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During years of my stay in Czech Republic, diary of life of a Chinese living in Czech Republic

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    May 18, 2023

    During years of my stay in Czech Republic, diary of life of a Chinese living in Czech Republic

    First impressions of Czech Republic: When I arrived, I didn't know anything about Czech Republic, I didn't know anything about culture or history. Anyway, locals were very friendly to us. M told us about everything that was available, gave us a map of best things we saw and lent us our own bikes.

    During years of my stay in Czech Republic, diary of life of a Chinese living in Czech Republic

    About weather in Czech Republic: The weather in southwestern part of Czech Republic is sunny, with very little rain. Winters are more severe (comparable to American midwest) when temperatures drop to around 10°F. About friendship: It's very easy to make friends from other countries and locals here. When I lived in a small town (pop. 100,000), everyone seemed to know each other, and people really wanted to introduce you to their friends. It is a very open and welcoming community. Interestingly, getting to know other people from Czech Republic is a little more difficult than getting to know locals. This is your life outside the big cities.

    During years of my stay in Czech Republic, diary of life of a Chinese living in Czech Republic

    About beer: České Budějovice is one of beer capitals of Europe. Budweiser (Czech: budvar) originated here but bears little resemblance to diluted versions you find in America. Other popular beers are Pilsner, Kozel and Staropramen. About Czech cuisine: Czech cuisine is very rich. I love the traditional Czech dish pečenákachna (roast duck with sauerkraut and dumplings), but it's so filling that I only eat it once a year. You're likely to find a large bowl of chives, a cheesy garlic soup served with croutons.

    During years of my stay in Czech Republic, diary of life of a Chinese living in Czech Republic

    About learning Czech. Czech is a very difficult language. I grew up learning English and Czech is completely different. My advice: if you want to learn Czech, sign up for a course before you arrive in country. Don't wait a year or two like me! About health care: As far as I know, we have same health insurance as locals, which costs about $100 per person per month. It basically covers everything and I'm glad to know that when I'm gone I can rest easy knowing there won't be any secret charges going forward. Hockey obsession. Without a doubt, this is a hockey country! The Czechs still praise their gold medal at 1998 Olympics in Nagano. There is even a restaurant in Prague called Nagano98. About Czech culture. Czechs always take off their shoes when entering a house. They also say "dobro chut" (bon appetit) to everyone at table (even strangers!) before eating.

    During years of my stay in Czech Republic, diary of life of a Chinese living in Czech Republic

    Birthdays are also important here - a gift should always be ready. Expats living in Czech Republic are very fond of holidays: Easter is definitely a big holiday with many local features. On Easter Monday, men and children of village carry "Easter sticks" woven from willow branches from house to house and "beat" women who respond! This is just to give them good health and fertility, as crazy as that sounds. There are also green beers and lamb-shaped cakes. For decoration, you can buy cute colored eggs at handicraft market.

    During years of my stay in Czech Republic, diary of life of a Chinese living in Czech Republic

    Cost of Living: Living in a shared apartment with other people in Czech Republic is very reasonable. In Prague, you can rent a room in a communal apartment for $350-400 per month. Outside capital, you can rent an entire apartment for about $550 a month, including utilities. In addition, outside of Prague, cost of living in the Czech Republic is quite acceptable.

    During years of my stay in Czech Republic, diary of life of a Chinese living in Czech Republic

    The only thing that drives me crazy is cost of food here. For example, food prices here are about same as in Germany, despite relatively low wages in Czech Republic.

    About Czech fashion. Czech fashion does not follow modern trends observed in France, Germany and other countries of Western Europe. People dress up as drums. You will see a lot of multi-colored hair, shortest shorts and ultra-short hairstyles, especially in women over 40.

    On work-life balance in Czech Republic: People here work to live and live to work. No one talks much about what they do in society, so much so that I sometimes forget what people do.

    Business travel. Living in Czech Republic, I like being close to other European countries. I once said that I would leave Europe as soon as I had enough, but you can imagine what happened…

    During years of my stay in Czech Republic, diary of life of a Chinese living in Czech Republic

    Top places to visit in Czech Republic. My favorite destinations are Prague, Karlovy Vary (a spa town with thermal baths) and wine country of South Moravia.

    I really like Czech Republic, and you?