech driver’s license is quite a process.

In the beginning, I thought I could convert either one of my “other” driving licenses, since I already own 2, from 2 different countries.  I tried.  Unfortunately, I learned that I still need to go through the whole process all over again.  Classes in English were only offered in Prague.  Hence, I had to periodically endure the  1 hour commute to attend my classes, although I missed most of the theoretical lessons and only completed the compulsory behind-the-wheel sessions.  In retrospect, I think doing it all over again was well worth it.

Unlike the other cities where I obtained my other licenses, testing here in Czech is a tad more complicated.  One has to undergo three tests – a computer test on rules of the road and first aid, a verbal vehicle maintenance test, and finally a behind the wheel test.  Honestly, I have to say that these intimidated me a lot.  First, because my language proficiency is not at an intermediate level.  Second,  because failure was not an option.  With the help of a court appointed interpreter, I managed to answer all the questions of the rules and vehicle maintenance tests correctly.  Then came the behind-the-wheel test the following day.  Although it was freezing that day, I managed to sweat.  That’s how nervous I was.  The examiner only spoke Czech so my driving school teacher had to give me the instructions in English.   After probably 10 minutes of driving, (which felt like forever to me), the examiner told me to pull over to one side and flatly said I passed the test.  I almost squealed with joy, but the mood inside the car was  so serene, I had to conceal my emotions.

After going through the whole process, I feel like a huge weight had just been lifted off my shoulders.  Sure I can drive, but I feel more confident now that I am fully aware of all the rules of the road and its possible dangers.  Now I am proud to say that I am a Prague driver, a Los Angeles driver and a Manila driver.  So sit tight. Buckle your seat belts. Let’s go!

VEGAS IN MY MIND

Published on by Grace17 Comments

As I was roaming through the streets of my little town today, something caught my attention.  There is quite a number of “Herna”  (casino) in some strategic spots around the city.  Because Czechs do love the outdoors, this is a sighting that I rather find quite unlikely.

When I think of casinos, I think of Las Vegas.  Back in California, whenever somebody wants to splurge, celebrate or relax, it is the place to go.  Aside from gambling, there are a lot of concerts and shows that are being run in various hotels.  Not to mention that top-of-the-line spas are also one of its biggest attractions.  Needless to say, Vegas meant partying or relaxing.

The Las Vegas Strip

But Vegas is not all about gambling or going wild.  There are also a lot of  things to do in Vegas outside the comfort of one’s hotel.  One can visit Lake Mead and Hoover Dam, listed as one of the seven wonders of the industrial world.  And for golf enthusiasts, there is also the option of visiting Boulder City, the only place in Nevada that is so unlike Vegas.

The Lake Mead viewed from the Hoover Dam.

But perhaps one of my favorite  and memorable activities on this side of the country was a trip to the Grand Canyon, right around Nevada’s neighboring state of Arizona.  Although it is a few hours drive from Vegas, it is  not that far away.  The canyon’s unparalleled beauty was a great photography subject.

Sunset at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon

The short hikes to the viewing spots also provided a very good exercise for my feet and lungs.

Now that we are here in Czech, all I can do is reminisce those good old days.  That’s why after seeing those casinos around town, I cannot help remembering those days when I was young and free and Vegas was just a few hours away.

Weekly Photo Challenge: Geometry

Published on by Grace17 Comments

Prague is a city with diverse topography and rich architecture.  Many of its cultural attractions have survived violence and destruction in twentieth century Europe.  It is home to approximately 1.3 million people but receives more than 4.1 million visitors per year,  making it the sixth most visited city in Europe.

As this week’s photo challenge is about geometry, I couldn’t think of a better picture than one of Prague.

This shot was taken from the Prague Castle overlooking the city.

The baroque structures seem to blend seamlessly with the more modern angular buildings.  For me, this blend is geometry.

The colors in this shot also have an interesting harmonious blend.  It almost exemplifies the city’s colorful history.

Weekly Photo Challenge: Foreign

Published on by Grace10 Comments

It is ironic that just when I decided to join the weekly photo challenge, the topic is Foreign.  Being an expat, everything around me is foreign to me now.

But for this category, I decided to pick out an old picture.   This was a photo I snapped at the US 101 freeway, as we were coming back to LA from a weekend trip to Santa Barbara.  The car in this photo looked like it belonged to another place and time.  🙂

 

Destination: Kroměříž, Buchlovice Chateau, Velehrad

Published on by Grace20 Comments

Kroměříž  is one of the key cities in Moravia.  This town is a center for spiritual culture and the arts.  Due to historic monuments, schools, arts and culture, it has been dubbed  “The Athens of Haná”.   But unlike many other towns, there are not too many industrial companies in Kroměříž.  Although, it is currently characterized by a rapid development of the small business sector.  During our visit to this historical town, we visited the Kroměříž gardens and the Archbishop’s Palace.

We were awed by the beauty of the gardens.

No wonder it is recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site.

Before proceeding to the Archbishop’s Palace, we roamed the  Kroměříž town square.

My parents, being devout Catholics, had to stop by the Church of St. John the Baptist.

We also strolled along the small businesses permeating through town.

Finally, we reached the Archbishop’s palace.

Probably the most interesting feature of this palace is the  extensive collection of paintings and books.  In 1984, it was used in the filming of  Miloš Forman’s movie, Amadeus.

To know more about Kroměříž, please click here.

The next stop in our day tour was in the Buchlovice Chateau.  This chateau is a typical example of a nobleman’s summer residence.  It is constructed in Baroque style architecture and unlike the French gardens in Kromeriz, it is surrounded by English-style gardens.

The interiors were awe-inspiring, but picture-taking was forbidden.  So I am only able to show you the exteriors here.

To know more about the Buchlovice Chateau, please click  here.

The last leg of our tour was the Velehrad.  Velehrad is one of the most significant pilgrimage sites in Moravia.  Velehrad began as early as the 13th century, when the Moravian count Vladislav Jindrich, together with his brother King Przemysl Otakar I, originated the first Cistercian monastery in Moravia.  In 1990, Pope John Paul II visited this place during his first visit to the Czech Republic.

It is closely associated with St. Cyril and Methodius (10th century).  During their mission to Moravia, they brought with them Christian faith, culture and the Cyrilic alphabet.  In 1985, during the 1100 years anniversary of the death of St.Methodius, Pope John Paul II donated the Golden Rose to the basilica (only a few cathedrals all over the world obtained this honour).Once a year, thousands of Catholics hold pilgrimage to this place.

To know more about Velehrad, please click here.

It was a day well-spent and it certainly enriched our knowledge about Czech history and  Czech culture.

If you are keen on visiting historical, architectural  and religious places in Moravia, these places are definitely worth checking out!

Ligo Circle of Appreciation: Czech Version

Published on by Grace12 Comments

I should have done this a couple of days ago, but I somehow lost track of my own schedule.  I just realized that it is the last day today, and I sincerely apologize to Gunta who invited me to join this circle a couple of days back.

The yearly Līgo celebration happens every summer solstice in Latvia.
During that time,  participants adorn their heads with Līgos of flowers, oak leaves,
grasses and plants. Then they  join circles around bonfires and celebrate life,
and appreciation of each other.

The virtual Līgo Circle of Appreciation goes like this:

For a duration of 22 days, starting on 1st October 2012, we will be inviting 2 bloggers per day

to join the Līgo Circle of Appreciation.

PLEASE NOTE: This is an Appreciation, NOT an Award.

To fully participate in the Līgo Circle of Appreciation:
~
* Complete this sentence about blogging: ”A great blog is…

* Refer back to the blogger who invited you

Gunta of Movin’On has included me in this virtual circle of appreciation.  Gunta is a talented writer and photographer who currently lives in Oregon.  She has Latvian roots, thus, familiar with most of the cultural practices in Europe.  I have to say that I truly appreciate being connected with her through blogging since I constantly learn a thing or two in her posts.  You should see it for yourself.  Please click here to visit her blog.

For me, a great blog is one I can relate with and where I learn something new.  It also takes me to places I have never been before and introduces me to cultures I have never experienced.  There are a lot of blogs out there that have met this criteria, but since I am only able to choose 2, here are the bloggers whom I would like to invite into the circle:

I write what I like – A seasoned adventurer’s blog about the outdoors

Jolene’s Journey – A runner, teacher, and traveler’s blog about life

I am adding here some  pictures of fall in my part of the world.

The Elbe River in Kolin.

Swans on the river.

Colorful autumn leaves.

Have a great week, everyone!

Are You Adventurous?

Published on by Grace17 Comments

Having lived in 3 continents, and travelling to various parts of the world, I may as well consider myself adventurous.  Well over a month ago, my friend Reena of www.reenareigns.wordpress.com, passed on the adventurous blogger award to me.  Thank you very much, Reena!

 

To receive the award, one has to answer a couple of questions:

  1. In which country or region would you like your next adventure to be?   I would like to explore the African continent.  I’ve read and heard a lot of good things in this part of the world but have never visited it.  I hope I will have the chance to explore Africa someday.
  2. Where would you recommend for an adventurous time? It depends on how much time you have for this adventure.  There are a lot of interesting places in Asia, the US and Czech.  But if you have limited time, I would recommend visiting the Yosemite Valley in California.
  3. Most interesting culture: What I find interesting may change as I age, but I currently  find Czech culture pretty interesting.  After living here for a year, I found out that it has a lot of similarities to my own culture, but also a lot of differences when it comes to Asian culture in general.
  4. Favourite activity: Tasting the  food, conversing in the local language and spending time in historical places.
  5. Most dangerous risk taken: Hiking in Bryce Canyon, Utah.  I’m a wimp when it comes to heights.
  6. Favourite quotation:
    Adventure is worthwhile in itself. – Amelia Earhart

  7. Happiness is: CONTENTMENT

As part of my blogging journey, I have met a lot of wonderful people who inspire me everyday with their own adventures.  Though I cannot name everyone, here are the 12 bloggers who I think should also be receiving this award:

Writing Between The Lines

Crazy Train To Tinky Town

Another Day in Paradise

I write what I Like

Bucket List Publications

50 Year Project

The Open Suitcase

On the Road with Jim and Mary

Adventures of Andrea

24/7 in France

Toemail

A Big Life

Please check out these blogs.  I’m sure you’ll also feel like you’re part of their adventures.

 

Mushroom Hunting: A Czech Hobby

Published on by Grace31 Comments

Mushroom hunting is a favorite past-time for Czechs.   It is said that 7 in 10 Czechs go for some mushroom hunting between the months of July and November.

In keeping up with tradition, we had the opportunity of introducing Jakub to his first mushroom hunting activity this past weekend.

Dressed in our mushroom picking garb, we headed out to the woods close to Konarovice, a village close to Kolin.

Our first mushroom find got Jakub very excited.  Although he didn’t fully understand what a mushroom is, he was excited with the thought of looking for something and eventually finding it.

It was hard to explain that not all mushrooms are edible.

It became even more challenging when he started to pick out moss that was shaped like a mushroom.

I, on the other hand, had a hard time distinguishing the edible from the inedible ones since I am always more attracted to the colorful ones.  Most of the time, they are either poisonous or inedible.

But then they served a different purpose. If I can’t feast on them with my mouth, I might as well feast on them with my camera.

This year, we were not very lucky, because we didn’t follow one basic rule:  wake up with the sun.

When we got to the woods, a lot of people were already there before us.

But the whole activity in itself proved to be very worthwhile.  I found more enjoyment in communing with nature rather than picking the mushrooms.  I also enjoyed seeing my son seriously in the prowl for those precious goodies.

After finally admitting that there were no more to be found,  we found a precious spot were we rested and basked ourselves in the warm sun.

Our son on the otherhand, got busy pretending that he was drilling something in the trees.

It was such an awesome experience — one that we will definitely do over and over again.

Have you ever picked mushrooms in the woods?