Oko! Magazine Edition 2

MAGAZINE

N°2

Keep Up

Mar/Apr 2019

We Are Oko! Message From The Founders Hello and thank you for reading the first ever issue of Oko! Magazine. Oko! Magazine hopes to become your new best friend wherever you find it, whether that be in cafĂŠs, bars, offices and many other locations all over Prague.

Oko! Magazine is not about fake news, propaganda, greed and quantity over quality. We are passion and love for this country, the place we call home and all the people inside it.

We are an international team with members aged from their early 20s to late 60s, from all over the globe. Czech, Slovak, UK, US, France, Netherlands, Syria, Serbia, Sweden, Ukraine, Iran, Ireland, Montenegro and Italy‌ Coming from such diverse backgrounds, ages and genders, it enables to cover a whole bunch of different topics that will touch everyone in some way. We are all about supporting local artists, designers, Czech brands and eco-friendly businesses.

Oko! Magazine in itself will be a work of art in arms reach, placing the reader and the advertisers in the limelight with a beautiful high-end stylish design with a minimalistic approach.

You will also be able to find an e-version of the printed magazine online together with other interesting articles, video content and blogs.

Oko! Magazine will be published every two months, and will always be available for free in Prague and the Czech Republic. Oko! Magazine will offer you content in English, curated for the locals whether that be a native Czech, someone who is new here or a long term expat.

We want to strike a balance for all perspectives, while keeping the highest standard of writing on all of our pages.

Not only will Oko! become a name you can associate with quality, but also a name you can trust.

Needless to say, Oko! Magazine offers something for everyone!

Once again, thank you for reading Oko! Magazine and feel free to write to us or give us your opinion at: info@okomagazine.cz www.okomagazine.cz Claire Dognini & Benny Water Co-founders Oko! Magazine

Contents Community

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Art and Design

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Music

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Food

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Spotlight

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Technology

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Sport & Clubs

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Leisure & Entertainment

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Fiction

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Photo by Vít Švajcr

COMMUNITY

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Masopust

By Will Thomas Freeman

It is not rare to come across strange happenings in the streets of Žižkov. In fact, a walk through this colourful and fiercely independent-spirited neighbourhood almost demands some level of absorption into the boho culture. Along these same uneven streets (that even constant construction work never seems to heal), past the caged bar doors (surely that’s not cigarette smoke I smell?), and nondescript sex clubs, an annual parade makes its way.

Garish mechanical contraptions and looming papier mâché effigies are accompanied by drumming marching bands, who in turn are followed by revellers in various states of intoxication. Many of the participants wear costumes that range from the elaborate to the reallycould-have-put-more-effort-in, although there doesn’t appear to be a clear theme - and this just adds to the charm of it all. A bear, restrained in chains by his handler, breaks free and chases after little children in fairy costumes; a man in badly painted blackface and an afro wig dives into a pub for a top-up; a lady wearing a fake beard and Orthodox-priest robes blesses me as I take her photograph. All these people are watched by the suspicious eyes of elderly residents who peer through net curtains, many seemingly disapproving.

This is Masopust, an annual celebration most noticeably marked by a parade that officially announces the beginning of the Lenten period. It’s the underachieving cousin of Mardi Gras and a close relative of other carnivals found in neighbouring countries – in fact, in similar fashion to its counterparts, Masopust literally translates as “farewell to meat.” It is a carnival with all the hallmarks of Czech identity. The focus, of course, is on pork and all its various cuts (except for arguably the best cut of all: bacon, which still – inexplicably – hasn’t taken off here). Tradition-ally a staple of the Czech diet, pork rules over Masopus. It’s celebrated with pig masks, giant porcine inflatables, and corkscrew tails. Foreign observers couldn’t be blamed for viewing the pig as some sort of Czech deity. Alas, there is a complete lack of any religious aspect to the celebrations, and the pig certainly isn’t sacred to Czechs in the way that cows are to Hindus!

Returning to carnival’s roots, the closest recognizable equivalent originated during the Roman era as a celebration of Bacchus, the god of wine. During these celebrations, revellers would don masks and costumes and indulge in all manner of sinful pursuits. Replace the wine with beer, slivovice, or other home-brewed spirits and in many ways, the Czech version has more in common with its pagan roots than any Christian-centric version of carnival. When it comes to discussions about religion, it is common for someone (usually a recently arrived expat) to par-rot the two most common factoids about the Czech Republic, namely its position as the most atheist nation in Europe and also its lead in beer consumption. Masopust is further evidence in support of this characterisation.

The Masopust that most visitors to the Czech Republic will encounter is not as old or traditional as it may seem.

Traditionally, Masopust was a village-based celebration with recognizable customs. It most notably included a procession around the village, going door-to-door and being treated to food and drink by each household. There would be much singing and dancing, and everyone would end up at the village pub. The modern form of the celebration, and the various parades that take place in Prague, only took shape in the 25 years since the fall of Communism. The religious roots of Masopust led to it being suppressed during the country’s time under Communist leadership and although a few rebellious villages continued the tradition, its re-emergence was more out of the fact that people were allowed to do it once again, rather than being a revival of an ancient rite.

Moreover, they could now do it in a style that more closely reflected the extravagant parades of the West. Before the noticeable growth in the popularity of Halloween over the last few years, it seems that Masopust took on this holiday’s role. It be-came a chance for children to be scared and entertained, for people to don disguises and to be liberated by the opportunity to do so.

Instead of a goodbye to winter dreariness and a final chance to stuff bellies with the last of the winter reserves, Masopust welcomes spring in true Czech style. It does an incredibly good job of reflecting Czech culture, interests, and humour with its noticeable homages to the country’s puppeteering history and art styles reminiscent of popular Communist cartoons. Here it sets itself apart from the sex and glamour of other carnivals, but in a way that feels authentic.

These festivities are self-aware and borrow from cultural fairytales. They reference a not-so-distant dark history, and bring to the forefront the Czech people’s love of clowning and buffoonery. It almost feels like Masopust is trying to forge an identity for itself as an age-old tradition, like it is attempting to hark back to a long-forgotten era and romanticize it, all whilst acknowledging the decades of Communist rule which shaped the modern face of the country.

There are always a few familiar faces at the parade and some groups obviously spend a lot of time in preparation for it. Some are onto a winning formula and people eagerly anticipate their appearance at the parade.

Particularly impressive to me are the homemade selfpropelled vehicles that shoot fireballs into the sky.

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Photo by Jakub Soucek

The heat is intense, there’s an air of danger, and the chil-dren love it. Earlier Masopusts featured live pig slaughtering; this has now been banned due to updated EU hygiene standards. That’s not to say that meat is not shared. No – portions of pork are given out by the local government to those who have come dressed in costume, and tradi-tional sausages and various other pork products can be purchased at the parade’s final destination.

It’s the small-town community spirit of Masopust that gives it its charm and sets it apart from the large-scale gatherings in other countries. In the past, the celebrations were often combined with family weddings due to the convenience of the occasion, and in many ways the Žižkov parade echoes this sentiment. Familiar faces from the community come together and expats mingle with locals. It is nice to watch as travellers leave their hostels and enter the streets, which were so quiet upon their arrival and yet now are filled with surreal visions.

For the uninitiated, it is in one way completely unexpected (there are no adverts that a non-Czech speaker would understand and it is certainly not well-known outside of the country) but on the other hand, totally unsurprising given the strangely wonderful nature of the neighbourhood which any sensitive tourist would pick up on immediately.

It always feels as though there’s a select group of people who live for this day of the year. It’s certainly nothing like the city-wide carnivals of Brazil, the USA, and the UK; in fact, the numbers peak in the low thousands. However, for those who want a bit of colour after so many dark and cold months, Masopust provides a wonderful occasion to let loose and indulge. Just don’t expect pork and beer sales to dip anytime during the following days of fast.

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Photo by Andrew Haimerl 8

Spring Festival in Prague

By Benny Water

New Year’s Day is a couple of months in the past for most of us. But for the 2,000 South Koreans, 6,000 Chinese, and 80,000 Vietnamese and other people of East Asian heritage living in Prague, the New Year came much more recently. The Chinese and Vietnamese New Year, to which we will refer as the Spring Festival from now on, is celebrated according to the ancient Chinese lunisolar calendar, and therefore takes place in the spring.

During Spring Festival, people try to get rid of any negative feelings from the past year and start fresh in the new year. This often includes a good clean-up and a visit to family and friends, not unlike Western New Year traditions. Even though every country celebrates Spring Festival in its own specific way, similarities can be found between their customs.

Lucky Money The tradition of lucky money is part of Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean Spring Festival celebrations.

In ancient Chinese legend, elders gave children money in red envelopes (Ya Sui Qian – 压岁钱) to protect them from a spirit called Sui – 岁, meaning “year,” but similarly pronounced to another character meaning “evil spirit.” These red envelopes (Hóng bāo – 红包) are often beautifully decorated with gold inlays and traditionally are given to children after they perform a short bow. However, this custom has nearly disappeared in Chinese tradition, but remains in Korean tradition.

In addition to these main traditions that Spring Festival celebrations in different cultures have in common, there are a multitude of unique regional traditions and customs.

Year of the Pig For those born in 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007 or 2019, this year is yours. Being twelfth in the Chinese Zodiac means that in the great race of animals, the pig came last. Nothing to be ashamed of, as the pig is considered a lucky and good-hearted animal that despite its lazy tendencies, is associated with wealth and optimism.

For those who were born in the year of the pig, I am sorry to announce that in Chinese tradition, this year isn’t exactly considered lucky, but rather offensive to the god of age, Tai Sui – 太岁. Countering this bad luck is as simple as wearing something red for the rest of the year, as this colour represents good fortune and luck.

Reunion Dinner

Spring Festival in Prague

For those celebrating Spring Festival, it is all about family, and so it sets in motion one of the largest human migrations in the world. It is so massive that it has been given its own name, Chūnyùn – 春运. It starts 15 days before the actual Spring Festival, and during the 2016 celebrations, involved the movement of over 2.9 billion people from China, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Korea.

In recent times, the Chinese New Year has been celebrated with great extravagance in Prague, and this year, although a little early, was no different. A multiday event was held for Čínský nový rok, with cultural workshops, food, and beautiful performances from a traditional Chinese opera group – and, of course, a fireworks show.

In China, dumplings (Jiāo zi – 娇子) are a staple treat at Spring Festival celebrations. At the Vietnamese reunion dinner table, you are more likely to find Banh Tet (Tet cake or round glutinous rice cake), and the Korean table will have a variety of dishes such as kimchi (fermented cabbage), bulgogi (meat stew), and yaksik (fruit and rice cakes).

Families within the Vietnamese community celebrate more within their own circles as they come together for the reunion dinner, exchange gifts, and enjoy the day.

Fireworks

The younger generations of Czech-born Vietnamese work hard to try blurring the boundaries between their community and the rest of the city by organising spring festival events at the SAPA market.

Fireworks, or more precisely firecrackers, are a big part of the Spring Festival celebrations, and evolved from gun powder-filled bamboo stems, originally meant to create a deafening sound intended to chase away evil spirits.

Today, the excessive use and strength of firecrackers have caused them to be banned, but large cities still hold fireworks shows, much like those forming part of Western New Year celebrations.

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Bright Colours Keep Winter Blues at Bay

By Luna Vodička

Photo by EVG photos

When it comes to combatting the winter grey, Prague’s architecture does a great job with its bright colours and heavily decorated facades. And you could do the same! During winter, your sense of fashion is the ideal tool to boost your confidence and give you that extra bit of “pow!” to stay one step ahead of the winter blues.

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The Oko! team searched fashion blogs, shows, and sites to see what this season’s catwalks offered. But we do want to remind you that fashion trends are not absolutes and you should only wear what makes you feel comfortable.

Now for the results, bright colours and many layers are at the forefront. There seems to be two preferred styles from which to choose for both men and women: a more colourful and layered look, and more typical winter fashion with darker colours and a sterner feel. The way to achieve these looks, however, is different for men and women, but who says they can’t take some inspiration from each other here and there?

Women could achieve a more colourful look with lots of bright, colourful, and floral-patterned layers. Although all colours seem to be allowed, yellow is the most prevalent, with no limitation as to shade, from juicy to amber whiskey. Patterns such as tartan seem to have made a comeback too. Don’t be afraid to use fluorescent accessories to give yourself that extra bit of brightness!

If lots of bright colours isn’t your thing, then the sterner and more classical darker trend for winter might be for you. Leather jackets and V-neck shoes are reminiscent of the eighties, combined with metallic elements. Skinny pants and furs are also part of this aesthetic.

Photo by Ksenia Varapaeva

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Generally, it is recommended that men keep the overall look sterner, accessorizing with colours. An unusual combination of suit elements with well-selected sportswear and sneakers are all the rage, but this look is perhaps not for everybody.

A less eccentric look for this winter is a return to retro suits with cuffed-sleeve jackets and a lighter-coloured sweater, to which a pop of colour can be added. Layers are also popular for men – three and even four layers are totally acceptable, and no need to hide them.

In terms of colour, men should stick to warmer neutral tones or dark greys and blacks, and only accessorize with bright colours and patterns.

A very controversial fashion item, not to everyone’s liking, is the belt bag, also known by its much less fashionable names “fanny pack” or “bum bag,” depending on where you are from.

This winter is full of possibilities, and for both men and women we fully recommend mixing and matching when you find elements with which you are comfortable.

Photo by Heidi Sandstrom

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Design for Everyone A Student Initiative with Momentum

By Benny Water

Photo by Lukas Korynta

Oko! recently had the chance to send some questions to Kasimir Suter Winter, program director at Design Disco.

Design Disco is a project started by students at the Architectural Institute in Prague. They noticed that pupils in primary and secondary education were not usually introduced to the fields of design and architecture. What began as workshops in schools around the city has grown into a fully-fledged NGO with over thirty active members.

When asked what Design Disco means to him, Kasimir mentioned there was a lot more to it then work. “All members work or study besides their volunteer positions at Design Disco, and over the years working together, the team has started to consider itself a family.”

Kasimir said he felt “humbled by the interest and support they receive from other professionals and institutions, and the huge amount of personal time all the members invest to make Design Disco possible.”

We were intrigued to know what Design Disco has in store for the near future, and are we in for a treat! On top of their current regular activities ( creative workshops, exhibitions, and discussions), Design Disco is launching their Summer Camp for teenagers this year, where students will be exposed to design through architectural projects.

Design Disco thrives on an open, collaborative approach, and there are many ways you can support the movement.

Check out their website at www.designdisco.org to find out more. If you want to work with them, head over to the volunteer section of the website and apply. They are always looking for people of all nationalities and qualification levels to bring something new to the table.

Kasimir had a message to share with our readers, and indeed all creative minds, which we fully support: “For all those feeling creative, but who worry about the quality of their art and designs, it is very important that it’s more about the process than the final product and that anyone, in any discipline, can use this process to improve and innovate in their field. Therefore, Design Disco is for everyone, not just those interested in design.”

If you are passionate about what they do, here are some other ways you can get involved:

- Follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

- Share your story and insights as a guest speaker.

Make a donation of any amount – as a nonprofit, all donations help them advance their mission to spread design through education

- Become a sponsor or partner, or recommend them to one.

- Talk about them with your friends and colleagues.

- Be a part of the design discovery movement.

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Trans*parent was founded in the spring of 2015 to give voice to trans and genderqueer people in the Czech Republic, promote their rights and offer them a safe space to meet and exchange information and experiences. We run support groups for adults, teenagers, and families with trans children. We organize meet-ups around the country, raise public awareness through our online presence and media appearances, offer workshops for schools and workplaces, and host debates as well as other cultural and social events. We have made international affiliations with similar groups and have grown a rich database of information and resources.

The Czech Republic is one of the 14 remaining European countries that still require trans people to be sterilized as a condition for legal gender recognition. Trans*parent recently launched a video campaign to share some trans faces and let the public know that this requirement is inhumane and unacceptable. We deserve our human rights and dignity, and we advocate for this law to be changed.

In everything we do, we aim to foster dialogue around the (largely overlooked and unknown) needs and experiences of genderqueer, trans and non-binary people. We cater for not only our community members but also the broader public, and have gained allies among them. We are proud to know that in our organization’s relatively short existence, we have provided resources, social networks, support and counselling to so many people who may otherwise have very few options.

We rely completely on donations and still lack basic operating funds to give us a solid foundation. Please consider a one-time donation, monthly contribution, or sponsoring in kind. Get in touch to find out more about how you can help! info@transparentprague.cz www.jsmetransparent.cz

#JsmeTrans

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Queer & Trans Youth Queer & Trans Youth CZ is the only service in the Czech Republic providing an ongoing program for queer & trans youth so that they can meet each other, get support, learn about queer history and culture, learn self-care tactics, build ally networks, create together and have fun!

We welcome young people aged 13-21 who are curious about or define themselves as queer, questioning, lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, asexual, agender, genderqueer, nonbinary, trans, intersex, nonbinary, or many other diverse identities and orientations - as well as those who choose no label.

We offer a safe, inspiring space for acceptance, support and social contact. Since we began in 2016, we have worked with over 150 young people by hosting monthly meetings, occasional cultural events, trips, and creative projects mentored by adults in the queer community.

LGBTQIA youth experience a high rate of bullying in schools, perpetrated sadly by peers and teachers alike. The situation for young transgender people has been shown to be particularly difficult, according to 2016 research involving over 1300 youth aged 14-23 by the Czech group PROUD (Platform for Equality, Recognition and Diversity). Providing a nurturing community, then, is extremely important.

The youth speak for themselves: “Trans*parent’s Queer & Trans Youth meeting is a place I can be myself, without being afraid that people will judge me or try to talk me out of my gender identity. It’s about finally being with people who understand, and that’s the best kind of support I could get.” M, 15 “I’m definitely coming back to the group, and I rate the whole day a 10!” A, 18 Moving forward, we intend to...

Continue our community outreach: expand our youth and family support groups by providing more frequent and diverse support (therapeutic services and peer mentoring); Continue mentoring LGBTQI youth in their creative projects which aim to raise awareness in the Czech Republic (documentary videos, writing, performance, art, etc.); Host more Q&TY social gatherings; Travel to areas outside Prague to help establish and mentor local support programs; Strengthen our cooperation with schools to support antibullying, staff sensitization, transgender-appropriate school policies, school-based support groups and safe spaces, and inclusion of LGBTQI issues and history in school curricula.

Our support staff has worked up until now on a voluntary basis with minor donations. Your one-time contribution or regular monthly donations will help ensure we can continue to provide quality services. Please consider contributing to this important work which gives hope and strength to young people in need.

Get in touch to find out more!

Email: qtypraha@gmail.com Faceboook: Queer and Trans Youth CZ

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Blow your mind at The Illusion Art Museum On a brisk night in February, we had the pleasure of touring the newly opened Illusion Art Museum. The Oko! team was taken on a tour by the owner, Jakub Bechynĕ. The exhibit, covering three storeys and 2,000 m2, illustrates a type of art that seems to have been underappreciated thu far. With Bechynĕ telling us about the pieces and the artists who created them, we had the chance to experience historic, modernist, and futuristic art – all while being mesmerized and amazed by illusions.

The Illusion Art Museum opened in March last year. Prior to this, Bechynĕ had begun his career by taking various art exhibits to shopping malls across Europe. Five years later, he was given the chance of a location in Old Town Square in Prague, and decided to create the Illusion Art Museum.

t the moment, the first floor is dedicated to angled pieces of abstract art, which form faces when looked at from a certain point. The space has three finished pieces, with two more on the way. Guests are encouraged to use their phones and cameras at specific points to get the perfect shot and become part of the illusion – making the exposition an interactive activity for the whole family.

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Dedicated to the 100 years of the Czechoslovakian state, and now the independent states of the Czech Republic and Slovakia, the second floor was where emotions came to life for me. The entrance to the second floor read, “This exhibition does not aim to achieve completeness. Rather it is an attempt to remember some of the history through various artistic styles.

Every piece on the second floor was created by either a Czech or Slovak artist who all displayed their personal rendition of a time in Czech and Slovak history. The paintings come from different backgrounds ranging from graffiti to tattoo art. Besides the impressive variation of techniques and quality of the art, this truly is a unique perspective on this slice of history.

The maze-like top floor offers an entirely different approach to illusion art. It is painted in red and blue, and visitors are offered cardboard -cutout red-tinted glasses, like those from early 3D movies, to view the painting in more detail. Depending on whether one wears their glasses, elements change and some art pieces even display different versions of the same scene. The exhibit has an edgy feel, with aspects like 3D-printed lamp shades and a room lit up by LED lights. This is to show a modern and totally different approach to art, while still staying in the realm of illusion. It was interesting for me to see all the different ways in which the space exemplifies illusion. Space has been left for innovative technology such as 3D printers, and plans are already underway to use this floor for workshops and more interactive installations.

The Illusion Art Museum will keep changing and expanding in the future, and if you haven’t visited it yet, it is definitely a trip worth your time!

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The Latin Art Gallery Livens Up Prague

By Madeleine Salisbury

If someone were to ask you what Latin America is, what would your answer be? The sandy beaches of Brazil and other countries in South America?

Countries once run by Spain, where people blast “Despacito” from their car stereos? A magical country in the Americas where Latin is spoken?

Latin America isn’t a classification you’ll find in a census, but rather a cultural identity of liveliness, a culture of color. There’s no strict definition as to what Latin America truly is: It’s not only people who speak Spanish (French and Portuguese are widely spoken) or people who live in South America (Central Americans and Mexicans are also classified as Latino). Therefore its art, and the people who enjoy it, aren’t restricted to one definition either.

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One person who thoroughly believes that anyone and everyone (especially people in Prague) can enjoy Latin American art is Kateřina Bohač, the founder of the Latin Art Gallery in Nové Město. Moving to the Czech Republic from her native Venezuela in 2007, Bohač has made it her mission to bring her country’s art to Central Europe, and also to educate the residents of Prague about the culture behind Latin art and the transformative properties of art itself. This is visible as soon as you walk into the gallery.

The colourful walls and music transport you to sunnier climes – a welcome departure from the grey skies of a Prague winter.

“Colourful, optimistic, and unique.” These are the words Bohač uses to describe Latin American art. The artworks in the gallery are distinct in their bright colours and optimism – enough to put a smile on your face if you are suffering from the winter blues. The paintings are in stark contrast to those in most Central European museums, which feature Renaissance pieces, religious works, and realistic portraits. Bohač explained what makes Latin American art so special: “Latin Americans’ enthusiastic approach to the use of colour, and themes or patterns that came directly from indigenous peoples and have developed over time and with many external influences.

As a result, we can have artists who paint Charles Bridge full of colours while still keeping the magic of an ancient city.”

In her aim to educate Prague residents about her country and about Latin America as a whole, Bohač’s efforts aren’t just limited to physical art on gallery walls. The gallery is a fully immersive experience – whenever an artist from a specific country is featured in an exhibition, the typical food, dances, customs, animals, landscapes, and music of that country are featured alongside the art.

The goal is to make visitors feel part of the culture of a distant country.

Bohač tries to foster a connection between Czechs and Latin America in multiple ways. She said: “We support many activities for the Czech people to get to know more about our culture; we will have our first auction in April to support the workshop of the Catholic school Inspirace, which works with handicapped people. We are aware that for many people, Latin America means ‘mañana,’ ‘salsa,’ and nice landscapes, which is true, but with our work we try to show Czechs that Latin America also means amazing cultural manifestations and amazing art.”

You may be sceptical about a Latin American art gallery in Prague (where Burrito Loco is considered authentic Mexican food), but you should know that Bohač works with artists residing in Latin American countries and has many connections from her time in Venezuela.

She studied art at university in Venezuela and painted in her native country for 17 years before making the move to the Czech Republic. She is in frequent contact with Latin artists in order to create the most accurate representations of modern Latin art. Bohač is proud of the assortment of works she curates, and is excited about her current artists and upcoming exhibitions: “I’ve chosen talented artists, among whom Dina Atencio, Julián Villafañe, and Francisco Itriago from Venezuela. We are constantly contacting new artists and staying up to date.

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We have created five thematic exhibitions for 2019 expressionist art, geometric art, naïve art, figurative art, and last but not least, drawings.”

One of the most popular art styles in Latin America is called “magic realism,” in which artists portray the real world with magical and supernatural elements. Artists like Frida Kahlo spearheaded the magic realism movement, and modern Latin American artists have used this genre to convey their frustrations with the modern world and create their own alternative realities through art. Bohač explained that this is her favourite genre to display in the gallery.

An accomplished artist herself, Bohač relies on these elements of mysticism in her own paintings, creating works of art that celebrate the power of the different ethnic groups found in Latin America and the collective power of women that unite them. In an effort to convey her approach to art, Bohač has selected a painting from the gallery to showcase to our readers. Featuring a bold woman basking in the moonlight surrounded by foliage, Bohač explained her intentions behind the piece, entitled “Mystery”: “‘Mystery’ is part of the new series of artworks that I am currently working on. This series is inspired by the different ethnic groups. It is an African goddess called Mystery, a woman from the night, from the stars, from the dark blue and shiny silver of the moon and the deep silence of the night. She is a powerful woman. Now I am inspired by the inner power of women. It’s called ‘Mystery’ because of what’s hidden in the feminine energy of the night. The moon symbolizes woman, so it also represents the mystery that is natural in all of us, women.”

Just as magic realism is quite a literal escape from reality, art is a popular tool used by children and adults alike as a break from the stress of reality. A study by Drexel University found that 45 minutes of creative activity significantly lessens stress in the body, regardless of artistic experience or talent. That’s right – you don’t need to be a Picasso in order to incorporate art into your everyday life.

Bohač knows about the healing properties of art, which is why the Latin Art Gallery holds weekly workshops and is planning art therapy sessions. She put it best herself, mentioning “We are looking for a better world” and “Being part of better realities for people” as her intentions in offering workshops to the public. Recently, the Latin Art Gallery held creativity workshops to develop the right side of the brain (theorized to be where creativity resides in the cranium) and to help Prague residents relax on the weekends.

When asked which artists she would love to feature in the gallery, Bohač responded with the big names of “Frida Kahlo, Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagall, Jesus Soto, and Jiří Georg Dokoupil.” But it’s clear that even without these famous artists, the gallery has a lot to offer. With cultural presentations, a spotlight on modern Latin American artists, and local workshops, the Latin Art Gallery has a little something for everyone in Prague, no matter their background.

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Me-time at Svatá Kateřina

By Cynthia Garibay

March already. Is it me, or does the year feel like it has been going on forever, but with so much still to accomplish? And even though summer is not far off, the winter doesn’t seem to be ending. Sometimes, it can be difficult to remain motivated and upbeat.

So you can understand how excited I was to visit Resort Svatá Kateřina for an Ayurvedic introduction weekend earlier this year.

As a yoga teacher and complementary therapies enthusiast, I was excited to have an excuse to get some me-time, put my phone down, and set aside my daily routine (Netflix marathons included).

It seems to me that nowadays we need to physically remove ourselves from our “usual hangouts” (our office, the gym, sometimes even our home) to allow ourselves to disconnect and take a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. After some research, I chose to do so at Svatá Kateřina. I had read about Ayurvedic centres in Asia and was happy I could experiment in a place not far from Prague.

I reached my destination after a beautiful train journey from Prague. The check-in went smoothly and the staff was very friendly. Having received the programme for the day, I started wandering around the place. I was struck by the realization that this wouldn’t be a typical spa adventure.

The complex radiates the sense of being a place that offers not only the opportunity for a relaxing holiday break, but also the chance to plunge into the warm waters of selfcare. A place where one can dive into a whole different universe, a new daily routine, in which the epicentre is you.

Having the possibility of spending your whole stay in silence, doing yoga or horseback riding is certainly part of its charm, but what made this place so special to me was its focus on Ayurvedic medicine and Ayurvedic living.

According to WebMD, Ayurvedic medicine is “one of the world’s oldest holistic healing systems,” considered nowadays in the West as a form of “complementary/ alternative medicine.”

Developed in India more than 5,000 years ago, Ayurveda is based on the belief that health and wellness depend on a delicate balance between the mind, body, and spirit, as well as on our dialectic relationship with the environment.

According to Dr Sanjay Das, resident Ayurvedic doctor at Svatá Kateřina, Ayurveda is “the science of life,” a way of living and a practical system of medicine, the main goal of which is to preserve health by restoring our inner balance in complete harmony with our surroundings.

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Since 2016, Resort Svatá Kateřina, in close cooperation with the Kairali Ayurvedic Clinic in Kerala, India, has been offering several Ayurvedic programs, as well as consultations with a resident Ayurvedic doctor and treatments performed by Indian therapists trained and certified by the clinic.

The meticulously planned programmes are specially designed to address particular needs: an Ayurvedic program for women; a programme with a focus on back pain or metabolic balance; or an Ayurvedic program for weight loss – you name it. They include medical consultations, tailored Ayurvedic therapies and massages, yoga lessons, and three Ayurvedic meals a day, masterfully prepared by Rahul Gopalakrishnan, sous chef and certified Ayurvedic nutritionist who will happily lecture you on the magic of spices and the beauty of a simple, traditional style of cooking.

While sharing a delicious Ayurvedic dinner with Dr Sanjay, as he was explaining the complexity of Ayurvedic medicine and its profound, ancient knowledge of human nature, I was struck by the fact that he wasn’t telling me anything I hadn’t come across in recent years.

Not only “alternative” yoga-loving yuppies and New-Age fanatics agree, but also scientific researchers from around the world: we are facing an era marked by a sharp rise in stress-related diseases, along with increased ailments linked to a sedentary lifestyle, malnutrition, and the abuse of technology, and we urgently need to address these issues.

Preventive medicine has been identified as a way forward by health providers such as the NHS in the UK. As Dr Sanjay put it: we have started to live, eat, and act against nature like never before, and we urgently need to find a way to rebalance and reconnect with ourselves. Holistic systems such as Ayurveda have been used for this purpose for thousands of years.

My first day in the resort was over, but not without visiting the spa and, thanks to Resmi’s miraculous hands, enjoying hands-down the best massage I’ve had in recent years. Believe me, never underestimate the power of a soft, gentle touch, decadent oils, and a 90-minute full-body massage. I floated towards my room and was sleeping like a baby within five minutes.

The next day I visited the new Ayurvedic Pavilion, which opened to the public in late March. It is a state-of-the-art treatment centre and spa, built with all-natural materials and boasting ceiling-to-floor windows. Together with the Kairali Ayurvedic Clinic, the Pavilion was designed to have all the characteristics an Indian Ayurvedic centre of the highest standards. The design, the materials, the gardens, and the views were planned in the finest detail to be able to offer visitors genuine, high-quality Ayurvedic treatments. Svatá Kateřina truly has everything it needs to become the top Ayurvedic centre in Central Europe.

After an amazing yoga class and an Ayurvedic Sattvic lunch, I packed my things and headed to the reception to wait for my shuttle transfer to the train station. I left with an acute feeling of having found something very special, as if I had connected with an internal source of strength and peace to face the rest of the year with the sole purpose of seeking a more balanced existence.

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Adam Fuchs Photo Reportage

“I am a simple man. I don‘ t like complications. I like what is natural.”

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www.adamfuchs.com @adamfuchs_trust 25

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Jazz in Europe from Paris to Prague

By Elena Lebowski

As someone with an unwavering passion for both music and history, I found writing this article to be deeply interesting and have learned a great deal along the way. Through extensive research, I have been able to discover how in the early 1920s people from contrasting social and cultural backgrounds influenced one another and completely changed the music scene within Europe. Uncovering the truth about how Jazz made its way to Prague has been somewhat of a challenge. However, the theory I will continue to present is based on facts and actual events.

The 369th Infantry Regiment was founded in the United States on June 2nd 1913 and throughout both World Wars, it fell under the umbrella of the New York Army National Guard. The regiment was composed mainly of AfricanAmerican soldiers, and served the American Expeditionary Forces during the First World War. The 369th had been branded several different nicknames, some of which included, "The Black Rattlers" and "Hell Fighters".

During this dark period in history, many African-Americans faced a lot of adversity, including heavy discrimination. A common conjecture among them was that by serving in the Great War, they would return home as brave heroes worthy of great honor and respect. They concluded that joining the United States Army would prove their value as American citizens, and consequently earn them equal treatment to their white compatriots. Sadly, things didn't turn out as they had anticipated.

Photo by Konstantin Aal

ART AND DESIGN

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ART AND DESIGN

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Django Reinhardt and Duke Ellington Due to the wave of white supremacy increasingly tightening its grip over the United States, many of the African-American troops were sent to Europe - especially France - where the social environment was far more welcoming and tolerant toward different races. Many of the soldiers deployed to France eventually decided against returning to the United States, since the treatment they received was far superior to that which was afforded to them in their homeland.

Among the 369th Infantry Regiment were a number of talented musicians. In fact, many of the soldiers sang and played instruments in the 369th Regiment Marching Band, which soon became one of the most famous military bands in Europe for their lively jazz rhythms and catchy melodies.

In those days, Paris was recognized as one of the most important hubs in the world for both art and music. The city's nightlife began to blossom, with more and more jazz clubs cropping up. They would stay open until late, with musicians gathering together to perform until the early hours, forming the birth of what we know as nightclubs today.

It was during this time that members of the black community were finally able to express their culture, identities, and the strength of their artistic talents. They became bearers of a refined new style of music that few in Europe were accustomed to.

This new wave of music took place in Montmartre, Paris, shortly after the end of the First World War. It was the inception of jazz in Europe which later developed into what we know nowadays as the "Black Montmartre" phenomenon. Among the household names to have emerged from this wave was Josephine Baker - an AfroAmerican born in Missouri who came to Europe in 1925 - and found her fame as a French entertainer.

Moving into the early 1930s, the time before Nazi-Fascism would take over much of Europe, leading the entire planet into one of the darkest and most horrific eras of human history. In this period, personalities such as Django Reinhardt (a young boy of Romani ethnicity from Belgium) and Stephane Grappelli were the pioneers of the so-called gypsy jazz.

ART AND DESIGN

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This spirited genre comprised songs with upbeat tempos that would put a shiny smile on even the most melancholic. Its chromaticism made of mordents and trills includes string bends, pizzicatos, glissandi and many other refined embellishments. Gypsy jazz (also known as Manouche) has antique roots and played a dominant role in the history of European music.

At this point - given the cultural freedom that was spreading all over the Old Continent right before Nazi Germany would destroy this fervent artistic period - I have found myself wondering; could jazz have been introduced to Prague by a group of swashbuckling gypsies that made their way to central Europe from Paris? Is it possible that a breath of jazzy air had arrived in the capital of the thennamed Czechoslovakia thanks to the merry pizzicatos of a gypsy guitar? We know for a fact that before Black Montmartre jazz was entirely unknown to Europeans, and Prague was another city that was ready to facilitate musical mishmash.

The very first area of Prague to embrace the nightlife culture and those from different ethnic groups was Žižkov, which to this day is profoundly linked to the Czech Romani community. If the type of social integration happened as I've theorized, then it may give us some clues as to how citizens of Prague originating from different backgrounds happened to meet each other and merge their cultures through the universal language of music. While there may be no hard evidence to prove this theory, it is certainly credible.

One man that undoubtedly deserves to be mentioned and accredited for his pivotal role in the Czech jazz scene is Jaroslav Ježek. Born in 1906 in the quarter of Žižkov, he was a Czechoslovakian composer, conductor and author of jazz with the peak of his production stretching from the early 1920s until his death in 1941.

Between 1929 and 1936, he founded and conducted an orchestra, performing his own jazz arrangements. They were known as "Ježek's Jazz", or "Ježkův Swingband", and had worked for the Czechoslovakian Ultraphon Label.

Some of his most notable works include “Bugatti Step” (1930), “Teď ještě ne” (1931) and “Rubbish Healp Blues” (1937).

Thanks to an encounter with leaders of Osvobozené Divadlo (avant-garde Liberated Theatre of Prague founded in 1926), Jan Werich and Jiří Voskovec, Ježek was given the opportunity to produce music for ballets and several satirical plays. It was this work that ultimately led to his rise to fame, eventually seeing him become of the most popular jazz composers in Czechoslovakia before the Second World War. If we are to dissect the research I have conducted whilst writing this article, we can observe that thanks to a fertile environment which embraced cultural diversity, people from different social backgrounds were able to collaborate in ways that ultimately led to the pinnacle of their creative potential. This is the product that manifests when art expresses and feeds itself, especially in the history of music where growth and progress is accessible only through interaction and entwinement with something or someone that was previously unknown.

ART AND DESIGN

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Coda Restaurant The Sky is Not the Limit

By Richard York Let’s get it out of the way first. Yes, the view from the terrace at Coda Restaurant is amazing. Personally, it is my favourite restaurant view in a city full of restaurants with spectacular views. The closeness to some of the city’s great monuments such as Prague Castle and St Nicholas can give the impression that they have been invited to join the meal. Especially on a summer evening, as the fading sunset gradually gives way to the rising city lights, the scene is reminiscent of an opening night theatre production. Magical!

But the view too often distracts from what is on the plate at Coda. And this deserves a second look. There is an unfortunate cliché about hotel restaurants which overlooks the fact that hotels host some of the greatest restaurants in the world. Indeed, the first three restaurants in Prague to be awarded Michelin stars all fell within this category.

While hotel dining can have its limitations, where a restaurant is led by a chef with true commitment and passion, the sky is the limit or, in this case, even the panoramic sky can be surpassed.

Enter Head Chef David Šašek. At the helm of Coda for the past fifteen years, David has local and international experience, but more importantly a lifelong passion and interest in cooking techniques, which is unexcelled even by some of the more famous local chefs. This leads to a dining experience which adeptly walks the line between international and Czech influences to achieve a rare balance. David’s commitment to using quality local ingredients means that even dishes on the international menu, such as the trout ravioli or the deer and quail platter, evangelize Czech influences. And his Czech menu is punctuated by the use of international techniques to enhance local cuisine, for example his delicious rabbit sous vide.

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It is often true that the most simple innovations are the best, and this is certainly the case with David’s signature sorbet. He elevates the humble palate cleanser to a unique experience through his flower-based sorbet creations which are always surprising, and a much better idea than the ubiquitous and often superfluous floral culinary enhancements seen elsewhere.

This is no standard hotel fare, but a thoughtful and carefully executed expression balancing Czech flavours with international techniques. The approach is neither experimental nor fully traditional. Naturally, there are cheaper places around town to discover local cuisine, but not many with this level of quality. So next time you dine at Coda, enjoy the view by all means, but take the time to look more closely at the cuisine. Together they remain for me, one of Prague’s great dining experiences.

GASTRONOMY

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GASTRONOMY

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GASTRONOMY

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CZECH KULAJDA Traditional Dried Wild Mushrooms and Fresh Dill Soup

INGREDIENT

UNIT

QUANTITY

Butter

Table Spoon

3-4

Caraway Seed

Pinch

1

Onion Finely Diced

Piece

Fresh forest mushrooms (chanterelles, boletus...) chopped Flour

Full Fat Milk

Grams

Table Spoon Litre

1

100 3 1

Dried forest mushrooms

Cup

1/2

Allspice

Piece

10

Bay Leaves

Piece

2

Peeled and cubed ( 12x12mm ) potatoes

Grams

500

Caster Sugar

Table Spoon

2

Vinegar 8% ( pre-boiled )

Table Spoon

3

Salt

Dill freshly chopped Cream 33%

Salt and freshly grated black pepper

Tea Spoon Cup Cup

To Taste

GASTRONOMY

2 1/2 2

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Preparation: 20 mins Cooking: 40 mins Quantity:3L.

STEP 1: Melt the butter in a pot (approx. 5l /1 gallon) on medium heat.

STEP 2: Add finely chopped onion and fry for about 5 mins, add fresh mushrooms, a pinch of caraway seeds and fry another 5 mins.

STEP 3: Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and fry for about 3 mins.

STEP 4: Add milk and dried mushrooms with the water in which they soaked, add allspice, bay leaves, mix everything well and cook it on a low heat for about 15 mins.

STEP 5: Add diced potatoes with water in which they soaked, stir occasionally and boil it for another 10-15 mins.

STEP 6: Add sugar, salt, freshly grinded black pepper, boil for 1 min and then add the cream and dill, stir and cook it on a low heat for 2-3 mins more.

STEP 7: Finally, add the preboiled vinegar to create sweet and sour taste, stir well, taste and season - add salt, sugar, fresh ground black pepper, boiled vinegar if needed.

Always use pre-boiled vinegar so the milk and cream don’t curd. If the soup seems too thick then add a little bit of water at the end of the preparation or when heated up. It is optimal to cook the soup 1 day in advance to make the taste well balanced. The soup is traditionally served with a poached egg.

I hope that you enjoy making it for your guests, as much as we enjoy preparing it for You.

Best Regards, David Šašek Executive Chef, Coda Restaurant.

GASTRONOMY

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Prague 2, Vinohrady in Focus

By Dave O’Brien

The district of Vinohrady has been developing and taking shape for over 750 years, welcoming those who have been fortunate enough to live in this beautiful area. At first it was a village known for its vineyards, and then a city in its own right, which grew out of the rolling landscape. You may be unaware that Vinohrady used to incorporate most of Žižkov, and yet there is a clear difference in the ambience and architectural feeling of each area.

It also won’t have passed you by that the area is an expensive one, and if you could look back in time, you’d see that Vinohrady today bears a resemblance to the original village from which it grew. It is ironic that Prague once forced Vinohrady to increase its taxes in line with the other municipalities, and now it is a prime real-estate area.

Many stages of its history featured flurries of creativity and inspiration, and the growth which occurred in Vinohrady was no different from that which drove the development and transformation of towns all over Europe.

However, one of Vinohrady’s most attractive qualities was its rich and dramatic landscape, and for centuries, its nature and location led people to settle there. The landscape first inspired the planting of vineyards, and from this it developed into what we know today. Its history is fascinating, diverse, and well worth investigating.

Vinohrady: agricultural On 16 February 1358, at an altitude of 235-255m on the site of what would become Královské Vinohrady, the vineyards from which this famous old town got its name were planted. Charles IV’s favourable regulations allowed for the establishment of vineyards in a circumference of three old-Bohemian miles around Prague towns (about 33 km). By 1370, a restriction on wine imports had encouraged more interest in the cultivation of Czech wine.

This interest continues today.

Vinohrady shifted and grew, and its unique landscape allowed for the building of farmhouses and extensive agricultural production, which in turn made the land more valuable. Summer residences sprung up in and around the undulating landscape known as the Viniční Mountains.

The vineyards were badly damaged during the Hussite Wars (1419-34) as well as taking a beating from Swedish

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

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Photo by Aktron on Wikimedia Commons

troops in the Thirty Years’ War (1618-48). They devastated the buildings and walls before wreaking havoc on the vineyards. Over the rest of the century, the owners and tenants were able to rebuild and restore their vineyards.

Following the Battle of White Mountain (or as you may know it, Bílá Hora), re-Catholicizing was a priority. After an increase in secret non-Catholic gatherings, and with people hiding in vineyards and their houses, there was a period during which vineyards were being converted for other agricultural uses.

The most popular excursion point beyond the gates of Prague was the garden of Earl Josef Emanuel Malabaila de Canal, called Kanálka. It was a unique work of late18th-century garden architecture. Constructed on the former site of a vineyard, it was big enough eventually to house a zoo, an orchard, and a botanical garden.

Vinohrady: recreational

In addition to Kanálka, there was an English park with many trees, flowers, and fountains, as well as miniature temples, orange and pink orchards, a maze, artificial ponds, and footbridges. There were Chinese-style pavilions and aviaries containing numerous exotic birds, the sounds of which must have added to the flavour of the neighbourhood.

Over the course of the 18th century, new buildings were erected on landowners’ estates by tenants and owners who built summer houses; initially of a rather simple nature, these were eventually replaced by grander residences. Gardens with greenhouses and more permanent abodes sprang up where once orchards and hops had grown. There were other wars as well, and the farms and vineyards of Vinohrady suffered great damage during the Silesian Wars (1740-63).

By the end of the 18th century, there were a number of estates situated on the southern slopes which led down to the small river Botič, and in the first half of the 19th century, they evolved into areas of rest and entertainment.

The new-look Vinohrady emerged from among buildings and orchards in gardens and parks, which were popular attractions for Prague residents.

The main entrance to Kanálka was a wide avenue leading up to the entrance, lined with oaks, chestnuts, and birch trees. Part of it was located in what is now Riegrovy sady, and if you look hard enough, you can see the tell-tale signs of the original garden.

Paths through arches all led to the centre, in which stood a sandstone memorial. At first the park was readily accessible to the public, but tickets were introduced and eventually Jews were banned from it, a terrible stain on what was a remarkable achievement.

Another park in Vinohrady was called Wimmerovy sady. It was located around what is today Náměstí Míru. The main avenues were laid out in a triangle; this is mirrored today by the streets Anglická, Francouzská, Bĕlehradská, and Londýnská. The next time you are at Náměstí Míru, take notice of the street names and the clues they give about Vinohrady’s past.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

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Photo by VitVit on Wikimedia Commons

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

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In the first half of the 19th century, the crossing between Vinohradská and Balbínova housed a garden of beautiful tulips, irises, roses, and pansies. These were tended by the Pštross estate, in which there was also a spa with hot-water showers. Behind this, a Classicist pavilion, a colonnade, and a restaurant combined to create the stunning Pštrosska gardens.

By the middle of the 19th century, an outdoor theatre big enough to seat 3,000 people had been built in the Pštrosska gardens. The new structures – the theatres, the ornate gardens which hosted masquerade balls and bazaars – were taking over Vinohrady, and the inns and cafés encouraged visitors to relax and appreciate the fine surroundings.

The money made and spent did not go unnoticed in Prague and it was only a matter of time before Vinohrady was consumed by a city which had declared itself open in 1866. Not long afterwards, the demolition of the fortifications began; Prague was now free to expand into the surrounding towns and villages.

Vinohrady: Residential The suburban landscape beyond New Town was ideal for development. During the 1860s, dozens of apartment blocks were constructed in order to feed the demand for rented accommodation. Initially, these were two storeys high, later increasing to three and four storeys. By 1875, there were 23,130 inhabitants. The increase in residents meant a greater amount of administrative work and in 1875, Royal Vinohrady was split into two parts. Žižkov was born in 1877, alongside the renamed Vinohrady II – Královské Vinohrady.

On the edge of Vinohrady, the Franz Joseph railway station building – the station was later called Wilson Station and finally Hlavní Nádraží – was constructed in 1869 as part of the Prague railway network. Elsewhere, other building projects added to the area’s attractiveness.

One such development was exceptional not only in Vinohrady, but also in Prague. Grebovka was the brainchild of the industrialist Mořic Gröbe, and in 1870 he acquired Upper and Lower Landhauska. Here he built his summer residence in the Italian Renaissance style, extracted rocks from the landscape, and imported fertile soil. The present-day Grebovka has been reconstructed and is one of the best examples of suburban architecture in Prague.

In the autumn of 1875, the first municipal council elections were held in Vinohrady II. The council promised to transform the existing village into a modern city with schools, offices, public transport, and cultural institutions.

Squares, wide streets, and green areas were to be constructed on the gardens, fields and, orchards of Královské Vinohrady – once again transforming the area.

Vinohrady: City On 26 September 1879, Královské Vinohrady was promoted to part of the city, and its younger brother, Žižkov, followed in 1881. However, most of the remaining vineyards were in the hands of German owners and when the municipal council indicated its aim to preserve the Czech character of Vinohrady, they bought up the vineyards and changed German street names into Czech.

And the muddy streets of Vinohrady were at last paved in 1884.

By 1885, Vinohrady had acquired its own cemetery. It had already added the Vodárna water pumping station tower and a sewage system in 1882. Horse-drawn transport clopped through the squares such as Jiřího z Poděbrad, Purkyňovo náměstí (now Náměstí Míru), and Tylovo náměstí, which were appearing and becoming centres of public life, with thriving markets. Art Nouveau and Historicist buildings surrounded these hubs. By 1897, the electric conversion of public transport had begun.

In 1902, 11 hectares taken from two gardens and a vineyard were used for the development of Riegrovy sady, which quickly became popular with the residents of Vinohrady as well as Žižkov and New Town. Its continued popularity more than 100 years later is a testament to their design and location.

Vinohrady: as part of Prague The incorporation of Vinohrady into Prague was not without its problems. On one occasion, Prague threatened to cut off the water supply to Vinohrady, which led to the building of the famous water tower. This was due to Vinohrady’s equivalent of council tax being cheaper than in Prague; this in turn led to the passing of a law, the Reunification of Municipalities Neighbouring with Prague No 114, 1920. Vinohrady duly increased its taxes.

By 1930, the population of Vinohrady was 95,497; the construction of more apartment blocks meant more residents, and the spaces north of Ruská Street and between Bezručovy sady and the Vinohrady Hospital were filled with Art Nouveau and Functionalist architecture.

A significant building erected in the interwar period is the interesting and visually dominant Church of the Most Sacred Heart of our Lord on Jiřího z Poděbrad Square.

It was built in the 1930s by Jože Plečnik, the “Genius of Prague,” who was instructed by Tomas Masaryk to restore Prague Castle to its former glory in 1923. Indeed, Plečnik was to Prague what Gaudí was to Barcelona, or what Mackintosh was to Glasgow. Among his many works in Prague, the church itself is the most interesting.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

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In 1945, damage from Allied bombs destroyed 21 houses, the Church of St. Ludmila, the synagogue, and many other buildings, especially in what is today Vinohradská Street.

In fact, Královské Vinohrady suffered more damage from the bombing than anywhere else in Prague. The final days of the war saw heavy fighting in the area as the Czechs sought to protect Czechoslovak Radio. The violent and difficult aspects of history are sometimes hidden during a stroll along these vibrant, pulsing streets, but history is everywhere.

The social differences between Žižkov and Královské Vinohrady increased alongside the architectural diversity, and this had much to do with the residents of each area.

In Vinohrady, the middle and upper-middle classes sought a quiet place to live. Artists, doctors, teachers, officials, and merchants all lived in Vinohrady, and this influenced the area to the extent that today the name Royal Vinohrady still sings of its past.

Vinohrady’s appearance will continue to transform, as it has done through the ages. Each visitor is a contributor to its present and future. Prague is literally history in motion, and living in or visiting a city that in some parts is 1,000 years old, demands that its history is both acknowledged and explored.

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Photo by Lynx1211 on Wikimedia Commons 43

Let’s Party for Charity SAVE THE DATE! 17.05.2019 PRAGUE

“BOLLYWOOD” Organizers www.pink-crocodile.org & www.actforothers.cz

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ACT FOR OTHERS Act for Others is a Czech foundation supporting Neratov, a village with and for disabled people in the Czech Republic.

A charity to help people with disabilities in need.

The Pink Crocodile Charity for Children Pink Crocodile o.p.s., established in 2009 in Prague, Czech Republic, is a nonprofit organisation that is focused on supporting children with disabilities living under disadvantaged circumstances.

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Photo by Jamie McInall

TECHNOLOGY

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E-sports in the public eye

By Dominik Jezek

Imagine a stadium packed to the rafters – no empty seats, tens of thousands of people, all eyes fixed on the huge onstage screens. This is going to be a historic moment. The ecstatic commentators are discussing the action as if their national team is about to win an Olympic gold. Then it hits the whole stadium like a tsunami: GG. The crowd goes wild and the air is filled with confetti, lights, and deafening yet intoxicating cheering. Joona Sotala, better known by his nickname, Serral, is the first non-Korean player in the 20-year history of the legendary computer game StarCraft II to lift the World Championship Series Global Finals trophy and take home the grand prize of $280,000.

More viewers than Wimbledon Meet e-sports – the modern word for professional, competitive video gaming. According to the latest report by market intelligence company Newzoo, the global pro gaming industry will generate revenues of more than $1 billion this year and attract more than half a billion viewers in 2021, with most of them being young Asians.

These numbers make pro gaming attractive to investors, sponsors, and advertisers.

To put things into perspective, in 2018 The International, one of the biggest video game tournaments in the world, offered a prize pool of $25.5 million, more than twice the prize money in the US Open golf tournament. The International dwarfs other major global sports events, such as the Tour de France, which offered only $2.7 million for its competitors last year. Moreover, The International 2018 attracted 15 million viewers, which beat the peak audiences of the abovementioned sports events and even of Wimbledon, with fewer than 10 million.

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Resurgence of “nonsense” In comparison, the $60,000 awarded to the Czech national team for winning the 2017 Global Games for Hearthstone, the most popular online card game, might not seem like much, but shows that pro gaming has already established a strong base here as well.

The Czech Computer Games Championship attracted 51,000 visitors at the BVV Trade Fairs Brno and 50,000 more watched the final battles online last year. No wonder this amount of attention has attracted some big names, such as the biggest Czech e-shop, Alza.cz, the top sports-news website, iSport.cz, or the popular TV channel Prima COOL as official event partners.

Prima COOL has been involved in gaming and promoting the local scene for quite some time. It has been broadcasting the gaming programme Re-play for eight years and even started its own professional league for the PC game Counter-Strike and held tournaments in 2017.

After its online success, the station decided to bring its Cool Esport series to TV last April.

It is, thus, carrying the torch after Czech Television decided to cancel its show Game Page, explaining that “a specialized computer game show is nonsense from a public service point of view anywhere in Europe,” which left thousands of its fans dissatisfied, some of whom even signed a petition against the decision.

Through sports to e-sports Even a few years ago, becoming a full-time pro gamer in the Czech Republic wasn’t an easy feat. Only a handful of teams were able to provide their players with both financial and personal support. Even eSuba, one of the oldest and most successful e-sports teams in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, started a full-time professional team less than a year ago. But a few Czechs and Slovaks have still managed to break the mould.

Slovakian star Erik “hakkiJunior” Leštach, for example, became the world champion in the racing game TrackMania in 2011 and later the first fully supported Red Bull e-athlete. The leader of the Czech national Hearthstone team, Stanislav “StanCifka” Cifka, became the world number one in 2018.

With internationally successful video game players and global e-sports on the rise, it was only a matter of time before the industry started deepening its roots here.

And how better to kick it off than in cooperation with the most prominent local sport? Following in the footsteps of international football giants such as Manchester City and Ajax Amsterdam, AC Sparta Praha established an e-sports team in partnership with eSuba last September.

Football all the way Alongside other professional footballers from FC Viktoria Plzen and the Czech national team, Sparta players joined the video game tournament iSport Cup for the football simulation game FIFA 19 a few months ago to show off their gaming skills and promote the event. The host of the tournament, iSport.cz, awarded the winner 25,000 CZK and a professional gaming contract.

And it’s not just football clubs that are launching e-sports teams. Czech national football player Jakub Jankto decided to start his own last year as well. His e-sports team Sampi, named after the Italian club UC Sampdoria, for which he is currently playing, has already collected several titles, including two national championships and one world championship. The 22-year-old midfielder played FIFA professionally in his teenage years and once even skipped a football match to compete in a German e-sports tournament.

Last year brought a breakthrough for Czech gaming in terms of international attention. The world’s largest e-sports company, ESL, organized the V4 Future Sports Festival for gamers from the Visegrád Four countries and brought its national championship series to the Czech Republic and Slovakia for the first time.

The rising popularity of the gaming industry has also led to money being raised for NGOs, foundations, or seriously ill people through charity tournaments, such as GG Prague and live streams. Famous Czech YouTubers such as Jirka Král or Pedro take part. The majority of today’s most famous YouTubers started their careers with videos where they play computer games.

Tougher than it seems To address the elephant in the room, yes, many still see computer games as a means of slacking, wasting time, and harming one’s eyesight. Pro gaming, on the other hand, is considered a teenage dream come true – getting up late, playing games all day, and no one forcing you to wear pants. But making it from your parents’ basement to the big leagues takes thick skin, a cool head, and dedication. The best e-sports players practise for 10-16 hours at least six days a week, and take very little time off.

Pro gamers will still have to wait some time before the public starts seeing them in a better light. What they can indisputably enjoy more is the institutional support.

In particular, last November, the Technical University of Ostrava announced tuition for e-sportsmen and the country’s first classroom dedicated to e-sports. Lecturer Jakub Čubik also established the E-sports Student Association and launched the first Czech university e-sports league, 3E Liga. Additionally, Charles University announced plans for game studies and development in the coming semester,

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A friendly match Czech government representatives are slowly realizing the potential of the gaming industry as well. A good example of governmental support is neighbouring country Poland, whose government started investing in the country’s game developers after the global success of The Witcher computer game series, With internationally acclaimed titles such as Mafia, Chuchel, Beat Saber, and Kingdom Come: Deliverance, video games are the biggest Czech cultural export, with an annual turnover of 2.5 billion CZK. Moreover, the immersive medieval game Kingdom Come: Deliverance alone had, according to the latest study by Deloitte, a 2.6 billion CZK turnover last year.

The Czech developer scene has definitely achieved more recognition than the pro gaming scene, but the latter is slowly catching up, and winning the world championship in the most popular online card game is just the beginning. With German Chancellor Angela Merkel visiting Gamescom, the biggest gaming convention in the world, and two of Finland’s most prominent pro gamers being invited to the presidential castle for the celebration of the Finnish Independence Day, it’s only a matter of time before Czech politicians step up. And with the rising popularity of the Pirate Party, the Czech Republic might

become the first country where pro gamers and politicians gather for a friendly match.

Glossary GG – Good Game. The loser usually types these two letters before conceding the match, to acknowledge that his opponent has bested him.

World Championship Series Global Finals – could be described as the world championship for the computer game StarCraft II. The same applies to the Hearthstone Global Games.

Gamescom – the world’s largest gaming event, with 370,000 visitors and 1,037 exhibitors from 56 countries attending the show in 2018.

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How Sparta Took to the Ice

By Julie Orlova HC Sparta is known as the most popular hockey club in the Czech Republic. It has the most fans and is one of the oldest hockey clubs on the planet (founded in 1903). Czechs love to hate it and hate to admit they support it, but still acknowledge that it is irreplaceable. And as the box office confirms, there is no other team able to sell quite so many tickets. To show the changes in the image of this legendary hockey team, we turned to history and to David Soeldner, the author of several books about HC Sparta.

First steps on ice Sparta started as the least promising part of Athletic Club Praha. In December 1903, a group of speedskaters gathered on the frozen Vltava near Smíchov to kick around a little rubber ball. The training was later moved to the Letna tennis courts, and by 1909, the club had built enough of a reputation to be officially acknowledged as a hockey club both at home and abroad.

After a bright start, Sparta faced a betrayal. The team’s top members agreed to better pay and left for their rivals, the Lawn Tennis Club (LTC) Praha. With this injection of new players, LTC’s focus turned to hockey and it established itself as the nation’s top team. One of the former players remembered: “They emphasized that we had been suffering for a long time, and Sparta’s lack of interest in hockey. So they offered us the opportunity to build our own team with their support and to compete immediately ... The Sparta youth really did not have a chance, the old players did not let us in. We got to the ice only during warm-ups, but we never really got to play or compete.” (Josef Maleček in David Soeldner’s book Sparta Praha srdce naše).

Not long after the LTC’s victory in the Spengler Cup in 1948, team members were “inexplicably” imprisoned by a decree of the Czechoslovak Communist Party, which put an end to the club’s existence. Meanwhile, Sparta faced some of the most difficult times in its history, but it managed to survive. “It stayed in the shadows, in the back; it was inconspicuous, until the changes in the country’s political life took place” added David.

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Hunting for a home Despite losing its best players and the lack of sponsorship, Sparta had been Czechoslovakian hockey champions five times. Only after that did the Council of Prague decide to repurpose the old hunting building on Štvanice Island between Karlín and Holešovice and make it a modern stadium that met the needs of hockey enthusiasts and could compete with stadiums in Berlin, Paris, London, and Budapest. The building was opened in November 1932, but Sparta could not call it home until 1956 – before that date, it was only one of many tenants.

Sparta’s lowest moments coincided with World War II. David remembers interviewing team members from that time, most of whom have passed away. He said they had very fond of memories of coming to the countryside and bringing people some entertainment. “They remembered how they would play two or three matches a day for locals, and people would bring them whatever they could find at home as a thank-you – eggs, ham, shoes. That was the time Sparta became a national favourite. The hockey team – people loved them, in the countryside as well.”

Betting on Zábrodský The golden era of Sparta came in the 1950s, with a change of regime, the disappearance of rivals and the support of viewers, who have now become real fans. “The tickets were almost always sold out. The fans cheered because they were a civilian club, not the military hockey club of Jihlava or the Rudá Hvězda Brno (Red Star, an inland club created by the Communist Party – Ed.) It was as if they were fighting Communism with hockey, and the supporters were standing behind them.”

The team met the expectations – the new coach, Vladimír Zábrodský, was not only an excellent hockey player, but also an exceptional psychologist, who managed to bring together a team out of individual personalities overnight.

Exactly 50 years since the founding of the club, Sparta celebrated its first championship title.

In 1960, Zábrodský’s time at Sparta came to an end.

Together with other hockey players, he was convicted in the Sazka case: it came to light that three years earlier, several sportsmen had been betting on friendly matches against Rudá Hvězda Brno. Zábrodský had to work as a miner in Ostrava, then returned as player-coach at Bohemians. Losing its star shooter and coach, as well as other brilliant players, took a toll on Sparta.

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Hated by the Nation While Sparta’s Prague fans were standing by the team, the rest of the country gradually developed a strong aversion. The members of the ruling Communist party were frequent visitors to the matches and behind the scenes, which gave team members moral support as well as pride. The reality was very different – there was no actual financial support or protection for the team, just the genuine interest of low-level party members. However, fans and rivals saw it as Prague-centric favouritism. Every rival club wanted the same treatment, so for Sparta, no loss went unnoticed. Victories on away grounds were no longer seen just as victories, but also a chance to throw stones at the team, which had to flee, or to try turning the team bus upside down.

David explained, “From the sixties to the present day, the atmosphere changed, and it has never again been the same. The blame lies neither with Sparta nor the players, but with the fact that the team is from Prague. Not a single sports team from Prague has been popular. People still prefer something of their own. And even though Sparta does have fans all over the country, it has become accustomed to remaining out of sight.”

Homeless once again Since its earliest days, Sparta has been known for moving stadiums, searching for a place it could call home for more than just a couple of years. First it was Štvanice, which Sparta called home for six years (1956-62), but which it then had to leave – the wooden building was in terrible condition, so it was dangerous for both players and spectators .

In 1962, Sparta moved to the biggest, most modern stadium at the time – Tipsport Arena, then known simply as Sports Hall Sparta. Even there they felt like guests – the government often rented it out for various political and cultural events. For the 1983-84 season, Sparta had to move to the much smaller and less welcoming Eden Arena. Eventually the club moved permanently to theO2 Arena , previously occupied by their rival Slavia. “It doesn’t feel like home for them,” explained David, “and the fans do not get to enjoy the same atmosphere they once created. It undermines the fan spirit.”

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Hopes for the future Locals and visitors have completely different views of HC Sparta. For locals, it is a legendary team who has it all – privileged, envied, but still very much loved. For many foreign visitors, Sparta is – just like Prague – historic, famous, and glorious. Is the Czech view on the most loved/hated team going to change? David was uncertain but hopeful. “Nobody knows what’s going to happen. It’s not going to change overnight. We are very stubborn,” he said with a smile. “But there are thousands of followers, generations of young boys and girls who bond with their parents over their love for Sparta. It is, after all, in our hearts and our blood.”

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Break Out the Boards to Bust Stress

By Madeleine Salisbury

Board games have exploded in popularity in recent years, with ever more games intended for adults hitting the market – and Prague is not immune to this trend. These days, locals are ditching late nights at the bar in favour of spending time with family and friends huddled over a Monopoly board, and it’s easy to see why. From bringing even the most antisocial friends together to lowering stress, having a night in or playing games at the local pub can be the perfect icebreaker during the chilliest of Prague winter nights.

The appeal is not just in the board games themselves, but also in the connections built while playing them. With over 150,000 expats living and working in Prague, board games present a unique opportunity to help make the capital feel like home: “In my household, board games were reserved for holidays, big family events, and birthdays,” explained Sybil Senn (29), a frequent visitor to a popular Prague board game café, “Now with this bar I can relive these special family moments with my friends whenever I want.”

With the notion of “family game night” being ingrained in many of us, board game cafés provide a close, family-like environment for many expats whose families aren’t exactly free to play a game of Scrabble at the drop of a hat.

“I always feel closer to my friends whenever we come to the café. Who has a bad time when playing a board game?” continued Senn, who recently relocated to Prague from South Carolina.

As our society descends deeper into virtual reality, these special nights of gathering with friends are being sacrificed. Why even meet up with a friend for coffee to see how they’re doing when you can spend three seconds crafting a text message on Facebook or WhatsApp? The increase in the importance of a social media presence means isolation is the name of the game, with many people suffering from a resulting lack of physical friendship. However, when playing a board game, you’re physically present, surrounded by a group of people with whom you actually have to hold a conversation.

If you’re an aficionado of Axis & Allies (or even if you’re not) and have no amigos to accompany you to the game table, don’t fret, as it’s not “game over” for you yet. Luckily there are local meetups dedicated to bringing strangers together over their love of competition and card decks.

“I first came [to a board game café] when I saw a meetup for playing board games,” said Ivan Stepanov (27) from Russia as he rolled a pair of dice playing Yahtzee. “I’m more of an introvert, so playing board games was one of the only meetups that appealed to me.”

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In addition to open game nights, events including pub quizzes, RPG playthroughs, and even specialized gaming tournaments are popping up on social sites like Meetup and Prague Facebook groups, so if you play your cards right, you could be leaving the game table with a friend or two. Not to mention you can try dozens of board games for a fraction of the cost of even one copy of Codenames.

“Every time we come [out to play board games], we end up playing a game we’ve never heard of and always have a blast,” remarked Viktor Hancinsky (29) of Slovakia.

“They have so many games [at this board game bar] we spend hours and hours here, and they keep bringing us something new to try.”.

In a 2006 survey by RealNetworks Inc., 64% of people cited board games as being relaxing, while 53% of people play games to relieve stress. As more international companies are coming to Prague and our jobs are becoming ever more stressful, keeping a balance of work and play is more important than ever. We all saw what happened in The Shining to poor Jack whose life was all work and no play...

With deliciously adult games such as Cards Against Humanity, Exploding Kittens, and Joking Hazard blasting onto the adult party scene in the past decade, board games have evolved from playing chess with your grandfather to full-blown social soirees.

It’s safe to say that no one has gotten a hangover from playing a round of hangman, while, for introverts, playing a round or two of a board game is a welcome relief from awkward nights at a bar or club. Therefore, if one of your New Year’s Resolutions is to cut back on the alcohol while still enjoying a social night out (or in), your favourite board game can help you achieve just that. Or if the tax season is causing stress (which applies to everyone under the sun), then bringing out the dice and Trivial Pursuit can help you relax.

“This place has replaced our usual after-work happy hour…” said Gabbi Kralova (32) when asked why she visits board game cafés as a Prague local. “Playing games while drinking a beer is a good stress reliever and just more fun than going to the [average] bar.”

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Romance of the Bohemian Paradise

By Vladimír Čížek

If you’re looking for a serene escape to your everyday 9 to 5 job, consider exploring the hidden treasure of the Bohemian Paradise in the Czech Republic. This historic yet alluring haven has been visited since the beginning of the nineteenth century. Visitors and tourists from Prague often take a day or a weekend trip, for a hike or to just take in some of its vast beauty. We had the pleasure of talking to Vladimír Čížek, a recent visitor of the Bohemian Paradise and this was his advice on how to best explore the area and to find the ideal spots for romantic moments with a loved one. Čížek recommends visitors to start the hike from the village of Střehom. One of the most romantic places in Bohemian Paradise is in the valley of Plakánek near the medieval castle Kost which has been protected since the 1990s. This is the perfect spot to take in the scenery and begin your journey. Once you reach the forest and enter the canyon, the air is noticeably cooler. The valley originated from sandstone blocks and from the sediments of the Mesozoic sea. A little further there is a spring called “Roubenka” meaning “timber structure.” Here, most Czechs remember the romantic poet Fráňa Šrámek, who was born in the nearby town Sobotka in 1877.

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Continuing along the red marked trail for about 2 kilometers, along the side the left bank of the river will take you to the castle Kost, the most impressive and wellphotographed castle in the region. In the past, the castle was so well protected by it’s surrounding ponds that the Hussites gave up their conquest and left with the words “Kost patří psům“” meaning “Bone belongs to dogs.”

This is how the beautiful castle acquired its name. Next, Čížek suggests travelers to explore the right bank of the Pilský pond. The little path is almost unnoticeable with many obstacles in its way but well worth the trek. Toward the further end of the pond, within the rocks, lays a cave entry.

The cave is only a few meters large and archeologists think that it was a Celtic sanctuary from around five thousand years ago. During this time, there was no pond and possibly no forest and the raised entrance provided a good place for druids to hold ceremonies. These ceremonies most likely took place around the spring and autumn equinoxes, when a special phenomenon occurs, just for a short moment before the sunset narrows a sunbeam strikes the stone inside the cave.

Vladimír Čížek recalled a beam of sunlight appeared on the round stone near the cave entrance. This unique phenomenon happens only twice a year on the equinox on the 20th of March and on the 23rd of September when day and night are of equal length.

With these unique tips for a romantic and stunning trip through the “Bohemian Paradis” visitors are sure to have an experience to which no camera will do justice. While this article mentioned the romantic appeal of the location, the beautiful sights and benefits of a trip into nature can, of course, be fully enjoyed by oneself or with the family. Čížek leaves shared with us a poem by Fráňa Šrámek inspired by The Bohemian Paradise. It reads as follows:

Photo by Zdeněk Fiedler

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Photo by Romana Prošková

Roubenka, who has this oblique name, There at home, in Plakánek, we have a wonderful spring Roubenka is its name

Roubenka, čí to oblé jméno je, to tam u nás doma, v Plakánku, přespanilou máme studánku, Roubenka se jmenuje.

You must come early in the morning and quietly, quietly as a ghost.

It has good ears, this girl and she does not like it,

Tam k ní musíš časně zrána a tiše,tiše jako duch.

Ta děvečka má, pane sluch a docela to nemá ráda,

immediately there are shadows on the forehead, when you’re rolling, rolling like a bear in the raspberries.

hned jí čelem táhnou stíny, když se hrneš, hrne, hrneš jako medvěd na maliny.

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Microwaves

By Ken Nash

Where I come from, the doctors can not only diagnose and treat illnesses, but they can also predict your future. Their training is extensive. It often begins in childhood.

They are given an apprenticeship with a local doctor. At first, they may only be asked to perform menial tasks — cleaning, serving meals, gathering medicinal plants from the forest or running to the store to buy cigarettes. But, over time, the apprentice gains knowledge of the doctor’s work and eventually assists in some of the more complicated treatments and divinations.

My older brother, Anush, was preparing to become a doctor, so I was able to observe first-hand how busy these young apprentices were kept. Unfortunately, Anush was hit by a military vehicle while crossing the street to buy cigarettes and did not survive his injuries — just as the doctor had foreseen. My parents had wanted me to follow in Anush’s footsteps. But, to be honest, I was fearful of our local doctor and the sight of amputated limbs made me queasy.

One day, however, I was asked to assist the doctor with a non-medical emergency.

He had recently acquired a microwave oven and did not know how to set the clock.

Few people in our village had ever even heard of a microwave. But I had spent that summer in the city visiting cousins and had the great opportunity of using their microwave to melt goat cheese onto a head of broccoli. My parents thought this knowledge might be useful to the doctor.

The doctor had the nicest and largest home in our village. Situated on the hillside, it had a view of our entire valley. On a clear day you could see through the hills, straight to the distant, rising sea. He lived on the second floor, while the first floor was used for his medical practice and prognostications.

The doctor had been sent word I was coming. “Come on, child,” he said, greeting me at the door and hurrying me inside. I could not help gathering a glimpse of the doctor’s work room as I was led up the staircase. There were many jars on shelves containing plant roots and leaves. Also some anatomical drawings hanging on the walls. Also an AM/FM radio receiver on a banquet-size wooden table, surrounded by corn husk figurines and melted candles.

The microwave in the doctor’s kitchen was slightly different from the one my cousins owned. But the unintuitive method of holding down two buttons at once while simultaneously dialling a third button clockwise or counterclockwise to change the direction of time was the same.

In gratitude for my work, the doctor microwaved a meal for me of hassock and squid peas. I ate alone at the kitchen table, watching the the numbers on the clock change every 60 seconds. After a quarter hour, the doctor returned.

“You are a clever child,” he said, taking a seat beside me. “How would you like to become my assistant?” I thought of what had happened to my brother. I worried what the doctor might tell me about my own future. But then I saw the numbers on the clock change once more and realized I had nothing to fear from the doctor and his prognostications. The future was mine to control as long as I possessed the ability to dial microwaves backwards and forwards in time.

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FICTION

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Dear Bored in Prague, You deserve downtime after you have uptime and that doesn’t not mean uploading TV shows from Netflix servers. Get a job and then you get downtime. And take her out for a nice dinner, she deserves it after all your nonsense.

Love, Zuzka.

Dear Zuzka, I have feelings for a colleague of mine at work. She is an absolutely amazing woman both from the inside as the outside. She is Czech and I am from the Netherlands. Problem is the Dutch are very direct but when it comes to matters of the heart we can be quite clumsy. She smiles at me a lot but when I ask her out for dinner or a movie she turn me down. I have asked her like 8 times already. Is it a cultural thing or am I just doing it wrong? Please can you advise?

Lonely Dutchman in Prague.

Dear Zuzka

My boyfriend took me out for a romantic dinner on Valentine’s day. First, I started getting really annoyed as he was checking his phone every couple of minutes. Anger then turned into suspicion I mean what or who could be so much more interesting than me. When all of a sudden, he got up and said he had to pop out to chase a Pokémon. He is 39 years old, like really? How can I compete with Pokémon?

Kamila, Podebrady Dear Kamila, I do not know where your boyfriend is from but Slavia Praha played in Europa league on Valentine’s evening.

Maybe your boyfriend was really checking score of game or sneaking to different pub to watch it. If he actually is chasing Pokémon, then you can do better with literally any other man. Even a man from Morava. Or maybe you can introduce your boyfriend to other, more manly, mobile games like Fortnite or even Farming Simulator. Fashion Doll and Nail Makeover can also be entertaining and there is no need for your boyfriend to run out of the restaurant when you’re on a date.

Love, Zuzka.

Dear Zuzka, My wife who I have been married to for three years has given me an ultimatum to stop watching Netflix and make more of an effort to find a job. She thinks I am not searching for a job which I am it just happens that every time she walks into the room I am watching Netflix. I love my wife and want to make her happy but surely, I deserve some downtime.

Bored in Prague

Dear Lonely Dutchman You seem like you have good intentions and I like that. But maybe she doesn’t like you. And you are trying to hard.

Though that she is Czech woman and she smiles at you suggests she might be interested, or not if she is from Prague. There are plenty more fish in the rybnik so I think you should forget about this one and try catch others and maybe it will make her want you more. And also, while trying to pass driving test 8 times might show strong will and spirit, you might now be officially stalking this woman with all your advances. Maybe you should find new job and not harass your colleagues.

Love, Zuzka.

Dear Zuzka, I am from London and married to a beautiful wife from Pardubice and together we have two amazing children. Recently I have noticed that romance has sort of diminished the last few months. When I asked her about it she said she was trying to get over the fact that in the last year I have drastically been losing my hair. She still loves me but doesn’t know how to get past the baldness. What can I do?

London guy, Pardubice Dear London guy, This is a difficult problem. Your wife is from Pardubice which is not Prague so she probably finds men with mullet haircut attractive like most Czech women not from Prague.

Mullet haircuts are not like in other countries. Here they are a sign of strong man who has own business, can drink plenty of beer and still does what he is told by his wife. I know sometimes, my boyfriend and I play mullet-fantasy and it is lots of fun! I suggest you contact maker of wigs and get special mullet wig made to increase romance in your marriage. You should also wear white socks and sandals to make experience more complete for her.

Love, Zuzka

LEISURE & ENTERTAINMENT

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Haka Pies is a concept, it’s the familiar mixed with the traditional, tradition and dissent wrapped in tasty pastry and best consumed when warm. More than that Haka Pies is unique in that it is Czech fast food, something which owner Lawrence Allen says has been lacking in the Czech Republic until now.

Lawrence’s son Hubert provided the inspiration for the cuisine’s fusion in that he is himself half Czech and half New Zealand. The team at Haka Pies is completed by Ondrěj Žufan and Matous Huml who are both native Czechs.

Ondrěj and Lawrence have spent the last three years gaining experience on the German and Austrian street food circuit; this is coupled with the expertise of Matous Huml who had just returned from Sri Lanka where he was a Head Chef at a well-known resort. Together they set up Haka Pies and are excited at bringing what is a new concept to Prague and are already looking at expansion.

“It may take a while to catch on but we’re in it for the long haul. The public have been very supportive so far and we’re looking at expanding to 3-4 outlets by the end of 2019.

HAKA-PIES.COM

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EDITORIAL STAFF

PUBLISHER

Marketing Director

Oko! Magazine

Claire Dognini marketing@okomagazine.cz

www.okomagazine.cz Registration : MK CR E 23315 IC: 0645533 ISSN 2571-3345 Edition #2 Mar/Apr 2019 Published March 15th 2019

Art Director Benny Water design@okomagazine.cz Editor Marissa Baard editorial@okomagazine.cz

CONTRIBUTORS Cover Photo l Ivan Rupes Writers David O’Brien Dominik Ježek Comedy Club Praha Photographers

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