olenakagui

What NOT to Do with Cricket Flour

*Revelation since publishing this – what I have is cricket powder, not flour, meaning it’s just 100% ground crickets and not meant to be used as flour at all. Courtesy of Entomophagy Facebook group. The full scoop on how I failed at life (yes, I’m being overly dramatic) and wasted precious cricket flour: You don’t need…

SUMMER FUN: CLIMBING IN PRAGUE

Rock climbing is a perfect way to have some fun, get a work out or try something new. There are many climbing opportunities in Prague and it is recommended that absolute beginners start off in an indoor climbing gym with an artificial wall (see list below). But with a bit more experience and some sunshine…

SUMMER FUN – CAVE EXPLORING

The Czech Republic is known for its vast amount of caves and underground areas. Created as long as millions of years ago, these areas are mysterious and some still unexplored. Each cave has something exciting to offer so make sure to add these to your bucket list. Read the full article on Prague.TV’s website. The…

SUMMER FUN: GEOCACHING

Geocaching is defined as a real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices. It is a fun activity that can be done anywhere in the world and there is even a large community of geocaching enthusiasts. The idea was born on May 3rd 2000 with an upgrade to GPS technology and has been growing ever…

PRAGUE FOOD FESTIVAL 2016

The Prague Food Festival will be celebrating its 10th birthday at the Palace Gardens on May 27th – 29th. The enchanted location on the grounds of Prague Castle will be hosting the unique gastronomical experience for the 6th year in a row. Read the full article on Prague.TV’s website. The best place to discover Prague,…

SUMMER FUN: 4 HIKING TRIPS NOT TO MISS

Going on a hike doesn’t mean you need to leave the city: there are plenty of beautiful parks and forests within the borders of Prague. However due to the efficient and reliable public transportation system, leaving the city is also no big deal. Discover the following four hiking spots that will leave you breathless. Read…

SUMMER FUN: CANOEING NEAR PRAGUE

Exploring the great outdoors is one of the most popular activities in the Czech Republic. As soon as it gets hot outside, Czechs love to gather their friends, buy some beers and head off on a boat trip. The River Sázava is located northeast of Prague and is one of the best spots for rafting…

WORK HARD – PARTY HARD

Prague’s official nickname is the city of one hundred spires but many also refer to it as the city that never sleeps. The city has a dense concentration of pubs, bars, tea houses, cafes and new places are opened on a regular basis. While there are endless spots to hang out and meet new people…

Cricket Pizza!

As soon as I read about cricket flour, I knew I had to try it. The pros seemed endless: calcium, B12, iron and almost 13 grams of protein per 100 grams of crickets! It seemed almost too good to be true, and for a while it was. Living in the Czech Republic, where eating insects…

ENTOVIEW WITH STEAK TZARTZAR

Dror Tamir is a serial food and nutrition entrepreneur. His passion is improving the health of children and families through better nutrition. He has held varied positions within several Israeli and international companies over the last 16 years after a career at the Israeli Navy Budget Department. http://www.ediblebugfarm.com/blog/entoview-with-steak-tzartzar/

KLOBÁSA CONTROVERSIES AND SCANDALS

While the raw and veggie trend is spreading fast in Prague, klobása remains to be one of the favorite dishes in Czech cuisine. It is hard to resist the grilled juicy sausage that tastes best with some rye bread, mustard and ketchup. This popular fast food is considered by many to be Prague’s signature delicacy,…

FISHING IN PRAGUE

Fishing is a popular activity in Prague for both Czechs and expats. Before you buy a fishing rod and throw a line over the Charles Bridge, there are several laws and regulations to keep in mind. Fishing without a license is generally not allowed and you can’t cast your line off of busy bridges –…

JETPACKS, INDOOR SKYDIVING AND OTHER PRAGUE ADVENTURES

There is more to Prague than pubs, galleries and historic buildings: you just need to know where to look. Czechs are all about sports and outdoor activities and there are many opportunities to have some fun and try something new. There are many websites, including Slevomat.cz and Zážitky.cz where you discover adventures for great prices. Read…

7 BREWERY TOURS IN PRAGUE

Many make the false assumption that going on a brewery tour requires a long bus ride beyond the borders of Prague. But there are many local breweries that will tickle your taste buds. Prague is home to large breweries producing massive amounts of beer as well as micro-breweries that focus on refining one single flavor….

The Disrupters: Cutting LiDAR costs to advance autonomous vehicles

Using cheaper lasers will accelerate the driverless car industry, according to semiconductor laser technology providers TriLumina. Olena Kagui reports. “TriLumina has solved the main impediment to automotive laser radar or LiDAR – the high cost of the laser emitter,” claims Kirk Otis president and CEO at TriLumina. http://analysis.tu-auto.com/autonomous-car/disrupters-cutting-lidar-costs-advance-autonomous-vehicles

ENTOVIEW WITH GATHR FOODS

Christine Spliid, founder of Gathr Foods, is originally from Denmark, but is based in London. CROBAR cricket flour energy bars started out as an idea that combines Christine’s passion for endurance running, healthy food, travelling, and sometimes, the unconventional. In her lifetime she has travelled to more than 40 countries and was fascinated by the number…

LANGOŠ

You can find langoš in most fast food stalls in cities around the Czech Republic which leads people to believe that it’s a traditional Czech dish. It is actually a popular Hungarian fast food in the form of fried bread. It was originally made in a brick oven which explains it’s name: “láng” is the…

Creating A Startup Across Oceans And Time Differences

Ece Ergüney is the co-founder of two startups together with her business partner, Milan Hnátek. Their inspiring story shows that motivation is all you need to succeed: they drafted a business plan while they lived on opposite sides of the world and took a unique approach to launching two businesses almost simultaneously. Read the full…

MAY 1ST – THE CZECH VALENTINE’S DAY

„Večerní máj byl lásky čas“ or May twilight the time of love is the motto for May 1st, the day of love. Czechs couples celebrate the day by going out into the nature and kissing under a blooming cherry tree or birch. They also visit the statue of Karel Hynek Mácha who is known as…

PRAGUE’S BEER GARDENS

It is no mystery that Czech beer is best-served cold and enjoyed outdoors under the sun. Beer can help cool you down on a hot afternoon but it can also warm you up after a chilly late April snowfall. Fortunately, Prague is cluttered with beer gardens big and small. Read the full article on Prague.TV’s…

ENTOVIEW WITH EDIBLE BUG SHOP

Skye Blackburn is an entomologist and food scientist living in Australia. She is dedicated to educating people about insects and other invertebrates in a way that is fun and interactive. She is also the owner of Edible Bug Shop and a world leader in edible insect farming techniques, developing edible insect products and educating the general public about…

NUDITY IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

Czechs are considered shy when it comes to talking to strangers, sharing private information and they avoid sitting next to each other as much as possible on public transportation. Despite all of this, Czechs are very open about nudity. Read the full article on Prague.TV’s website. The best place to discover Prague, like a local!…

RUSSIAN CUISINE IN PRAGUE

Russian borscht is a popular soup served in many Czech Restaurants as part of their daily lunch menu. However it is not the most popular or traditional soup in Russia and may not be prepared correctly. Russian cuisine is full of cold soups, hot soups, meat, fish, vegetables and more. Read the full article on…

BEER COUNTRY EATS, SLEEPS, BREATHES (AND BATHES) BEER

The construction of the Charles Bridge started in the 14th century under Charles the IV. There are many different rumors about what was used instead of cement – and it wasn’t just eggs. According to one website the secret ingredients that helped hold the bridge together include various organic products such as milk, blood, cottage cheese, wine…

DO PRACE NA KOLE – BIKE TO WORK COMPETITION

Do Prace Na Kole is a friendly competition that aims to motivate as many people as possible to use a bike as a regular urban means of transportation. For a 6th consecutive year, over 25 cities and towns across the Czech Republic will participate in this month long event. Read the full article on Prague.TV’s website….

PRAGUE CANDY FESTIVAL

The Prague Candy Festival is a unique event for lovers of all things sweet: chocolate, cakes, cupcakes, macaroons, bonbons, pralines, muffins, raw desserts, cake pops, hot chocolate, sugar-coated fruit, fruit juices, ice cream and of course plenty of sweet drinks. Read the full article on Prague.TV’s website. The best place to discover Prague, like a local! http://prague.tv/en/s72/Directory/c203-Dining/n5643-Prague-Candy-Festival

PRAGUE UPGRADES TICKET MACHINES

Residents of the historic city of Prague woke up to a small miracle on April 12th. For the first in history, a ‘contactless payment’ DPP* (Dopravní podnik hlavního města Prahy) ticket was purchased on a touchscreen machine inside a 22 tram. Before you get too excited, there are only two trams in the entire city that…

WHY CZECHS BURN WITCHES ON APRIL 30TH (ČARODEJNICE)

April 30th is an exciting day for Czechs of all ages who gather by a fire and celebrate the arrival of spring. Witch burning (Čarodejnice), also known as the night of the witches, stems from an ancient tradition. Read the full article on Prague.TV’s website. The best place to discover Prague, like a local! http://prague.tv/en/s72/Directory/c200-Party-Nightlife/n5605-Why-Czechs-Burn-Witches-on-April-30th-Carodejnice

A GUIDE TO THE CZECH POSTAL SYSTEM

The Czech Postal system has been undergoing some major changes lately. Starting with the new designs of the paper slips that you find in your mailbox to more post offices accepting credit cards. Also domestically sent packages now come with texts and emails with information about the delivery times plus the possibility of rescheduling and…

3D PRINTING IN PRAGUE: WHAT, WHERE AND WHY?

Although the first prototype was created in 1996, the concept of 3D printing is still relatively new. Today 3D printing is mainly used to print prosthetic limbs, clothes from unusual materials and scientists are experimenting with the printing living tissue. The potential for three-dimensional printing is huge – but the process is still a mystery…

10 FREE FUN IN THE SUN ACTIVITIES

It doesn’t matter if you prefer athletics, food, art or culture – this list has something for everyone. Discover the diversity of Prague’s events and try something new. You don’t need to travel to get some sun and the best thing about all these events is that they’re free. Read the full article on Prague.TV’s…

TATTOOS IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

Tattoos have always been a controversial topic; especially at the work place. The Czech Republic is quite lenient in comparison to other countries and tattoos keep growing in popularity. According to TIME, 40% of millennials have at least one tattoo but 70% of them keep it hidden from their boss. The same study shows that 89%…

RACES (RUNNING) IN PRAGUE

Over the years, Prague has become a popular location for various races and marathons attracting runners from around the world. RunCzech is the top organizer of marathons including the Volkswagen marathon, Mattoni half-marathon and the Birrel gran prix. Read the full article on Prague.TV’s website. The best place to discover Prague, like a local! http://prague.tv/en/s72/Directory/c210-Sports-Recreation/n5798-Races-Running-in-Prague

ASIANFEST: PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2016 FESTIVAL

AsianFest Prague will take place on April 30th 2016 at Výstavište Holešovice and will feature food from China, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam and Korea. The festival introduces an entirely new concept and will transport visitors into the heart of Asia using traditional decorations and cultural performances. Read the full article on Prague.TV’s website. The best place to…

TURN YOUR SMILE INTO YOUR BEST ACCESSORY

Everyone knows that smiles are contagious. A smile can change your day, improve your mood and committed positive thinking can gradually change your life. Stained teeth, however can keep the most confident person in a tight-lipped frown. Read the full article on Prague.TV’s website. The best place to discover Prague, like a local! http://prague.tv/en/s72/Directory/c202-Health-Wellness/n5521-Turn-your-Smile-into-your-Best-Accessory

HOW TO GET A CZECH DRIVER’S LICENSE

Getting a driver’s license is an important milestone in life. The process varies in different cultures but many countries have signed an agreement to allow their citizens to skip the hassle of retaking the test. Read the full article on Prague.TV’s website. The best place to discover Prague, like a local! http://prague.tv/en/s72/Directory/c212-Relocation/n5508-How-to-Get-a-Czech-Driver-s-License

LÍTAČKA, OR OPENCARD 2.0

March 1st 2016 was a significant day for Prague locals – it marked the beginning of the end of Opencards. After a long legal battle, it was decided that Lítačka will be the the future of transport tickets. There are still a lot of mysteries surrounding this new card but it has great potential despite…

Rotary Club Prague International: Having Fun, Doing Good

“The Rotary Club Prague International has been supporting an initiative in India that encourages families to support their children’s primary education for over seven years now,” says Gerry Tipple who recently returned from a trip to India. The purpose of the trip was to take part in this year’s school presentation and also to do…

ENTOVIEW WITH AGRIPROTEIN

AgriProtein is leading a new nutrient recycling industry to deal with the urgent need for new sustainable sources of protein. The man behind AgriProtein, Jason Drew, established the company in 2008 and plans to start a revolution in sustainable animal protein by 2020. http://www.ediblebugfarm.com/blog/entoview-with-agriprotein/

12 PRAGUE CAFÉS OFFERING MORE THAN JUST GOOD COFFEE

The historic streets of Prague can be a maze to navigate but almost every wrong turn leads to a new café. Signs like “life is too short for bad coffee” and “we have no Wi-Fi, talk to each other” summon visitors into unique cafes all over the city. Next time you crave that shot of…

PRAGUE FARMERS’ MARKETS 6 DAYS A WEEK

Prague has a great selection of farmers’ markets that offer fresh foods from local farms. Shopping at these markets helps out small scale farmers and it saves money and resources on imports. You can chose from a variety of markets around the city to stock up on healthy and quality groceries. Read the full article…

BARRANDOV STUDIOS IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Founded in the 1930s, the legendary Barrandov Studios is one of the largest and oldest film studios in Europe. Czech Hollywood is located in Prague 5’s district of Hlubočepy and has filmed many well-known movies including Mission: Impossible 4, Eurotrip, Casino Royale and even Alien vs. Predator just to name a few. Read the full…

10 FOOD FESTIVALS IN PRAGUE THAT YOU SHOULDN’T MISS IN 2016

Czech Republic’s biggest food festival, Burgerfest, is coming up in September. While it may be the highlight of this year’s food events, there is so much more to come. Check out our selection of 10 Food festivals not to miss in 2016! Read the full article on Prague.TV’s website. The best place to discover Prague,…

LEARNING CZECH: AS EASY AS MEMORIZING STRČ PRST SKRZ KRK

Learning Czech can be very challenging for expats: even Czech’s have difficulty fully mastering its complexities. Strč prst skrz krk is a popular tongue twister that means to stick your finger through your throat. Surprisingly it isn’t the only sentence in Czech that doesn’t have vowels. Beyond revealing that Czechs love consonants and that everything…

LOCAL ARTISTS: AMBASSADORS OF CZECH CULTURE

Millions of people come to visit the land of free-spirited Bohemians and many want to keep a part of it forever. Unfortunately it’s common to find the same generic ‘made in China’ souvenirs around the city, often sold alongside Russian hats that are insensitively decorated with a hammer and sickle. This is why Local Artists wants to…

SHOPPING FOR KALE

The arrival of spring is a great motivation for many people to eat better, exercise more and improve their lifestyles. This year I jumped on the health wagon in attempt to shed some winter weight gain. When I discovered how easy it was to get healthy foods in Prague, it became a no-brainer to turn…

5 WAYS TO RELAX AND STAY HEALTHY IN PRAGUE

After a hectic day at work, there is nothing better than to relax and pamper yourself. Here a list of 5 unusual places in Prague that make your fitness trip even more entertaining and enjoyable! Of course in the land of beer, a beer spa treatment can’t be missing from this list. Read the full…

Asianfest: A Festival of Asian Gastronomy

See a Samurai performance, get a Thai massage and sample Korean cuisine at AsianFest. Taking place on April 30th 2016 at Výstavište Holešovice, AsianFest is an entirely new concept that has not been seen in Prague before. The festival will feature food from China, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam and Korea as well as cultural performances including…

UNHCR’s Pro-Refugee Campaign Features Czechs

“Life or death: both of us or neither of us. That was the only thing I was thinking about,” said Josef Hlavatý while escaping Czechoslovakia with his three-year-old son in 1988 using a homemade hang-glider. His story is just one of three in UNHCR’s TV campaign ‘We ourselves were refugees’ (Sami jsme byli uprchlíci). Read…

Edible Insects Take the Spotlight

“Now is the right time for it,” says Christoph Thomann referring to the rising insect-eating movement. “People want to change the world and help the planet: there is not enough water and we are running out of resources. Insects are not only high in protein, vitamins, calcium and more but they are a lot more…

Good Friday: Czech Republic’s New 13th Holiday

January 1st was a night of celebrating the New Year and Restoration Day of the Independent Czech State, but once the fireworks died down and people opened up their 2016 calendars, they realized that 5 out of the 12 official bank holidays are on the weekend. Read the full article on Prague.TV’s website. The best…

Entoview with Woven Network

Woven Network CIC (Community Interest Company) is the brainchild of Nick Rousseau, has just launched and functions as a hub for the Insects as Food & Feed sector in the UK. Nick joins us to explain a bit more about what they aim to do. http://www.ediblebugfarm.com/blog/entoview-with-woven-network/

Vietnamese Cuisine in Prague

Vietnamese cuisine is known mainly for their pho soups and tasty spring rolls that are widely available as fast food. Since the Vietnamese make up the 3rd largest minority in the Czech Republic, their cuisine is fairly common all over the country. Prague especially has a wide selection of tasty Vietnamese restaurants, bistros and fast…

How to get Your Criminal Record in The Czech Republic

Getting a criminal record in the Czech Republic is simply unavoidable regardless of: citizenship, amount of time lived in Prague and level of dislike for bureaucracy. If you are applying for/extending a residency permit, need to get a trade license(živnostenský list) or applying to certain jobs – you will be asked for an extract from the criminal register. Read the full…

A Reverse Revolution: Edible Insects to Start in The Kitchen

“We want the revolution to start in people’s kitchens” says Julia Kaisinger passionately. “We want the consumers to have full control.” Julia Kaisinger and Katharina Unger are the co-founders of Livin Farms and they are contributing to the entomophagy revolution with the Hive: the world’s first desktop hive allowing people to farm edible insects in the comfort…

Mealworms? Disgusting! – an international sample from Prague

When I tried my first mealworm at a food festival in Prague, I was hooked. Many of my friends, however, turned up their noses and had strong negative reactions – despite knowing little about the topic. Fascinated by their adamant attitudes, I went on a mission to find out why exactly my friends from around…

QUIZ NIGHTS IN PRAGUE

Prague is full of great places to go and fun things to do. Quiz nights are great if you want to try (and learn) something new. In general, quiz nights are very chill, have fun hosts and exciting prizes. Quiz nights can introduce you to expats, locals, Einstein-prodigies and regular people who just want to…

Nurturing the innovators to maximise connectivity integration

Finding new ways to create seamless integration between mobile devices and the connected car, explored by Olena Kagui. http://telematicsupdate.com/telematics/nurturing-innovators-maximise-connectivity-integration

ENTOVIEW WITH BUGSOLUTELY

Not many of us can say that we played a significant part in the start of an idea or concept that shapes the way the world works. Even for those in the right place at the right time, such as for the web innovators of Silicon Valley in the 90s, the next leap forward is…

BAŤA: THE STORY BEHIND THE SHOE

A well known company around the world, Baťa’s roots are firmly planted in Czech soil. For 122 years the family-owned company rose to success withstanding wars, exile and occupation. Together with his two siblings, Tomáš Baťa started a shoe company on August 24th 1894 using inheritance money. The small city of Zlín thus became home to a…

5 Romantic Spots Hidden in Plain Sight

It is more than just geography that makes Prague the heart of Europe. The city of one thousand spires is filled with beautiful scenery filled with romantic scenery. Some maps even mark the spots for couples to go on hand-holding strolls, but the best spots are always the least expected and most secret. Read the…

FOFOLA AND OTHER CZECH YOUTUBE SENSATIONS

Czechs are commonly teased for living in the past; but while local radio stations are still playing hits from 2005, Czechs are getting millions of views on YouTube. Ihned.cz researched the top 10 most watched non-music videos made by Czechs (and Slovaks) and came up with some hilarious results. Read the full article on Prague.TV’s website….

Harsh Russian winds stoke flames of technological innovation

Telematics is growing in Russia and finding bespoke solutions for a unique market, Olena Kagui discovers. http://analysis.telematicsupdate.com/telematics/harsh-russian-winds-stoke-flames-technological-innovation

HAMMER HEAD: THE WHISKEY WITH A ‘RAGS TO RICHES’ STORY

The scent has floral notes, a whiff of sweet vanilla, walnuts, almonds and coffee beans. The taste is strong and warm with hints of anise, cinnamon and a tinge of bergamot. The finish is crisp and herbal with a faint essence of tobacco. This is how whisky experts describe the years after the velvet revolution…

The Story of Krtek (The Little Mole)

Krtek has spent most of his life on screen as a TV star and had participated in a mission to space in 2011. Today, he is almost 60 and holds an important place in the heart of Czechs of all ages. What this story even more impressive, is that he’s just a cartoon character. Read…

WHERE TO TASTE BUGS IN PRAGUE

What has 6 legs, is ‘illegal’ to eat in the Czech Republic and is taking the world by storm? Insects are the newest food fad and for good reason. Insects are full of protein so they are super healthy, insect production has low negative impacts on the environment, is sustainable and can do wonders for…

Reinventing Entomophagy for the 21st Century

“Entomophagy is an evolving term in need of review,” says Afton Marina Szasz Halloran, Ph.D Fellow at the University of Copenhagen. Halloran calls for a change in the way we speak about edible insects and entomophagy. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/olena-kagui/post_10945_b_9076028.html?ir=Green

MOBILE OPERATORS ON THE CZECH MARKET – 2016 UPDATE

The Czech Republic has a large selection of mobile operators. For those who want to try something new, other than T-Mobile, O2 and Vodafone that dominate the market, the following 12 operators each have their own perks and special offers. Read the full article on Prague.TV’s website. The best place to discover Prague, like a…

ARGENTINIAN STYLE SUNDAY BRUNCH

“Since the restaurant opened in December 2014, we have been adding dishes to the menu as well as improvements to the interior design,” says Juan Cruz Pacin, owner of Gran Fierro, “the idea is to keep it dynamic.” Read the full article on Prague.TV’s website. The best place to discover Prague, like a local! http://prague.tv/en/s72/Directory/c203-Dining/n4939-Argentinian-Style-Sunday-Brunch

SEZNAM.CZ, THE CZECH SYNONYM FOR INTERNET

The Czech Republic is one of five countries in the world (the other four are Russia, Japan, Korea and China) where Google isn’t the main search engine. Seznam.cz is a great resource for people living in Prague and Czech Republic as it may offer information that Google doesn’t. Also, it has an adorable dog mascot….

QUALITY MEATS WITH INSPIRING STORIES

Buying quality meats can be a challenge in Prague if you don’t speak Czech or personally know a good butcher. While shopping at a supermarket chain like Globus or Kaufland is a good option, the following four companies offer quality meats, delivery options and inspiring stories about the origins and growth of these exciting businesses….

TRAVELING OUTSIDE THE DPP

Czech public transportation ranks high in terms of price, timeliness and accessibility. However it may not be the best way to explore the Czech Republic. If you are planning a trip to romantic Cesky Krumlov, an exciting microbrewery or a famous Czech landmark, check out the following companies that may offer a quicker and more…

FAST FOOD IN PRAGUE

Like any large city, Prague is always bursting with tourists, business professionals and students who are constantly in motion. Fast food is an integral part of modern society, providing on-the-go meals for those too busy to sit down and eat. As an international city, Prague has a variety of international fast food options. Read the…

CZECH BANKS WITH EXPATS CUSTOMER SERVICE: OVERVIEW 2016

Choosing a bank is a very important process when moving to a new country. Sometimes if rushed, it is easy to chose a bank that isn’t necessarily the best to suit one’s needs. Fortunately, there are a variety of banks to choose from in the Czech Republic that all have different histories, service offers and…

Discover London On £50 A Day

London has always been a popular tourist destination and is becoming increasingly more tempting as air travel prices drop. But the city’s reputation for being expensive discourages a lot of people from traveling there. However, with just a few tips, you can save a lot of money and enjoy a cheap trip to London… http://www.youth-time.eu/slideshow-travel/discover-london-on-50-a-day

Inspiring Story: It Is Important To Find An Activity That Will Bring You Both Pleasure And Money

“Stability is very destructive to the soul,” says Vladyslav Tsarenko, composer and guitar player for No Misery Left and Diary of My Misanthropy. Twenty-three-year-old Tsarenko came to Prague about seven years ago from Ukraine, and in 2012 he started his own graphic studio for music bands, All4band.com. http://www.youth-time.eu/slideshow-personalities/inspiring-story-it-is-important-to-find-an-activity-that-will-bring-you-both-pleasure-and-money

TIPS FOR TRIPS: WINTERTIME IN CZECH REPUBLIC

Winter isn’t just about adrenaline-filled skiing and snowboarding, it is also a great time to take a break and relax. Whether you want to recover after a busy holiday season or just escape the city for a while, you should consider a snowy getaway. Read the full article on Prague.TV’s website. The best place to…

A Journalist Who Is Trying To Show The Human Face Of The Refugee Crisis

“I wanted to put a human face on the refugee crisis,” says Raymond Furlong, multimedia editor at Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. This summer, Furlong got on a train full of refugees at the Greek-Macedonian border to begin working on Desperate Honeymoon. “In many countries, people are scared of refugees,” Furlong explains, “populists are exploiting those fears for…

19 Ridiculous Sports For Staying In Shape In Winter

Adrenaline junkies and adventurers beware! Winter doesn’t have to be a lazy season spent indoors. Discover nineteen unique winter sports that you may have never even heard of. http://www.youth-time.eu/recommended-tips/19-ridiculous-sports-for-staying-in-shape-in-winter

VOLUNTEERING IN PRAGUE

Volunteering is on many people’s lists of New Year’s resolutions. But it can be hard to find a place to volunteer as an English speaker. There are many little things that you can do, such as volunteer at an animal shelter or crocheting hats or other clothing for the homeless or refugees. It is possible to find…

TASTE YOUR WAY AROUND THE WORLD

In recent years the restaurant scene in Prague has developed a lot. Sure there are still a number of good Czech Restaurants in Prague to get your traditional Svíčková, Goose and dumplings, but as a local you may be craving sometimes something more international. Check our little taste around the world guide and find your place for…

CHRISTMAS TREE RECYCLING IN PRAGUE

Starting as early as January 1st, the streets of Prague become crowded with discarded Christmas trees. Although the sight is quite depressing, leaving a used tree by the recycling containers is one of the most ecologically friendly way to dispose of it. Read the full article on Prague.TV’s website. The best place to discover Prague,…

CZECH WINTER BEERS

Czechs are known to be experts in beer-brewing so it is no surprise that they brew special beers in winter that hit just the right spot. Generally winter beers high a higher percentage of alcohol as well as degrees: darker and sweeter beers will warm you up and energize you through the cold winter months….

WHERE TO CELEBRATE THE NEW YEAR IN PRAGUE

In several European countries, people believe that the way you’ll meet the New Year is the way you’ll spend it. Prague is one of the top destinations for celebrating the New Year and there are so many clubs and bars to choose from. Here are some of the hottest venues in Prague where to celebrate…

THE ANNUAL POLAR BEAR SWIM

On Saturday, December 26th the 69th annual Christmas competition of hardiness swimmers will take place on the Vltava river. The event will take place on Slovansky ostrov near the National Theater. There will be three swimming routes of varying lengths: 100 meters, 300 meters and 750 meters. Winter swimming (zimní plavání) in Czech Republic… http://prague.tv/en/s72/Directory/c210-Sports-Recreation/n4646-The-Annual-Polar-Bear-Swim

Free Simple Steps To A Better Memory

Our brains are becoming lazier as technology develops; we rely more and more on our smartphones, which remember everything for us. Luckily, memory works like a muscle, and there are several simple tricks for improving it. http://www.youth-time.eu/slideshow-tips/free-simple-steps-to-a-better-memory

Eat Organic The Smart Way Or Avoid ‘Organic’ Deception

While we keep seeing more ‘organic’ labels on food in the markets, the reality is way more toxic. Youth Time will tell you why, explain different food production processes across the world, and will give you tips on where to buy real organic food. http://www.youth-time.eu/slideshow-opinions/eat-organic-the-smart-way-or-avoid-organic-deception

THE CZECH GUIDE TO A LUCKY 2016

Czechs have many fun superstitions that can be observed around holiday season. Many come from the times when everyone had farms and lived in a village, but that doesn’t mean that they no longer apply. According to Czech ‘old wives’ tales’, the following customs may bring you good luck, bad luck, predict marriage or death…

CZECH STAR WARS UNIVERSE

With the new Star Wars movie coming out, everyone is talking about the popular movie series. But the more hard-core fans haven’t stopped talking about it since March 10th 1997. That was the day that Aleš Ptáček founded the Czech Star Wars Universe, and together with his friends and fans they built a platform for everything…

UK Is About To Cut Number Of Foreign Students

With increasing restrictions and tougher English language requirements, the number of international students in the UK is likely to continue to drop which could result in significant negative impact on the British economy. http://www.youth-time.eu/slideshow-analytics/uk-is-about-to-cut-number-of-foreign-students

FREE SPORTS WEEK PRAGUE 2015 “TÝDEN SPORTU ZDARMA”

For the 8th year in a row Prague is hosting a ‘free sports week’ from December 25th until December 31st. The purpose of this event is to offer everyone a chance to try out a new sport or explore new sports venues. It is a great opportunity for to find a new challenge or hobby…

PETS IN PRAGUE

Prague is a very dog-friendly city and every newcomer notices how well behaved Czech dogs are. Many expats bring their dogs or other pets with them when they move to Prague, or decide to get a pet once they get settled down. Here are some useful tips for pet care. Read the full article on…

WHERE TO FIND YOUR FAVORITE MUSIC IN PRAGUE

Prague may not be the ‘city that never sleeps’ but it is definitely a city that likes to dance all night. From the Balkan Bashavel summer madness to Electro Swing Nights at La Loca, Prague’s music scene has something to offer for everyone. Keep in mind that many of the venues on this list have overlapping genres. Read the…

HOT CZECH WINTER ALCOHOL

Winter in Prague is always a magical time because of the markets, Christmas lights and of course, the wide selection of hot alcoholic beverages. Whether you need help warming up while wandering the city or watching TV at home under a pile of blankets; you can’t go wrong with these cheek-reddening cocktails. Read the full…

SKIING IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

Czechs love winter sports and the country side offers a lot of great mountains for skiing. There are countless of ski resorts that attract skiers from the all over the Czech Republic and beyond. While it is impossible to say which the best ski resorts are, here is a list of seven places, each offering…

8 PLACES TO WATCH LIVE SPORTS IN PRAGUE

Watching sports is always better with an energetic crowd and a large screen. There are eight (and sure some more…) great places in Prague that play live sports from countries near and far. Whether it’s rugby, snooker or football that float your boat, you will find the sport you love and so much more at… Premier League, German Bundesliga, NHL, NFL…

Auto tech companies battle chilly winds of Russian economy

With the Russian automobile industry in decline, companies need to develop new strategies to keep up sales and improve growth, Olena Kagui investigates. http://analysis.evupdate.com/telematics/auto-tech-companies-battle-chilly-winds-russian-economy

ORDERING FOOD ONLINE

Random food cravings, hatred for carrying heavy bags and fear going outside in the cold all have one solution: ordering food online. Most people are aware of the many websites that deliver ready made food, such as Dame Jidlo but it is becoming increasingly more popular to order groceries online. There is a lot of competition between…

Places To Go: A Maze in Tchaiovna

“A Maze in Tchaiovna” is a teahouse that originally opened in June 2014 in Letná. After gaining a great deal of popularity over the past year, they moved to a bigger location in Hradčanská in October 2015. “A Maze in Tchaiovna” has a wide selection of teas, vegetarian and vegan toasties along with a draft IPA beer and…

Starting A Company: Advice From Mark Daly

“Get your finances in order, work hard, and enjoy the hustle,” is the advice that Mark Daly gives to young entrepreneurs, “Your business is a living, breathing thing, and it grows and changes with time. Enjoy watching it grow and evolve.” http://www.youth-time.eu/latest-articles/starting-a-company-advice-from-mark-daly

Life With Autism in Ukraine

Tania needs help because she doesn’t know how to teach or engage her son Radomir. He needs to be taught elementary things that normal children know by themselves. However at the same time he is a good manipulator, he can recognize people’s weaknesses after meeting them just twice. She was 28-years-old when he was born….

Abandoned Factory Used as Azov Base May Fall Into the Wrong Hands

The short drive from the armed checkpoint to the assigned parking area reveals large abandoned buildings and sidewalks overgrown with grass. Several cars are parked in the area overlooking a training course, a fenced off area and large building with no windows. Another guarded checkpoint offers access to the living area. Soldiers, trainees and volunteers…

The Nomad Movement: New Paradigm of Travelling is Already Here

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn. The list of social media sites goes on and on. But someone has suggested a new one that might just make it to the top. Created by youth Nomad Movement is now raising money on Indiegogo to start a brand new type of social media. http://www.youth-time.eu/articles/the-nomad-movement-new-paradigm-of-travelling-is-already-here?highlight=WyJvbGVuYSIsImthZ3VpIiwib2xlbmEga2FndWkiXQ==

Swing Jumping

I was scrolling through Slevomat, a Czech website that offers discounts for clothes, restaurants, trips and everything in between. I came across a picture of people in harnesses jumping off a bridge. Intrigued, I clicked on the link that advertised swing jumping. Swing jumping is similar to bungee jumping. The jumper’s harness is connected to…

How to Get More out of Your Trip to Prague

Prague is one of the most visited destinations in Europe and has tourists coming from all over the world to discover this beautiful city. Understandably the city is littered with souvenir stores and people offering walking tours, Segway tours and free tours. The typical tours will check off the top few sites and will often…

7 Summer Rafting Adventures

Where to roll down the river this summer – plus perfect pit spots plus beer! http://www.expats.cz/prague/article/czech-tourism/7-summer-rafting-adventures/

This Concerns You: How Companies Collect Our Data To Make A Profit

The thin line between right and wrong when companies collect user data to make a profit and more. For people who have smart-phones, apps are a big part of their everyday lives. Facebook, Google Maps and Skype all collect user data. Everyone who has a Facebook account, for example, has agreed to a certain set of…

Whips, Murder Mysteries, Flying Bells and Witches All Have One Thing in Common: Easter

7 Easter traditions you probably heard nothing about and gallery of the best egg designs. Easter is originally a Christian holiday that has changed a lot in the past few decades. Today it is still widely celebrated but often many or all traditions have been replaced with something new. Different countries have Easter on different…

5 Trips Abroad Under 2,000 CZK

Set out for a summer voyage that promises plenty of adventure for very little money. http://www.expats.cz/prague/article/czech-tourism/5-trips-abroad-under-2000-czk/

Hiking to the Grand Canyon

Did you know that you can travel the world without crossing the borders of the Czech Republic? Check out these places of outstanding natural beauty. http://www.youth-time.eu/articles/big-america-mexico-little-america-switzerland-in-czech-republic?highlight=WyJvbGVuYSIsImthZ3VpIiwib2xlbmEga2FndWkiXQ==

15 Breathtaking Photos of the Charles Bridge

The oldest bridge in the very heart of Prague, Charles Bridge, is the top stop on every tourist’s “must-see” list. Rumored to use beer in it’s construction, the bridge was finished in the 15th century by King Charles IV, who brought Prague into the Golden Age. Charles IV made Prague the capital of the Holy…

Tick 101

Hiking and picnicking in the park are popular summer activities and there are many amazing places to do it. There are no dangerous snakes or spiders in the Czech Republic. The only dangerous animal in the Czech Republic is much smaller than a bear or wolf: it’s a tick. http://blog.foreigners.cz/tick-101/

Patriots Punished in Northern Cyprus: A Modern Day Political Occupation

Koray Basdogrultmaci and Cinel Senem Husseyin, a Turkish-Speaking Cypriot couple, were charged for hanging the Cyprus Republic’s flag outside their home and shop in Famagusta in June 2013. They were arrested and put in jail on June 21st 2013 and their original trial was postponed until June 11th 2014. “Northern Cyprus is legally part of…

Easter in the Czech Republic

Easter is a popular Christian holiday celebrated by many around the world. However according to the 2010 Eurobarometer Poll, Czech Republic is the 5th most atheist country in Europe. According to this poll, 16% believe that there is a God, 44% believe that there is some sort of spirit, and 37% don’t believe in any type of spirit, God…

Proud to be Romani?

The Roma are a controversial topic in the Czech Republic, and people of Roma origin are often mistreated. After the fall of the Communist regime in 1989, the country began opening up to other ethnicities, and the treatment of minorities improved gradually. But there is still a lot of stigma regarding the Roma. http://www.youth-time.eu/articles/roma-in-europe-what-do-they-face?highlight=WyJvbGVuYSIsImthZ3VpIiwib2xlbmEga2FndWkiXQ==

Age Shouldn’t Matter: Story of Successful Student’s Startup

“Having a challenge and doing new things that no one has ever done before motivates me,” says Vojtech Stehno, the owner and CFO at Foreigners.cz. Together with Andrea Teichmannova they started the company in 2009 when they were both 23-year-old students at the University of Hradec Kralove. http://www.youth-time.eu/articles/age-shouldn-t-matter-story-of-successful-student-s-startup?highlight=WyJvbGVuYSIsImthZ3VpIiwib2xlbmEga2FndWkiXQ==

Afghan War Veterans – War in Ukraine

I spoke to Oleh Michnev, the head of the Afghan war veterans. He was very busy and was holding an important meeting, but Eduard who I wrote about in a previous article got me a few minutes with him. When I asked him what role the Afghan war veterans played at Maidan he said, “Roles…

Second Hand Shopping in Prague

Many newcomers to Prague don’t know how long they’ll be staying. This makes shopping for furniture and clothes difficult. However Prague has a lot of second hand shopping options, and even places where you can easily sell everything once you move! http://blog.foreigners.cz/second-hand-shopping-in-prague/

Russian Auto Tech Slowed by Economic Uncertainty

The Russian auto market, like others in Europe, is moving towards more connected and autonomous features, but as Olena Kagui reports, Western firms must navigate a tricky road due to that nation’s policies and steep economic slowdown. http://analysis.tu-auto.com/telematics/russian-auto-tech-slowed-economic-uncertainty

Public Parks that Allow BBQs!

It’s warming up outside and a lot of people are itching to go outside and have a picnic or have a BBQ. But did you know that grilling in parks is mostly illegal? The police can come and fine you and you won’t be able to bribe them with your sausages or burgers. So where…

Exploring the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is not as small as you think and Prague isn’t the only cool place to see. If you’ve never been outside of Prague then I recommend checking out the other big cities first. http://blog.foreigners.cz/exploring-the-czech-republic/

May 1st Lovers Day

While Valentine’s Day is relatively new to the Czech Republic, globally more and more people against celebrating the overly-commercialized holiday. Czechs have a better way to celebrate love and the history of its development is quite amazing too. On May 1st you will find many couples taking walks through the park and kissing under blooming trees…

What exactly is the Schengen?

When you take the bus to the airport you will hear them announce, “Terminal 1 for flights within the Schengen” and “Terminal 2 for flights outside of the Schengen”. Did you ever wonder what it meant? Here’s a quick and useful geography lesson. http://blog.foreigners.cz/what-exactly-is-the-schengen/

Ice Skating Rinks in Prague

It might be cold and snowy outside but that’s no reason to stay indoors. Czechs like to stay active all year round and in the winter ice skating is a very popular pass time! Get inspired with this list of popular outdoor and indoor ice skating rinks. http://blog.foreigners.cz/ice-skating-rinks-in-prague/

Translations KnowHow

One of the services that Foreigners.cz provides is translations. Czech ministries, schools, employers and landlords like having all your documents in Czech. So we frequently get translation inquiries. http://blog.foreigners.cz/translations-knowhow/

Household Insurance – Why and How

How carefully did you read your contract? Do you know that a lot of landlords add a clause about you being responsible for insuring your flat? Did you know that it’s very easy and cheap to insure your flat? No one likes to think of negative ‘what ifs’, but wouldn’t you rather be safe than…

Comprehensive Health Insurance February 2015 DISCOUNT

The most common months to get insurance are January/February and August/September. Is your insurance expiring? Don’t worry, we can help you get a new one! We would like to offer you a special February discount! You can get almost 3 months of insurance for free! (Since this article was published, prices have dropped even further! It…

Discover the Services at the Reach of your Hand

Some of you have rented a flat from us and others come to our monthly MeetUps. But did you know that Foreigners.cz provides a whole variety of services? http://blog.foreigners.cz/discover-the-services-at-the-reach-of-your-hand/

The Czech Obesity Epidemic

Czech food is delicious! But is it healthy? Many foreigners indulge on Czech traditional dishes several times a week and get used to drinking a beer with every lunch – the discounts on beer during lunch time don’t help either! The World Health Organization is referring to the increasing rate of weight gain in the Czech Republic as an…

Let’s Dance, Student! Ball Season in the Czech Republic Has Officially Started

Did you know that tradition of formal balls is still alive in the 21st century? Ball has a very unique tradition in the Czech Republic. Even every small town and village in Czech has its own ball. For local youngsters it is an excellent occasion to meet friends, chat and of course dance. http://www.youth-time.eu/articles/ball-season-czech?highlight=WyJvbGVuYSIsImthZ3VpIiwib2xlbmEga2FndWkiXQ==

Never Get Lost Again with This App!

The public transportation system in the Czech Republic is known for being one of the best in Europe. It may be organized, very timely and cheap, but it can be hard to use if you are new in Prague or don’t speak Czech. Things are also constantly changing and the information displayed at tram/bus stops…

Standardized Allergy Charts in Czech Restaurants

Ordering food in a foreign language can be difficult. Sometimes you order a pickled sausage and get a jar of lard instead. But what if you get something that you are very allergic to? http://blog.foreigners.cz/standardized-allergy-charts-in-prague/

Bookmark This: Exotic Coffee Drinks You Can Make at Home

There is something about a little coffee drink on a winter afternoon or evening meeting with a friends that just always works. We have collected some of the best recipes of coffee drinks from all over the World that you can make at home. Enjoy. http://www.youth-time.eu/articles/bookmark-it-best-coffee-drink-recipes-from-all-over-the-world?highlight=WyJvbGVuYSIsImthZ3VpIiwib2xlbmEga2FndWkiXQ==

The Pub – the Perks and Dangers of Pouring Your Own Beer

Do you hate waiting to be brought your beer? Do you hate when you get too much foam? Or too little? Are you ever tempted to just go behind the bar and just get it yourself? All your problems can be fixed with a trip to The Pub. I don’t mean the pub down the road,…

Cinema City Club Card – is it worth it?

The Cinema City Club Card costs 50 czk and is valid for a year. So if you go to the cinema more than 3 times in one year, it’s worth it. It takes 20 czk off the price of 2D and 3D tickets and you get 10% off of everything you purchase which you can use to buy tickets…

Abducted by a Party Tram

On our way home from dinner at U Žíznivého Jelena, Isaac and I saw a one-car tram at our stop, mistaking it for the 7 we ran to get it. The closer we got the stranger it looked. Standing in front of it we saw that there wasn’t a tram number but a strange logo instead….

Bar Hopping on Czech Christmas

Czech’s celebrate Christmas on the 24th of December but they have public holidays from the 24th until the 26th. So what happens if you want to grab a beer and lunch in the city center on Christmas? I’t not an easy task. I set out at 15:30 with my boyfriend Isaac and headed for our regular spot, Nagano…

Chasing Running Sushi in Prague

Running sushi is an amazing invention. For those who have never hear of it, it’s all you can eat sushi that ‘runs’ by you on a conveyor belt. How does this experience work? You come to the restaurant, sit down, order a drink and then the fun begins. There are plastic doors that you open…

Santa Con in Prague, Christmas 2014

Santa Con is an event that happens all over the world! Basically, people come together dressed as Santa and walk around singing carols. In Prague this event happened on December 13th and was a combination of dressing up, singing carols, bar-hopping and raising money for charity! The Prague event is organized annually by Kate Powers…

22 Unique Christmas Postcards You’ve Never Seen Before

Dolls playing tennis, from the archives of Queen’s University in Kingston Ontario, Canada. http://www.youth-time.eu/articles/christmas-cards?highlight=WyJvbGVuYSIsImthZ3VpIiwib2xlbmEga2FndWkiXQ==

10 Unique Christmas Meals From Around the World

In Albania it is traditional to eat pumpkin and walnut pie. In the West these meals are usually typical for Thanksgiving and pumpkins are associated with Halloween. But in Albania, especially in Catholic families, it is typical to eat the traditional pie on Christmas Eve. http://www.youth-time.eu/articles/10-unique-christmas-meals-from-around-the-world?highlight=WyJvbGVuYSIsImthZ3VpIiwib2xlbmEga2FndWkiXQ==

Aloha, Man! Some Words About the State Ideology of Happiness

Youth today is raised in a society that teaches us to study hard so that we can find a good job and work hard so that we can live well. Most people go through this stressful cycle day by day – but not everyone agrees that this is what life should be like. http://www.youth-time.eu/latest-articles/aloha-man-or-some-words-about-the-state-ideology-of-happiness

The 5 Largest Christmas Trees 2014

This year in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, they have a floating tree that is 85 meters tall and decorated with 3.1 million lights. The tree weighs 542 tons! http://www.youth-time.eu/articles/the-5-largest-christmas-trees-in-the-world-2014?highlight=WyJvbGVuYSIsImthZ3VpIiwib2xlbmEga2FndWkiXQ==

Meet Top 10 Weird Christmas Trees

Doctors have Christmas spirit too. This is great since fun and joy is needed in a hospital more than anywhere else. http://www.youth-time.eu/articles/10-different-christmas-trees?highlight=WyJvbGVuYSIsImthZ3VpIiwib2xlbmEga2FndWkiXQ==

11 Strange Christmas Customs From Around the World

In Finland people light candles on the graves of their loved ones on Christmas Eve. A large majority of Fins go to the graveyard no matter their religion. Because so many candles are lit, cemeteries are actually an optimistic place to be. http://www.youth-time.eu/articles/11-strange-christmas-customs-from-around-the-world?highlight=WyJvbGVuYSIsImthZ3VpIiwib2xlbmEga2FndWkiXQ==

VIP Services at Foreigners.cz in Prague

Did you know that when renting an apartment with us, you get VIP services for 12 months for free? The quick version: How to become a VIP: Being very important is nice, but always comes with a price. But not with Foreigners.cz – rent a flat and be VIP for free! Normally costing thousands a…

November 17th 2014 – Romanians and Czechs Choose Democracy

In London, Madalina stood yesterday in the queue outside the Romanian Embassy for eleven hours and was among the last group of ten voters to be allowed into the Embassy to vote – with thousands left outside who were not able to vote…

‘This Place’ Exhibition in Prague in DOX

“I can’t call it Israel,” says photographer Gilles Peress while referring to flying to the location, “I call it Israelstein. It’s a combination of the two.” Peress’s photos are very clear; they show the different perspectives of one community. He remarked that in Israel and Palestine everything happens meter by meter, room to room. “You see stores disappearing one by one, I return to the same place again and again,” Peress explains his process of watching the changes. His pieces in this exhibition try to explore the reason why people don’t see the similarities between each other – “Desperate lives,” he sighs, “looking for differences.”

Czechs Celebrate Independence Day by Protesting Rusia’s War on Ukraine

The greatest surprise came when we got to the castle. When we got to our destination there was a man wearing a large paper-mâché mask reassembling Russian president’s Vladimir Putin’s face. He was holding a puppet with Zeman’s face on it. The group stopped by the puppet while the group leader, wearing a Putler shirt, explained through a microphone that the group was pro-democratic and against Putin’s influence in the Czech Republic. The speaker was Czech like most of the organizers and attendees.

Prague vs. Amsterdam: Clenliness, Transportation & Alcohol

So Prague has much cheaper public transportation with gaps in enforcing everyone to pay. There have even been big groups of people who form in order to ride illegally and chip in when a member gets fined – according to them it is cheaper than everyone having to buy a pass. In Amsterdam, there is no possibility of doing this and the system tracks how long you are traveling for and which routes you take. This information can be very useful for innovating public transportation to make it more convenient and altered to travelers needs.

Up Close and Personal with… Alena Wilson, Prague’s Queen of LBDs

Alena Wilson is a 37-year-old fashion designer from the Czech Republic. She has two kids, a girl who is six, and a boy who is four. Her husband is American and runs his own business in Prague. They live in a household with two cocker spaniels, black and gold, and two goldfish that were recently…

100th Anniversary of WWI – DOX Front Line Exhibition

Today many nations are suffering and thousands of people are being killed. The major current conflicts with headlines all over the media include Gaza, Syria, Iraq and Ukraine. While some conflicts remain mostly regional, others like Israel-Palestine and Ukraine-Russia are becoming a threat to global peace. Obsessing over protecting the economy and continuing harmful trade cycles keeps preventing the success of peace talks and finding concrete solutions. Now more than ever we can see that history repeats itself. This is why we need to refer to the past when building a better future. That is the reason that DOX organized this exhibition…

The Politics Behind the Chinese Exhibition in Prague 2014

Looking at the two mighty soldier statues evoked respect and admiration for Chinese culture and history. It is clear why Zeman hopes to gain economic insight and profit from cooperating with China. But adopting some great ideas can lead to also adopting less desirable ones — and if Czech respect for human rights ends up traded for money, then more people will begin looking at both statue and flesh-and-blood soldiers in fear instead of awe…

Prague LGBT Community Supports Ukraine 2014

As a Ukrainian citizen, I was extremely touched by the gesture. This meant a lot more to me than seeing foreigners supporting my country. Although the world is becoming increasingly more open toward the LGBT community, there is still a lot of legal and social discrimination. I was honored that the LGBT community decided to spend the one day a year dedicated to celebrating their own freedom by showing their support for the sovereignty of Ukrainian territory.

Czechs on Water – When Ahoj Means Ahoy

Floating down the Vltava river I encountered many interesting personalities. An elderly man canoeing in solidarity with his big brown dog occasionally leaning over to lick the water. Smiling strangers roping their canoes together to chat while the current moved them along. Families with laughing children splashing each other and hugging their inflatable water toys….

Ukraine 2014 – Life During Crisis

It was volunteers who did the most at the protest, but politicians were necessary too, especially to help get people out of jail. The politicians also offered the protesters organization and helped them raise their demands. But although some politicians tried, “politicians couldn’t lead the revolution.”

Fake News and Social Media Journalism

Jones believes that journalism must continue to evolve to remain relevant, and newspapers can no longer depend solely on print to be profitable. His newspaper had to recently start charging their readers for their online content to avoid losing money. In addition to this, “traditional news organizations must now redefine what makes news,” said Daniel Moore, editor-in-chief of the Kent State University newspaper. As entertainment and traditional blend together it is important to pose the question, ‘Does a Twitter trend equal news?’

French wine events offer a choice of wax celebrities or sushi

Wine company Dvě Deci is having two events. The most accessible is a French wine tasting at newly opened waxworks Musée Grévin on Celená Street. The May 21 event, just the fourth in the new space, will have wines selected by master sommelier and Dvě Deci cofounder Jean Michel Deluc, who has recommended wines to people ranging…

Alena Wilson makes little black dresses for real women

Czech fashion designer Alena Wilson finds inspiration, in clients and models who are all “real women.” The 37 year old’s first collection was a series of simple and elegant small black dresses, or SBDs. She says every woman needs two SBDs in her closet: one that is simple and can be worn with anything and…

Gallery: Yoka Sola takes a personal touch to lingerie

French fashion designer Yoka Sola came to Prague seeking to fill a gap in the Czech Republic’s lingerie industry. “I always wanted to create something new, and the idea was to offer something that you couldn’t find in the Czech market: colorful sexy lingerie,” Sola says. Her aim is to offer her clients a personalized…

More Than Religion believes in the power of numbers

Alena Bělíková is the owner and curator of More than Religion, a company that combines creating fashion with network for photographers, models and anyone who wants to experience working in the fashion industry. Right now the company is working on publishing its first online magazine. http://www.praguepost.com/fashion2/38395-more-than-religion-believes-in-the-power-of-numbers

Guest column: Foreign Support in Ukraine

Since the peaceful protests that began on Nov. 21, 2013 turned violent three months later, the whole world has been watching Ukraine. There have been talks between European Union member states, NATO, the United States and Russia on how to help stabilize the situation, but there is still unrest in Ukraine. People from all over…

Photos from Maidan: Ukraine’s 2014 Revolution

Here are some pictures from the very center of Kiev. They show the power and determination of Ukrainian people but they also show the terrible conditions that people lived in, and some still do. They show flowers and candles brought by all those who mourn the dead. They show what happens when people are pushed to the edge and have to fight back. If the conflict in Crimea escalates, there will be barricades, fires, flowers and candles there too.

Beagles for Peace – War in Ukraine

Today was a long and emotional day for me at Maidan, so my first post about it will be a happy one. One of the first things I saw when I arrived in the square was a group of beagles with yellow-and-blue ribbons on their collars. Their owners were holding signs that read “Beagles for…

One Field Hospital – War in Ukraine

I spent several hours in one of the field hospitals in the very center of Maidan. I spoke to several nurses there, but mainly Iryna Zakharchenko and Olga Azzuz. They pointed out the nurse who was treating the first victim of the protests, the Armenian boy who died on January 22nd 2014. The hospital had…

Olga Azzuz – War in Ukraine

At the field hospital I spoke a lot to a woman called Olga Azzuz, who works there as a dentist. After her shift she took me around Maidan and told me how the protests started and how the situation escalated. She gave me insight on what the situation was like before the protests and how…

Kora Smirinova a Russian Ukrainian

Kora Smirinova posted a photo of herself on Facebook on March 12th, and it wasn’t just an ordinary photo. Many girls take selfies and post duck-face pictures showing off their cleavage, but Smirnova did something a little different. She’s a modern woman and definitely no damsel in distress…

February 18th Photos – War in Ukraine

These pictures are from February 18th, when a large number of people lost their lives. Tetiana Kagui was one of the many people who gathered to go up to Verkhovna Rada, Ukrainian parliament, to demand them to return to the 2004 Constitution. She was the one who took all these pictures. Going there everyone anticipated…

Parliamentary frustration in Ukraine – War in Ukraine

The deputies were all dressed professionally but not everyone acted the way they looked. Voices were raised, speeches were booed and disrespected and people talked over each other. This can be excused because we are all human and our emotions take over sometimes. But what really surprised me was the lack of initiative that spread…

Brotherhood – War in Ukraine

Brotherhood was a word that I heard a lot yesterday at Maidan. Everyone there came on their own free will explains Olga Azzyz, a volunteer at a hospital, “we meet and we are like family.” During my first 10 minutes in the square, I heard a woman speaking in Ukrainian on stage and she ended…

The Story of a Hero: Eduard Kryhov – War in Ukraine

Eduard Kryhov helped out a lot at one of the medical points, and one night, they were told that Berkut was about to storm them. He was had a knee problem at the time and knew he wasn’t able to help carry injured men out to safety. Instead he grabbed a hand-grenade and walked up to where the Berkut could see him. The 64-year-old man showed them what he was holding and said, “Look at me; I have seen all there is to see, I don’t care anymore, if you come in here, we will all die together.” The Berkut did not attack the medical point; Kryhov had saved several lives with his bravery. R.I.P.

Flag Parade Review – War in Ukraine

Today I was part of the Flag Parade, and it was a really amazing experience. We met and prepared our flags in Shevchenko park where I met a lot of interesting international people, some who even spoke Russian or Ukrainian. Everyone was mingling, having a great time and most importantly supporting Ukraine. Everyone in the world speaks about the “American Dream”, yet there were Americans who live in Kiev praising Ukraine and its people; saying that they were inspired by Ukrainians. There were short speeches in Ukrainian, Russian, English, German and French. Every speech ended in loud applause. The speaker who welcomed us on stage said, “we might not understand all the words, but support speaks for itself.”

Women at Maidan – War in Ukraine

Women have always played important roles in Ukrainian history. Whenever there was a conflict, women took up arms or found other ways to help their country. One of the active groups at Maidan were the Cossacks. They were mostly men but had a female Cossack group as well. Women who wanted to help but couldn’t…

Afghan War Veterans – War in Ukraine

Oleh Michney told me that protests started with students who were living below normal standards. When they were beaten for protesting, their parents and grandparents were angered and joined the protests. “We don’t support any political party,” Michnev said, “we stand between protesters and aggressors to avoid the spilling of blood, and we of all people understand the value of blood.”

Beagles for Peace: Puppy Protest

Today was a long and emotional day for me at Maidan so my first post about it will be a happy one. One of the first things I saw when I arrived in the square was a group of beagles with yellow-and-blue ribbons on their collars. Their owners were holding signs that read “Beagles for Peace” standing on the steps by the ‘Christmas tree’. Other beagle owners were coming from every direction and the cuteness was attracting a lot of attention from those passing by…

Flag Parade for Ukraine – War in Ukraine

“We support a united Ukraine, a complete Ukraine, including Crimea.” Tomorrow I will participate in a Flag Parade. This will be the 5th parade created by the international community living in Kiev and the goal of it is to “show support for ‘new’ Ukraine”. They wish to “draw media attention to disprove any lies regarding the…

Maidan Graffiti – War in Ukraine

Right now there are two places in Kiev where you can see what remains of Maidan. It is mostly left for tourists to get a feel of what happened and as a memorial to those who died. Yesterday I saw the smaller one. It was painful looking at how many flowers and candles people had…

Yanukovich’s House – War in Ukraine

Today I attempted to enter Yanukovych’s house even though it is indefinitely closed by the government. They want to investigate what was found there and make preparations to turn it into more of a museum for those interested. It took an hour to drive there and I spent twenty minutes trying to get let in. Other people also came and argued with the guards – even when we tried together, the answer was still ‘no’… Under the old government, you could do and get almost anywhere even if it was against the law. The most common ways were name-dropping, bribing and threatening.

The Right Sector – War in Ukraine

Today I spoke on the phone with Artem Skoropadsky, the spokesperson for the Right Sector in Ukraine. The party has been accused of igniting violence at the protests and its members have been called neo-Nazis. I was not present at the protests so I am in no position to agree or disagree with these accusations….

Parliamentary Frustration – War in Ukraine

Hanna Herman – War in Ukraine

“It is clear that the deputies here today don’t want Ukraine to split apart, for half of Ukraine to fall away.” As I listened to the deputies in Verkhovna Rada, Hanna Mykolayivna Herman really stood out to me. She is a member of the Party of Regions and Vice Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee…

Waiting to Board – War in Ukraine

Several minutes before boarding and there are more people than I expected to see flying to Ukraine today. The English language TV briefly showed updates regarding the situation in Ukraine but very few people were paying attention. The people waiting around me are mostly Russian-speaking holders of the blue Ukrainian passport but there are also several Czechs….

February 18th, 2014 Witness – War in Ukraine

This evening I met with Galika Olena Ivanivna. This 62-year-old woman with the energy and spirit of a college student was standing in Mariinsky park on February 18th. That day she saw like-minded people of all ages being shot at and murdered right in front of her. She was helpless and couldn’t stop it. It’s been almost a month since and she had trouble keeping her voice steady as she spoke about what she saw. She hasn’t been back to the park or Maidan since.

Before Abortion: 24 Hours of Choice

With abortion clinics in Ohio shutting down, there is concern. Once no abortion clinics exist in a state, women are forced to get abortions in other states. If they cannot afford to do this, they are more likely to turn to illegal, dangerous and potentially fatal procedures. The government is now requiring hospitals to perform vaginal ultrasounds on all women who want to terminate their pregnancies, whether they need one or not. Vaginal ultrasounds are an intrusive and emotional procedure for the patient, involving a hand-held probe penetrating the vagina. “Having no control over such a procedure is almost like…” said Mary, waiting for somebody else to finish her sentence with the word ‘rape’.

Maisie Crow – ‘The Last Clinic’

I thought I was done collecting sources for my final project when Lance gave me a flier for a presentation in Franklin Hall by someone called Maisie Crow. He said that she was doing something involving abortion. When I Googled her later that day, I found out that she made a movie about the last…

Sharing Another Byline

Every time I go to a new place I try to learn something new and connect it to what I already know, then if given the chance I try and share it with others. I got a chance to do this during my exchange in Hawaii at University of Hawaii at Hilo, and I was…

How to Make Freedom Idiot-Proof

Every foreigner knows the U.S. for being the “land of the free and home of the brave”. Although the U.S. government avoids ratifying many specific human rights treaties they are still one of the top countries when it comes to upholding their citizen’s human rights. Freedom is a huge theme in America and everyone always talks about…

Asking Strangers Controversial Questions

I came to Cleveland with a very ambitious project in mind. I wanted to write a compelling article about abortion. I could already picture myself talking to pregnant girls who were considering abortion, or those who had already had one. I thought I’d just as one student and they’d give me several contacts willing to…

Guest Column: Remember May 4th, Support Ukraine

“Shame and tragedy in America; the photographs accuse; the crime in Kent remains unpunished…” Originally published by Izvestia, a Soviet newspaper, I saw this quote at the May 4th memorial at Kent State. Being at the memorial and watching the video had a significant effect on me because my parents are currently in the middle…

Remembering the Kent State Massacre – What is Freedom?

On Monday, May 4th in 1970 some students went out to gather by the bell despite the threat of tanks on their campus and being surrounded by the National Guard. They were asked to leave for their own safety, but they didn’t move until they were attacked with tear gas. They threw tear gas canisters as well as rocks back at the armed men that were advancing towards them. Once there, several of them got down and aimed their guns at those protesters who were the bravest and most vocal. The National Guard ended up the gathering and leaving and the students believed that they had won. They didn’t get a chance to celebrate for long, because out of nowhere a group of the guard looked back at the students, turned themselves around without provocation, and began to fire.

The Black Squirrels of Kent State University

Every time I step outside to walk through the Kent State University campus, I am on the lookout with my camera close by. In 1961 ten cages containing black squirrels from Ontario Park in London were brought to KSU. They were released on the campus and it became their home. The most unexpected thing was that the black squirrels could mate with the local gray squirrels and the black gene dominated which helped the population grow. The students and staff at the university took a liking to the cute black fur-balls right away and started the annual Black Squirrel Festival, the Black Squirrel Run, the Black Squirrel Radio and many more Black Squirrel Somethings.

Are We There Yet? Prague – Ohio Delay

No one from our group of twelve had problems at any airport security checkpoints or got even close to being sent back to Prague on our long journey to Cleveland through London and Chicago. This was especially surprising seeing our diverse nationalities, religions, frustrating visa requirements or the confusing nature of our university trip that required a tourist visa rather than a student one. Many of us were sweating bullets over the possibility of having problems with our transit visa in London and about the intimidating officers at the U.S. passport control. Ironically enough, those were only parts of the entire journey that actually went through as planned.

Seeing Home Dried My Tears – Moving to Prague

Kicking and screaming on a cold winter’s day in 1996 was how I reacted when my parents first introduced me to Prague. The city looked no more appealing than an endless dark pit through my three-and-a-half-year-old eyes, and I feared that I would never stop falling. I missed Kiev and I cried through my several months at the Prague British School and then at a Czech School, and I didn’t stop until I walked through the doors of the rainbow-logoed International School of Prague in 1998. I became quiet as soon as I walked through the door, and left with a smile. I realized that I was finally home.

The Bumpy Road to International Love in Prague

The ever-growing cosmopolitan city of Prague is home to lots of international cuisine, culture and most of all people who truly are from all over the world. It is no surprise to encounter mix-raced children, a group of friends speaking in several languages at once, and international couples and families. Being an international couple takes a lot of work, from deciding what meal to cook, what language to speak, what day to celebrate Christmas on, or whether to celebrate it at all.

A Quick Trip to Vietnam… Without Leaving Prague

Anyone living in Prague today knows that this city is practically littered with Potravinys, Vecerkas and a variety of Vietnamese owned stores and restaurants. The Vietnamese began building a community here during the communist regime in the former Czechoslovakia: they worked in machine-building and light industries while students studied in technical fields, Czech literature, some…

Home in Hilo – Hawaii Travel

I didn’t know much about Hilo before coming here, but it didn’t take long to fall in love with it. The culture shock began on campus, where strangers said hello to me left and right and a friendly cleaning lady asked me to call her “Aunty.” Five weeks later the various aspects of the laidback nature of…

Flying with Germanwings – Europe Travel

When I decided to spend a few days of my summer vacation visiting my friend in Germany, I knew there were several different options for getting there: by car, bus or train. Looking for the cheapest one I stumbled upon Germanwings, a German airline offering roundtrip tickets for 1,500 CZK.

Experiencing UH Hilo – Hawaii Travel

Being Ukrainian and growing up in the Czech Republic, I came to Hawaii with my head full of expectations and uneducated stereotypes. My home university, Anglo American, happened to have an exchange program in University of Hawai’I at Hilo.

UHH Students Help Watershed Project

The Kohala Watershed Partnership is dedicated to helping rid of non-native species and helping those that are native strive. Every month volunteers go to the mountain to do a variety of tasks from planting trees to sterilizing those that shouldn’t be there.

Living with Pets, Nika Kagui

I will never forget the day I came home from school to find a tiny puppy sitting on the stairs. With her big eyes, wet nose and chubby pink tummy, it only took Nika one second to make me fall in love with her. She made my whole family come alive and change.

Charmingly Calm Calafell, Travel Spain

Calafell, Spain – a popular European travel destination for people from all over the world. Statistics show that the yearly number of tourists is around 45 million. Calafell, situated in the Catalonian province of Tarragona, is a quiet town perfect for a calm relaxing vacation.

Adolf Wölfli’s Controversial Crazy Art

Adolf Wölfli (1864 – 1930) a self-proclaimed Swiss artist, composer, writer, farm-laborer, soldier and much more was orphaned at the age of 10 after being both physically and sexually abused. He was sentenced after attempting to commit a pedophilic act and was eventually hospitalized in the Waldau Mental Asylum near Bern, Germany, where he spent nearly half his life. The Asylum was also the place where he developed his passion for creating art.