Since then

I've moved. And I do miss you (friends, roomies, coworkers, students, Czechs in general). I'd love to hear from you, so please keep in touch and write when you can. It'd be wonderful to come back and visit... and you're always welcome here, too! ("Here" being wherever I am in the states, or in the world. ha)

I'm not sure what God has in mind for me beyond grad school, but I'm taking it day by day and trying to relish the journey... not just the destination. After all, "He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together" (Colossians 1:17)

via the Charles Bridge. August 2011 

While I no longer live in a crazy, bustling 1.2 million-person international city.... the moments of silence here have given me time to reflect and remember the almighty God who first called me to Czech Republic back in 2010. It's as if He is whispering:

"Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge" 

Anyway, we will see what happens next. Regardless, though, as you and I embark on whatever or wherever we are in life, know that you are loved very much; and it's not just by me or from me -- it's so much better....


Sincere love and Richmondosity.

El

ps.
I still believe in snail mail and handwritten postcards/letters, so feel free to swap from abroad (or even from within the states) if you'd like :)

Oh, Prague

"Prague still has the spirit of anxiety, strangeness, and extremity that Kafka and Hasek left amid its ghettos, bars, breweries, and golden spires"... yet upon my recent return I couldn't help but be reminded of what I first saw in Prague and how blessed I am to be able to experience life here.

As Richard Wagner said: "The ancient splendor and beauty of Prague, a city beyond compare, left an impression on my imagination that will never fade"

I thought of this as I wandered through the streets of the city yesterday. The rich history, the fairy-tale-like beauty, diverse cultures and languages, intriguing cuisines, cultural quirks and customs and unique experiences that one can only taste after a certain undefined stint of searching - these things (and the people I've met here) I will never forget.

And as I sat in the sunshine outside a cafe tucked away on Řetězová street, I heard the church bells ringing and the great murmors of the city. I saw people walking around with their dreams, their stories and their often-unspoken history. The couple next to me was speaking French, the Czech women on the street were laughing and walking their small dogs, and old Baroque buildings across the street were whispering of the past and things I would never understand. In a way, I felt as if I I'd transcended time and landed in a dream in which I never wanted to wake. I could do nothing but close my eyes and breathe in deeply and remember to not forget.

It was then that I remembered the multi-colored experiences I've had here in Prague and how they've shaped me to be who I am today. "We are living in the Left Bank of the ’90s. For some of us, Prague is Second Chance City; for others a new frontier where anything goes, everything goes, and, often enough, nothing works. Yesterday is long gone, today is nebulous, and who knows about tomorrow, but, somewhere within each of us, we all know that we are living in a historic place at a historic time" (Alan Levy)

All this to say, it will be bittersweet when I leave Prague. I am thankful for my time here. I am excited about being in the states, but I know I will never forget this city. 

This year in Prague

As the school year has officially ended for the summer and I am looking forward to some good sunshine, friend and family time back in the states.... I wanted to stop a moment and reflect on this past year here in Prague.

It has been an incredible learning experience for me and I've enjoyed being on this journey of teaching Czech kids, working with some incredible hostels/design hotels, living with great girls, and knowing some pretty wonderful people here.

I've definitely had some rough times, especially with visa and with my recent trips to the hospital for GastroEndoscopy, but I think I will be OK legally and health-wise, and I'm thankful for having such affordable healthcare here.

Here are some highlights of the year for me:

Sufjan Stevens in Leipzig, Germany

• Digging deeper into the Czech school system and learning more about how state schools here work
  
  
• Having the opportunity to teach 285 students from 19 different classes in grades 1-6 (and attempting to navigate all the newness and learning that can be!)
  
  
• Revisiting Litoměřice and Teplice and hanging with old friends there
  
  
• Roadtripping to Germany to see Sufjan Stevens with Kamila
  
  
• Celebrating my birthday in  Litoměřice with Petr and Betka and discovering the art of other people's self portraits ;)
  
  
• Going to Copenhagen and absolutely falling in love with everyone and everything there
  
  
• Learning more about Korean culture and getting to know the 4 Korean families I teach during the evenings
  
  
• Throwing parties at our flat here (personal favourite was the International Dinner Party we had! But also loved Film Nights, too)
  
  
• Rafting in Český Krumlov for 7 hours and discovering a "Drive In" Mojito Bar haha
  
  
• Learning that there's so much I don't know still, but it's OK - I'm humbly learning and growing and going with the flow of life and all its surprises and adventures
  
  And I'm grateful, so grateful for friends and family and for everyone I've met while living here. I know this isn't goodbye cause I'll be back in Prague in August to work again, but for now: 
  
  Čau, Czech Republic. Hello America!
  

Strike, you're out

This morning I woke up to an eerie repetitive whistling noise that I couldn't quite place my finger on. I kept thinking it must be the windows rattling or some janked up car, but the sound got louder and louder until I realized - it's the strike.

Yes, today marks the official full-out public transportation strike here in Prague. No metro.... very limited trams... and yelling/whistles everywhere.

I guess we really do live in the center of Prague because the march came right up in front our building near the tram stop and across the street to Karlovo Nameste metro. Megaphones, police cars, flags and whistles you could hear from miles away - almost like wimpering ghosts crying off in the distance.

As I watched the faces of the people marching, holding flags, and blowing whistles, I couldn't help but get choked up. I had no idea what they were saying in Czech, but I could feel the passion behind their words and see the determination and for some - desperation in their eyes. I thought of my grandfather as I saw all the old men marching (Czech has proposed the new retirement age for them is 70)... I saw their families firmly supporting them and marching with them. And it made me think: Is there anything I feel so strongly about that I'd march and potentially lose my job, get arrested or maybe even get killed?

I know there is, but it's definitely moving to see sites like this. It reminds you of what you're living for and what you care about, and ultimately - where your heart is.....

<3

one of the few tram drivers actually operating at this time

the view from our window (before it reached our building)

I know

 “The Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings”  (Mal. 4:2).

I've seen (and spoken with) a lot of hurt and lonely people in Czech lately and it breaks my heart. There is hope and He's not so far away....

I pray that you see that soon... and your cup is filled....

<3

Guys in Prague

Are really something. I don't know what has happened the past 3 days, but there's something in the air...


Saturday night on my way home I felt someone walking closely behind me,  like in my personal space in the dark, so I quickly turned around and this guy hurries past me and nods.  I thought "Phew. Good. He's gone" Then he stops, turns around, and starts speaking to me in Czech - trying to walk along with me and talk. Now my Czech isn't the most fluent, but I knew enough to make out what he was insinuating and let me just say "You've got to be kidding me?!?" 


Sunday afternoon I was in a really great mood - walking down the sidewalk, enjoying the sunshine and listening to some good tunes. It was one of those moments when you can't help but smiling at people you see because life is good and God is good and yeah, you're happy. I should have known, though, that there's a reason why people don't smile here often ...


I smiled at this guy walking by - not thinking anything of it and just enjoying the outdoors. But this guy chased me down the street: "You have a beautiful smile. Really -  it changes the weather" And at first I thought, "Maybe it really does cheer people up. Cool!" Then the guy proceeds to hand me his business card and say "If you ever want to grab coffee and make your girlfriend or boyfriend jealous, just let me know" (he is a professor of Economics at Charles University.... and little did he know I remembered my roommate Hannah telling me the EXACT same story months ago! - smile comments and all. Smooth, boy. Smooth)


I think the best, though, was Monday night - I was crossing the street with my roommates on our way home when this guy stops, looks me in the eyes and says one of the most charming things I think I've ever heard:


"You want sex?"


:P 

7 things that have surprised me lately

1. People you meet.....
Today a man approached me on the street and said "Excuse me, can I ask you a question?"
Me: Sure
Him: Hi, are you from here? I'm doing some work here in Prague. I'm from Italy originally but I work here and in Amsterdam. I have to say... you are very beautiful and I was wondering if you'd be interested in doing some modeling work.
Me: (Super skeptical) Ummm. I don't know. What did you have in mind?
Him: Just a short video.
Me: What kind of video?
Him: Oh, just women's underwear. You're very beautiful. I think you'd be great
Me: !!!!!!! (no, thank you!...)

(Some people are crazy! ha)

2. People you see....
Sufjan Stevens, for instance. I don't even have words to explain how amazing his performance in Leipzig was this weekend. And it was on my birthday, too! Couldn't have been more perfect!

That man is absolutely talented and I was overwhelmed with every single detail he'd thought through - from the lighting, graphics, dancers, costumes, balloons, everything. I have seen him perform in Athens, Georgia for his "Come on Feel the Illinoise!" tour... Grand Rapids, Michigan at the Festival of Faith and Music... and Brooklyn, New York for the premier of his BQE film... and honestly, I think in my life there will never be a better performance than his Age of Adz tour. Plus, to know it was all for the glory of God was so encouraging and inspiring. Hallelujah, brother!

3. People you love
Friends and family who you can trust to be true. Who still make mistakes, but try their best to love you and show you they care, despite your own shortcomings. (And thank you for all the birthday wishes on facebook and in person, btw + all of you who made it out to my birthday party last night. It was good! Also, a special thanks to Kamila for driving me all the way to Leipzig and back this weekend for Sufjan Stevens. You are a true friend, girl! 4am in the morning getting home.. absolutely hardcore but so special and worth it to me!)

4. Witch-burning
Yes, that's right. Witch burning....

Here in Czech Republic there's a holiday on April 30th where they traditionally burn witches (although now they just have a big bonfire and dress in black and wear witch hats). It's honestly a little disturbing/scary to me, but it's their way of celebrating the end of winter. You can read more here, if you want.

5. A bowl of tea
Today I found the best new coffee shop tucked away on Korunni Street. It's actually a tobacco shop and Kavarna (coffee house), but I love it because most people just walk by and don't notice it. Or they walk in the store, see the tobacco, postcards and knick-knacks, think there's nothing more and then just dismiss it and walk away. But another careful look and you'll see a discreet door leading to the back, where there's old wooden tables, big glass windows and cozy places to read, write and enjoy a good cup of coffee/tea.

I ventured further through the kavarna to find a courtyard, enclosed among tall, old brick buildings. I loved being able to sit out there and write in the sunshine. Needless to say, though,  when I ordered the Masala Chai... she brought me a GIGANTIC BOWL full of it. I was shocked... I asked "This is tea, right?" and she said "Yes" like it was absolutely normal to serve tea like this. I had to laugh, but it was the best tea I've had yet in Czech. So yeah, go check out Dobra Trafika. It's my new favourite.

6. International Pillow Fight Day
I have nothing to say, except "AWESOME"

7. Liva's birthday
We had a HUGE FOOD fight! Complete with whipped cream, yoghurt, ketchup, flour, poppy seeds, eggs, and more. It was insane!

Jumping back in

It's been 2,586 years since I've updated this blog, but I feel the need to begin again today.

I'm not exactly sure how to do this since so much has happened since I last wrote. I guess the Cliff Notes version is I'm now living in Prague, teaching grades 1-6 at a Czech public school.

It's definitely been a change from the small, laid-back spa-town I was living in previously, but I'm happy here and enjoying all the cultural opportunities and international people I'm meeting here.

I really love:
-The students I'm teaching
-My coworkers and boss
-My roomates
-The flat where I'm living
-The friends I've made here
-And the things that I feel God has been teaching me

I'm still in shock actually at the way He has completely taken care of me here. When I first moved to Prague, though, it was absolutely scary....

Some of you know my situation with the flat that was arranged for me, but let's just say I arrived to a dimly-lit building with the front door bashed in where someone had broken in. The inside was covered in graffiti, it reaked of urine and homelessness and there were grocery carts throughout the building where people were squatting and not paying rent. It was definitely an interesting experience, especially with no fridge, stove, washing machine or furnishings, but after living there a month... God totally hooked me up with a flat in the center of Prague with 3 amazing flat mates....

Hannah, Her Mom, Me, Our friend Kristen

Me and Megan

My flat-mate Liva and I

Hannah, my roomate, is from Florida and she's teaching English here, too, while conquering the adventures of belly dancing and baking amazing treats. My flat-mate, Megan is from Seattle and she's pursuing acting and dance. Liva is our outgoing Latvian flat-mate and she's studying script-writing at FAMU, the film school here. I've really enjoyed living with them and feel blessed that we are able to share such an incredible flat together. We've hosted some fun film nights, international potlucks, Jungle Speed sessions and more. It's been a wild ride, but I wouldn't trade it for anything.

As for my students, they continue to amaze me. I love all the different ages and the unique perspective that each of them brings. Nowhere else have I seen such enthusiasm and creativity. They are really sweet, too. "Miss Kellyyyyyyyyyy!" I hear every morning as Jirka, one of my first graders, comes running down the hall as fast as his little legs will carry him to hug me. There are days when it's rough and the students are hard to handle, but when you see their smiling faces or the glimmer in their eyes when they're encouraged/inspired/getting it, you remember why you are doing this and I love it.

Anyway, I actually have to do some lesson planning now before I go enjoy the sunshine. I hope this note finds you well and full of life, too :)

Love,
El

I don't want to set the world on fire...

...I just want to start a flame in your heart."

Czech Republic continues to burn bright in my eyes. Since I last updated I've:
• become a partaker of the public health system here (Visited the hospital already! Thanks, Mr. Bronchitis)
• crossed the German/Czech border and watched the sunset there
• explored the Czech Switzerland National Park
• hiked to the largest natural stone bridge in Europe
• ridden a gondola in the beautiful Hřensko wonderland
• frolicked through Teplice's botanical garden
• delved into AniFest 
  
• cheered on the Czech Pro Cycling Tournament
• picked my first fruit ever in the Czech countryside
• eaten liver and raw beef
• tasted my first yellow watermelon and papaya
• protested the sale of Disko cookies (not really, but they are evil addictive things! haha)
• experienced the Lazenska Sezona crazyness
• run the Kings Trail in Bilina and the route up to the castle, Doubravka
• had my first Eurovision experience
• learned how to play Touch Footie
• trecked on foot from Krupka to Teplice
• danced til the wee hours singing 80s songs with the principal of one of the Czech schools I work for and some of our coworkers/friends
  
I feel like I've been around the world and back, but what matters more to me than any of these events and happenings is the people I spent them with. And if you're reading this right now and I know you, know that I'm glad for that, even if we've only spoken or hung out a few times.  
I am terrible about staying in touch, but I think of friends and family a lot and all the people I'm blessed to cross paths with. I believe that nothing is by chance and I'm thankful for every minute of this life we have. I wish I had some profound words to say to you right now.. but I don't :) Just know that you are loved....

Golden wrapper of truth

It's true - I have a weakness for dark chocolate and the little silly messages/quotes that are on the backs of the gold wrappers that often contain it......

Sometimes it's a load of junk, but today the first piece I opened made me stop:

"Let your light shine... the world is watching"

Echo echo echo. I heard someone tell me this very same thing recently when I had a conversation about blending in here in Czech Republic. This person told me that no matter how good my Czech gets or how much I adapt to Czech customs/styles/etc, people still notice me and they are watching me....

And truth be told - he was right. Two different days I had a student come up to me and point to her smile and say "happy happy. Ellen, you are happy" and the vice principal (who's never spoken a word to me before) even stopped me and laughed, saying "Are you happy? You look happy."

Now before you start thinking "Wow, Ellen. Good for you" I have to be honest: not every grin means I'm happy :-P lol. Sometimes I smile because I'm nervous or up-to-no-good or because it's automatic. But it just goes to show - people do notice you - whether you realize it or not... or whether you want them to or not... and it's important that we not only put our best foot forward (so to speak), but live authentically too.

I'm not saying we have to smile all the time (I think if we did, people might think we have mental problems haha). No, but I do think we should strive to encourage others - not just through words, but actions and facial expressions and everything else we have within our reach. It's crazy how contagious moods or emotions or feelings can become. (I don't know if I'm making any sense here at all, but maybe you know what I mean?)

I'm just sayin.... let your light shine, friends, in whatever way you know how... or whatever that looks like for you. It makes a difference, and we all need it (I think).

Love,
El

Be Still and Know

This past week I managed to check a couple things off:
1. Getting in trouble with the police, and
2. Becoming ridiculously ill from meat I'd eaten

Regarding numero dos, I think I might become a vegetarian around here. (haha. seriously!) As for the latter, it's worked out now. (Apparently you should always carry your official passport with you and not a copy instead! ha. Whoops!)

Mmmmm, but I have been thinking about some things. A lot of people have been asking me how long I plan on staying here in Czech Republic, and to be honest... I really don't know. It's strange to me - I've always been the kind of person who's had all these goals and plans and things all figured out, but for once in my life I don't and I am learning to just BE and ENJOY THE MOMENT and not try to understand or predict or plan everything.

I'm learning that my future is not dependent on these To-Do lists and goals I set for myself (not that those are bad things - I think they can be good!) But we are all part of a much bigger plan that we don't know yet(and I'm not sure we could comprehend even if we did know it.)

It's OK to just BE STILL and KNOW that everything has a purpose, a place and beauty in it. We can trust that we are exactly where we should be... right here... right now...and though things can/do change, life continues... It's all part of the plan.

7 Things I've learned recently

#1. Asking another teacher about words you've heard your students say, particularly "hovna" (and other such polite terms) may cause reddening of the face.

#2. Just because it says "mleko" (milk), doesn't mean it tastes like the milk in America.

#3. Political rallies are serious here: orange tokens, cheap beer, big sausages, and women on stage singing "Pink Cadillac" in English! lol.

#4. It may be a good idea to not wear a skirt when you're on a train and the windows are down. haha.

#5. Bright red is the new black for hair color, even with 60 year old women.

#6. Your soccer coach may ask you if you'd like to smoke with him after you've just run 800 miles.

#7. Coffee doesn't exist (in the coffee shops here)... only espresso!

Yes, but all this to say:
I still love it here. I might be crazy. I might sound ridiculous. I might blend in very easily ::coughs:: And I might still crave spinach, sweet potatoes and Chik Fil-A. But I'm well on my way to learning more Czech, walking/running 2,457 miles a day, and supporting the consumption of goulash + potatoe dumplings ;)

Love,
El

ps.
Thanks for the birthday messages many of you sent! So sweet! My coworkers and I had some amazing Indian food in the neighboring town, Usti Nad Labem, and we made sure to celebrate my rising maturity in the proper manor - animal face masks, balloons, ice cream (at the pub) and going to bed super early! ha

America to you

I am presenting "America" to some Czech students this Monday, but I'm finding it a bit tricky since every region, state, city, person is (or can be) so different.

In some ways I just want to pop in an Anchorman DVD and be like "AMERICA!" just to see what their reactions are haha, but I suppose I should be a LITTLE more accurate ;)

I like how Frank Sinatra sings it in The House I Live In:
What is America to me?
A name, a map, or a flag I see?
A certain word, "democracy"?
What is America to me?

The house I live in, a plot of earth, a street
The grocer and the butcher, and the people that I meet
The children in the playground, the faces that I see
All races and religions, that's America to me

The place I work in, the worker by my side
The little town or city where my people lived and died
The "howdy" and the handshake, the air of feeling free
And the right to speak my mind out, that's America to me

The things I see about me, the big things and the small
The little corner newsstand and the house a mile tall
The wedding in the churchyard, the laughter and the tears
The dream that's been a-growin' for a hundred and fifty years

The town I live in, the street, the house, the room
The pavement of the city, or a garden all in bloom
The church, the school, the clubhouse, the millions lights I see
But especially the people
That's America to me

Hmmm. I'd love to hear your thoughts on what America is to you (or what you consider American):)

Camp meetings, Czech greetings & Not-Sleeping-Like-I-Should-Be-Right-Now

Last weekend I stole away to Libice nad Doubravou village in Vysočina, Czech Republic for our Camp Leader Meeting. It took some crazy bus, metro and RV rides to get there (long story!), but I made it and really enjoyed meeting the Czech leaders + English teachers from Praha, Liberace and beyond.

Everyone is so different and has their own unique story. Yet, we all seem to share the same thread of curiosity, passion and adventure-enthusiasm too. I love that. Across ages, cultures, oceans and experiences... we are so different, yet the same.

Here are some photos from the weekend (and you can see more in the photo album here):


I'm excited to see what this summer holds...

I'll be working both city and summer camps in Praha, Usti N.L and Doubice. Doubice, btw, I think will be AWESOME! It's in a valley right next to the National Park Česko-Saské Švýcarsko (Czech-Saxon Switzerland) in Ústí, and I've heard it's got some incredible bike trails and places to hike. I'm pretty sure that myself, the 2 Czechs I'll be working with + the kids at the camp will have lots of fun. I will, however, probably become an old lady and need to sleep at like 9pm haha. Early morning runs, hikes and bike rides just can't be beat, though! Feel free to come join me :)

Czech love

Beautiful green grass. Yellow flowers. Crisp mornings. Warm afternoons. Jogs in the park. Trains through the country. Exploring. Finding alien towers. Driving. Getting lost in quaint old villages. Photo advetures + Walking with friends (and their cute dogs)....

Did you know Czechs can walk for 8 hours straight? (No, I'm not exaggerating! haha). I love it!

Life here is beautiful and crazy and nonstop, but it's great so far. And I know I've been terrible about posting all my photos, but I will upload more soon. Until then....

Here's some of the kids who I'll be teaching tomorrow in Usti Nad Labem:


They are too adorable! (and I wasn't even able to get all of them on video here since some were sick last time).

I have some photos of their school (Magic School) here and I'll be uploading more again soon - probably of my primary schools or Prague adventures or both haha. That should give you a feel of what preschool here is like, though.

Love you all!
El

It's not where I am, it's who I'm with

So many things I could write about living here in Teplice and what I've seen, heard and experienced in only two weeks' time....it's hard to know what to write/where to start. All I can say is God continues to shock me and grow me in ways I can't express, but am so thankful for. It's funny to me how He changes hearts too....

This weekend is the big weekend I have to decide between Prague and Teplice for this September and I'm actually not sure what to do. Before moving here I was thinking "Ok, Teplice, I'll give you a shot, but don't think I'll stay long. I'm out the first chance I'm able to get to Prague".... I didn't like that Teplice was small, I'd be living by myself, NO ONE speaks English and I'd be working with lots of kids (rather than adults).

Surprisingly, though, these are all the things I've grown to like now. And Teplice has an authenticity, charm and down-to-earth simplicity that I am attracted to. It's like how Athens, GA is to Atlanta, GA - smaller, but not without its own subtle quirks and off-the-beaten-path treasures.

Prague also has its own unique draw to it, particularly the chance to get involved with some awesome churches, a sweet hostel and some other opps. I will actually have the opportunity to work a summer camp there at the end of June, but please pray for wisdom on where I end up come September.....

I've heard there are no English-speaking churches here in Teplice and I haven't met anyone who seems to care about that kind of thing (but this also means there are lots of opportunities to potentially share/grow!) So yeah, we'll see what this means for me. Until then, I'll leave you with a few verses and a glimpse of my train ride from Prague to Teplice. Enjoy!

A Sunday Smile

I'm sitting in the sunshine on a balcony in beautiful Prague today and I just have to say: God is so good to bring me to the Czech Republic and bless me with such wonderful friends and people to support me here!

Yesterday I took a train here from Teplice and ended up sharing a car with 4 Russian ladies who were really sweet and amazing. Watching the green countryside with quaint little houses in the distance and hearing foreign languages as the train creeped along... I couldn't help but grin. Am I really here? EEK! It still feels so surreal to me.

I spent Easter lunch yesterday with Steve & April Brown and their friends Julie and Steve. Such wonderful God-loving couples... definitely inspired and encouraged me. And Mary Ann McMillan, who is also on the International Missions Board (IMB) team with them, is so awesome to take me all around Praha last night and let me stay with her this weekend. It's been such a great first weekend in CZ!

We are about to shower now and head to the park for an easter egg hunt. Then Bridge Community Church tonight. Wooo! God is so good to give us such beautiful friendships, places rich with history and stories, and best of all - His Son. Happy Easter everyone!

ps.
Beirut is perfect for music this morning. Enjoy his video "Postcards from Italy" here

Ironic Curtain

Wed night I came home in the pouring rain to find that I couldn't access my building (or any of the surrounding buildings) because a HUGE IRON GATE magically appeared while I was gone, and I had no key! Thankfully, Jitka (a lady who I work with) was awake and able to track down my landlord, who met me and unlocked it for me.

It was such a strange feeling, though, standing beside this gigantic iron gate - so cold, immovable and defiant about letting anyone in or out. The antiquity/style of the gate + the old cobble stone streets, rough concrete, and arched entrance beyond the gate reminded me of what I've read of Soviet times and it gave me chills to think what it would have been like to live behind or outside the gate during that time period.

Were there any young people like me there? Or mothers? or young children like the ones I'm teaching now? Mmmm. Sobering. Definitely helps you appreciate where you come from and what we are blessed to be free from now.

Easter traditions in CZ

Hmmmm. Interesting Easter traditions here....

Just found out that the Monday after Easter is a day of the pomlázka (the whip) haha. Traditionally, early in the morning boys awake girls by pouring a bucket of water on their head and striking them on the legs with long thin twigs or switches made from willow, birch or decorated tree branches.

These days.. it's not quite so in-your-face/house, but moreso a public, in-the-street affair. I've heard that you'll see Czech guys running around the street during the day - whopping you in the rear and legs if you don't give them chocolate eggs or candy. Haha. The girls then get to chase the guys with buckets of water from noon until the end of the day. Lol, but needless to say...Monday should be interesting! (There's more about the tradition and origins here if you're curious where it comes from ha). But yes, expect photos if I see some mischief in the works ;)

xo

Ahoj! (Hello!)

I'm in Czech Republic now and am SO EXCITED to be here.

Stay tuned for photographs, stories and updates.

xo,
ElPost Options