SOFFA 09 / TRAVEL, English edition

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VOLUMe | 09

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FOCUS ON TRAVEL Volume 09 is dedicated to travel: enjoy expeditions both classic and unconventional. Find a little piece of your kind of adventure!

FOLLOW US www.facebook.com/soffamag instagram.com/soffa_mag twitter.com/soffa_mag www.pinterest.com/soffamag www.soffamag.com/youtube Š SOFFA, s.r.o. 2015 I All rights reserved www.soffamag.com I info@soffamag.com Cover illustration: Grace Alexandra Russell

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SOffA 09 IS PRINTED! dO YOU LikE ThE ONLiNE VERSiON OF SOFFA? NOW, YOU CAN hAVE ThE VOLUmE iN PAPER AS WELL. BUY iT iN OUR NEW ShOP BY SOFFA: ShOP.SOFFAmAg.COm

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offset-printed and perfect bound, full colour on high-quality 140 gsm paper 160 A4 prague, Czech Republic english 1000 copies

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CONTENTS - VOLUmE | 09

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EdiTORiAL

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26 Tie-Dye is Back

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01 | TRAVEL iN BOOkS 19 02 | diY PROJECTS Contemporary world Literature how to pack Less Than 7 kg

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03 | EdiTOR’S ChOiCE hurray for Vacation!

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04 | CARAVANS Vivat Caravan

hrs charging

BMW i3

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05 | TOURiST SigNS System of hiking Route Signs

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06 | TRANSPORTATiON Art of Travel

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07 | hOmE TOUR For Love of history

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08 | TRENdS navy Blue

92 home Spa

09 | WORLd FURNiTURE From All Over the world

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10 | PERSONALiTiES new ways

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11 | im/migRANTS Foreigners in the CR

125 The Biggest Animal Travellers

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153

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12 | TRAVEL A Trip to the north of Slovakia

13 | SOFFA&PARTNERS Rhubarb Lemonade

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Grilled Salmon with Lemon 5

TOWAR D S A DV EN T UR ES text: Adéla kudrnová | styling: SOFFA I photo: Adéla havelková

what should an issue on travel contain? we tried to answer this question about two months ago. It turns out that it’s almost impossible to cover such a broad topic in just 160 pages. That’s why we’ve tried to prepare a mix of articles in which, hopefully, everyone will be able to find a little piece of their kind of adventure. Above all, we believe that your new SOFFA will make you feel as relaxed as if you were on holiday!

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you can travel in many ways! In this issue we’ll show you some of them.

Aside from classic expeditions through foreign countries (this time we visited neighbouring Slovakia) you can come with us for journeys to the past and the future. Tie-dye à la the 1970s, an apartment in Znojmo with original features from the 19th century, hi-tech futuristic methods of transportation, and courageous people who are not afraid to put forth new ways and ideas - don’t miss out on any of these!

If you desire to travel around the world, you’ll see that with us you can set off this instant. we’ll present you individual continents first in excerpts from literary texts and then through design. If, however, you decide to discover the world on foot, you’ll surely appreciate a manual on how to pack a bag with less than 7 kg of weight as well as the article about hiking signs in the Czech Republic. nor did we forget about travellers from the world of animals. you’ll see that their performances are truly impressive. And because we love to travel ourselves, we present you with the most precious items from our collection of souvenirs. what do you take with you on travels?

Many great experiences and happy returns! your SOFFA team

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Sales manager Terézia watch London, Great Britain

Photographer Adéla stones Long Island, USA

Art director Lenka sketchbook / herbarium Florence, Italy

Editor in chief Adéla Dala horse Dalarna, Sweden

Production manager Antonín grasshopper Florida, USA

Photographer Lina fan Malaga, Spain

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TRAV EL I N B O O K S 4 continents, 4 books

CO NTE MP O R ARY WO R L D L I T ER AT UR E text: excerpts from books by selected authors illustration: Grace Alexandra Russell

The easiest way to travel long distances efficiently and effortlessly is to open a book and delve into the content: in just a short instant you can find yourselves on a different continent, even in a different era. From the rich offering of contemporary literature we’ve selected one representative from EACH OF THE Four continents. Instead of a detailed portrait of a country we offer you just a little piece of a mosaic – a small bite to taste. Are you tempted?

A Peruvian poet and essayist, a praised Zimbabwean writer of prose, a Chinese dentist who switched from repairing teeth to writing, and a Czech debut writer telling stories about Děčín, Germany, and Banat.

These four unique authors are as colourful as their styles of writing.

The excerpts from their works are the best proof of the fact that thrilling literature can be found in every corner of the world. The illustrations to the excerpts were masterly created by the London-based illustrator Grace Alexandra Russell. ■

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I keep my mouth shut like I’m supposed to while Mother of Bones shouts greetings to the people we see on the way; Bornfree’s mother, MaDube, who is pounding nails on the roof of her shack with a rock; naBetina holding her squatting grandson nomoreproblems; Mai Tonde sitting on a stool and peering inside her screaming baby’s ear; naMgcobha dictating a letter to a tall boy I’ve never seen before. we pass old Zuze looking at everything with his blind eyes, pass women sitting outside a shack and gossiping and doing one another’s hair, and not too far off, the men huddled like sheep and playing draughts under the lone jacaranda. The blooming purple flowers almost make the men look beautiful in the shade without their shirts on. They sit there, crouched forward like tigers, like the sun whipping their backs doesn’t matter, like the bird droppings falling on their bare shoulders and splattering their skin don’t matter. Mother of Bones shouts her greetings and waves but the men hardly take their eyes off the fading draughts board with its upturned and downturned bottle tops. when we pass the people standing in line outside Vodloza’s shack, Mother of Bones only waves; here she cannot shout because it’s a healer’s place. A few of the people wave back unsurely, like they don’t even want to, looking worn out from sickness or troubles. They are waiting for Vodloza to divine with their ancestors because that’s his job. A large white sign says in bold red english words: Vodloza, BESTEST healer in all of this Paradise and beeyond will proper fix all these problemsome things that you may encounter in your life: Bewitchedness, Curses, Bad luck, Whoring spouses, Childrenlessness, Poverty, Joblessness, AidS, madness, Small penises, Epilepsy, Bad dreams, Bad marriage/ marriagelessness, Competition at work, dead people terrorizing you, Bad luck with getting Visas especially to USA and Britain...

NOViOLET BULAWAYO | WE NEEd NEW NAmES: A NOVEL noViolet Bulawayo (1981) is from Zimbabwe. her debut novel entitled We Need New Names: A Novel stirred the literary scene quite significantly. The original narrative begins in a slum in harare, Africa: Darling is a ten-year-old girl who has many friends with names like Bastard, Godknows, and Stina. Their fathers, sometimes even both parents, have disappeared. One girl is pregnant. They steal fruit, play with rubbish. But most importantly they dream about being able to leave to America or europe. Darling gets lucky because she and her mother manage to leave Africa thanks to Darling’s aunt in Detroit. And yet the idealistic imagination of a child is one thing, while a dirty city affected by an economic crisis is something else entirely... The novel We Need New Names is written in an original and economical style. publisher: Odeon (2015) | czech translation: Markéta Musilová

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It is unwise to walk the Muntii Banatului peaks in a storm: the lightning here is nowhere near as indifferent to people as it is in the kind plains of South Moravia and Bavaria... At school the two daughters of Marje, the innkeeper, told me a story about their grampa being taken by God’s Messenger when he was heading home from the field in a storm, his pitchfork on his shoulder. That was the first time I had heard the noble expression: God’s Messengr.

Several years later the God’s Messengr took Marje’s daughters. They had gone cherry picking for the first time that summer after a Sunday dinner; they went far to the hillside beyond the cross, where you can see the gleaming waters of the Danube below, flanked by rocks. Suddenly a storm rushed in from Serbia and the girls (hiding under a sweet-scented rainswept blossoming tree) were both struck at once (a year later I got dizzy when I realised I was picking and eating cherries from that very tree; the cherry tree had survived with only a scar and a broken branch).

The entire village wept at the funeral – including the palson. The horses pulled the hearse with the two little white coffins along the dusty road towards the boneyard on a hillside. The sky was clear and the morning blossoms were buzzing with bees; the men were sweating, not talking as they would at other funerals, the girls were stumbling in high heels, and the women were singing out of tune, so badly out of tune...

It was not until recently that Marje told me that it was she (God, it was she!) who had found her little daughters: their faces were white, unscorched; except that on their chests and below their knees they had red marks. Like others who had been struck by lightning their fancy Sunday shoes had come off; they would not need them for the rest of their journey; but Marje and her mother put them on the girls’ feet two days later, before laying them in their coffins...

mATĚJ hOŘAVA | PÁLENkA Romania. Muntii Banatului. Deserted mountains above the Danube.

Villages where Czech countrymen have lived for almost two centuries. A world where time has stopped. A young teacher from Moravia arrives in one such village. he goes there to forget. yet the everyday reality of rural life and his shy attempts to integrate into a closed community are gradually overshadowed more and more by his insistent memories. In this lonely and secluded environment amidst the intoxicating scenery of Muntii Banatului, every little thing seems to remind him of his childhood, the bitter years spent in a gym, lost women, journeys, escapes... publisher: host (2014) | english translation: kateřina krejčí

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That year Fengxia turned seventeen, and she began to look like a woman. If she hadn’t been deaf and mute, people would have already been knocking on our door with marriage proposals. All the people in the village said Fengxia had grown up into a pretty young woman; she looked almost the same as jiazhen had when she was young. youqing was twelve years old and was going to elementary school in town.

Some years earlier, jiazhen and I had hesitated about whether or not we should send youqing to school – we simply didn’t have the money. At the time Fengxia was only twelve or thirteen, and although she could help jiazhen and me with some work in the field and around the house, she was still dependent on us. jiazhen and I discussed whether we should just give her to someone else and be done with it.

That way we could save some extra money for youqing to go to school. even though Fengxia was deaf and mute, she was smart. As soon as jiazhen and I started discussing giving her away, Fengxia would come over and stare at us. her two eyes would blink and our hearts would want to break, and we wouldn’t bring it up again for a couple of days.

But seeing youqing getting closer and closer to school age, I knew I couldn’t put it off any longer. I had some of the people in the village ask around to see if anyone was willing to raise a twelve-year-old girl. I told jiazhen, “If a good family wants her, Fengxia will have an even better life than she has now.‘‘ jiazhen nodded, but her tears still fell. A mother’s heart is always a bit soft.

I tried to convince jiazhen to be a little more open-minded. Fate had dealt Fengxia a cruel hand, and I was afraid that in this life she was going to suffer the worst. But youqing shouldn’t suffer all his life – only if we let him go to school would he have a good future. we couldn’t allow the kids to be set back by poverty. At least one of them should be able to have a better life one day.

YU hUA | TO LiVE yu hua (1960) is one of the most successful contemporary Chinese authors. he writes essays, avant-garde short stories, and realist novels focusing primarily on the lives of people influenced by the dramatic events of the second half of the 20th century. To Live (1991) – Against a backdrop of the dramatic events of 20th century China (war with japan, civil war, Great Leap Forward, and Cultural Revolution) the novel follows the fate of a man forced to exchange his luxurious house for a thatched cottage and his comfortable life for days of hard labour and constant frustration. even though the hero Fuguji is tested continually, his dignity and humour remain resilient. publisher: Verzone (2014), cinskaliteratura.cz | czech translation: petra Martincová

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SELFPORTRAiT: iT’S mY PARTY ANd i’LL CRY iF i WANT TO now that you are back in someone else’s room, defeated, without a trace in your memory that could help you remember any experience with the other, you question yourself about this late desire to be pure precisely now that you are here, undressed, sweaty, without anything good to say. you think your face is no longer the face of a boy who has been pulling a weightless body from table to table like a word no one dares to say; now it is an enraged mask distorted by the heat.

Sleep, you said to yourself. you have spent the entire morning walking on a sidewalk subdued by sunlight, leaving your feet behind on every corner, looking for a Saint, a Righteous One worthy of your stomach. you change characters’ genders in this poem.

Figures, you said, images that no one cares about, if in the city she thinks of someone else. you are not for her but the deceitful reflection of a silver fish that one day you pulled from the cold depths to free it afterwards and find, in that act, a merciful shade. you will find no consolation.

It’s getting dark. you are awaiting something, but it’s better to give up.

On your skin the night sows a certainty this world is not for you.

JOSé CARLOS YRigOYEN | SELF-PORTRAiT The book Tento chléb přežvykovat, psacími písmeny (Chew This Bread in Cursive) will be published by Fra in autumn 2015. poetry like a dump. A burnt shelf of bad movies, the cracked toilet seat of ancient myths, the broken wires of the microphones of fallen pop stars, yellow pages of dictionaries with sauce scraped from plates spilled all over them. Intermittent smoke, here and there the leftovers of other people’s lives flicker toxically like the aftermath of some catastrophe. Three South American homeless people search a pile of the debris of the 20th century: Maurizio Medo, ernesto Carrion, and jose Carlos yrigoyen. publisher: Fra (2015) | translation: petr Zavadil (czech), Roberto wong Mora (english)

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Grace is a freelance Illustrator based in London. Her work combines disparate pieces of collage with paint and charcoal to create evocative imagery that is both playful and controlled; the careful interplay between the figurative and abstract give her illustrations a unique visual language that lends itself well to a variety of work.

Grace Alexandra Russell If you would like to get in touch with Grace: Website: www.Gracerussell.co.uk Email: Grace01_25@hotmail.com Phone: +447989089063 Tweet: @gracie_25Grace Alexandra Russell

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Grace graduated with a First class BAHons degree in Illustration from the University of Westminster and winning the Achievement Award in her first year and in 2014 she won the V&A Illustration Awards Student Category. She has worked with clients that include the Victoria and Albert Museum, Spitalfields Silks/Sirens, The Loop, Reyker, Sony, P&G, The Illustrated Game and Kameleon and recently illustrated the May issue of Therapy Today. Her work has also been exhibited across the UK including the Victoria and Albert Museum and The Ideal Home Show.

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D I Y PRO J EC T S Two summer ideas

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HOW TO PAC K L ES S T H A N 7 KG concept: Pod 7 kilo | text: Adéla Kudrnová | styling: SOFFA and Pod 7 kilo photo: Adéla Havelková

DO YOU STRUGGLE WITH PACKING AND WORRY ABOUT EXCEEDING THE WEIGHT LIMIT when TRAVELLING BY PLANE? WE’LL TEACH YOU HOW TO EASILY PACK LESS THAN 7 KG WITHOUT MISSING A THING. ARE YOU UP FOR ADVENTURE? DIFFICULTY: medium TIME: approximately 4 hours (including preparation and shopping) WHAT YOU NEED: suitable backpack (ideal for travelling, available at pod7kilo.cz) clothes and necessities to take with you (see below) instructions from www.pod7kilo.cz

Štěpán Trojánek from the Pod 7 kilo (“less than 7 kg”) company knows how to pack a bag properly. We asked him for his assistance with this article. Štěpán is an enthusiastic traveller himself who founded the Pod 7 kilo website and e-shop three years ago with a friend. The website gives you precious advice on how to pack your bag using various tips, videos, and detailed instructions. We asked Štěpán to show us how to pack a bag at under 7 kg. Why under 7 kg? First, it is the ideal weight for travelling; second, it is the most common maximum weight limit for hand luggage stipulated by airlines (mainly in Asia); and third, 7 kg on your back will not be too much of a burden.

With a bag packed at less than 7 kg, the way we did, you can travel to some exotic country for 2 or 3 weeks. The premise is that you Osprey Farpoint 40 traveller’s backpack, Pod7kilo.cz ►

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IN A BAG PACKED AT LESS THAN 7 KILOGRAMS YOU SHOULD HAVE: 2× t-shirts made of merino wool; 1× warmer long-sleeve top made of merino wool; 1× shirt; pocket for documents; phone charger with charging cable; phone; first aid kit; alcohol container; headlamp; repellent cream; keys with universal tool; belt with hidden pocket; folding water bottle; tissues; sun cream; antibacterial and quick-drying towel; bird (small presents for locals); wallet; flip-flops; water-resistant notebook; telescopic pen; hygiene necessities; noise limiting earplugs; shoes; book; guidebook; 22

documents in a waterproof bag (passport, insurance, money, flight ticket, etc.; medicine); light waterproof jacket; 4 pairs of thermal socks; 1× pants; 1× shorts (swimming trunks); 1× light sport pants with unzippable trouser legs; scarf (serves also as a blanket); camera; universal adaptor; packable hat; 3× underwear; packable backpack; umbrella; sunglasses; IN A BAG WITH HYGIENE NECESSITIES (max. 1L): foldable toothbrush; concentrated toothpaste; concentrated universal soap; deodorant; perfume/aftershave sample; cream; spray iron; razor; nail clippers; hairbrush; sink plug 23

will be travelling by plane, go through towns and cities, and engage in moderately easy tourism including sleeping in hotels, hostels, and at friends’ places (many hostels offer the possibility of renting sleeping bags). If you’re planning a different type of a journey, you’ll find appropriate instructions at www.pod7kilo.cz INSTRUCTIONS: First, decide where you’re going, for how long, and what the given destination represents and requires. Then decide which bag you’ll be taking. The idea is that you need luggage where you’ll be able to fit all the things you need with some space left over for the things you’d like to bring back with you.

We recommend you look at pod7kilo.cz to begin with, where you’ll find various directions and tricks on how to pack less than 7 kg. It contains specific packing techniques that save you space and also sells the lightest hiking equipment. We’ve selected the most interesting ones: • Pour cosmetics and hygiene products into smaller bottles (max.

100 ml) – available at shop.pod7kilo.cz.

• Take medicine without packaging and wrap scotch tape over the blisters so the pills don’t pop out.

• In general, wrap smaller items in bigger ones (for example, socks into shoes).

• Wrap clothes in a compression bag.

• Don’t pack the biggest and heaviest items, wear them on the plane.

• Choose your bag according to size and weight requirements and limits (it should be approximately 40L in volume); make sure it’s as light as possible and has an opening similar to the one on a suitcase (this makes the packing system faster and more organised). ■ Our special thanks to the Pod 7 kilo company and to Štěpán Trojánek for showing us his packing techniques and sharing the information.

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TIE-DY E I S B AC K ! text: Adéla Kudrnová | styling: SOFFA | photo: Adéla Havelková

TIE-DYE KEEPS COMING BACK IN WAVES, AND NOW IT IS ONCE AGAIN AT THE PEAK OF ITS POPULARITY. THIS TEXTILE COLOURING TECHNIQUE IS VERY OLD BUT BECAME HIGHLY POPULAR MAINLY DURING THE 1970s AND THE HIPPIE MOVEMENT. YOU WILL LOVE IT, AND WE WILL TEACH YOU HOW TO ACHIEVE A SUBTLE OMBRE EFFECT AS WELL AS MORE AUDACIOUS PATTERNS. THE TRICK WHEN TYING THE CLOTH IS TO UNTIE YOUR IMAGINATION! DIFFICULTY: medium TIME: 60 minutes (including preparation) WHAT YOU NEED: a garment or piece of cloth (natural material) textile colouring vinegar salt strings rubber bands pieces of wood scissors or knife old pot large wooden spoon rubber gloves

Our new photographer Adéla once came to a photo shoot upset at having accidentally dyed her favourite shirt. Based on that we all gathered one afternoon and had a SOFFA tie-dye workshop. You can watch the workshop video at www.soffamag.com/youtube.

There are many methods of dyeing: sown, sprinkled, wax, dyeing, painted, and tied (the one we tried). The main principle of dyeing is to cover and protect the places that are meant to stay uncoloured. In the case of tie-dye the covering of such places is accomplished by strings, rubber bands, pieces of wood, and other tools. There are many ways to tie the cloth and each of them creates a different pattern. You can find more difficult ones on the internet; for example, at honestlywtf.com/tag/tie-dye/. ►

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INSTRUCTIONS: First get some cloth or clothes you want to colour. Natural materials are suitable – highly absorbent ones such as cotton viscose, silk, or flax. Synthetic materials don’t hold colour well. Then prepare everything you’ll need for the dyeing itself. Be careful, you will get dirty; so make sure you wear old clothes and rubber gloves.

You can create circles (tie a string around a piece of cloth) or stripes (by creating equally spaced folds and tying the cloth along the folds), or see honestlywtf.com/tag/tie-dye/ for more complicated patterns. Following the instructions on the packaging, dissolve the textile colouring in an old pot. Add several spoons of salt and soak the cloth in the bath.

Boil for about 20 minutes. Then leave to cool down.

Meanwhile prepare a mixture of vinegar and water (about 1:20) and after the cloth has cooled, dip it in the vinegar mixture for about 5 minutes to fix the colour. Then take the cloth out, wash under cold water, and untie the strings and rubber bands. This phase is the most enjoyable!

Then wash the cloth in lukewarm water once more in order to get rid of the vinegar smell.

TIP: Think ordinary tie-dye is too traditional? Create a shirt with a modern ombré effect. Dye the cloth in the pot with colouring in individual five-minute steps – go from the lightest shade to the darkest one. ■

RIGHT: There are several ways of tying cloth or clothes – no two results are alike, and that is what makes tie-dye beautiful. In order to achieve a circular pattern, tie the cloth in a snake-like way using rubber bands. If you fold the cloth around a piece of wood and tightly tie a string around it, you will get a striped pattern.

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WHAT WILL THE RESULT BE? THE MOMENT OF SURPRISE IS THE MOST ENJOYABLE THING ABOUT TIE-DYE.

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available soon in Shop by SOFFA

opera PRESENTED AT THE STATE OPERA

VERDI

MACBETH CONDUCTOR: JIŘÍ ŠTRUNC STAGE DIRECTOR: MARTIN ČIČVÁK

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E DI TO R’ S C H O I C E For all travellers

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HU R R AY f O R VAC AT I O N ! text: Adéla kudrnová | styling: SOFFA | photo: companies’ archives

ThIS SUMMeR IT DOeSn’T MATTeR wheTheR yOU’Re TRAVeLLInG FAR ACROSS The OCeAn OR jUST BACkpACkInG In yOUR LOCAL AReA – neVeR UnDeReSTIMATe BeInG pRepAReD. we’Ve pICkeD SOMe ITeMS ThAT wILL SeRVe yOU weLL On yOUR TRAVeLS!

COOL BAg kULLAR IkeA 149 CZk

WhAT A mELON TENT www.fieldcandy.com €395 iNFiNiTY NET – ThE AUTOBiOgRAPhY OF YAYOi kUSAmA shop.tate.org.uk | £12.99

RUBBER BOOTS hAi LOW nokian | Leshoubeles.cz 1690 CZk

BACkPACk RETREAT herschel | www.zoot.cz 3049 CZk 36

PORTABLE RAdiO AE5020 philips 1999 CZk

FUJiFiLm iNSTAX miNi 90 CAmERA www.urbanoutfitters.com £160

SCRATCh mAP OF ThE WORLd www.gotravelmap.com 1299 CZk

hAmmOCk ChAiR miNT Bloomingville price upon request

POWER kNiFE mULTi ChARgER, USB miCRO, iPhONE TiPS Brunton | fjallraven-shop.cz | 699 CZk

ACORN SPEAkER + BLUETOOTh kikkerlandeu.com | € 88

FOOTWEAR SYSTEm NikE STUdiO WRAP PACk 3 store.nike.com | € 120 37

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C A R AVA N S Living on four wheels

VIVAT C A R AVA N text: Adéla Kudrnová | photo: Lina Németh

OUR PHOTOGRAPHER LINA LOVES CARAVANS – TO HER, THEY SYMBOLISE FREEDOM. WITH HER PHOTO COLLECTION OF CARAVANS, VANS, AND MOBILE HOMES OF ALL KINDS YOU CAN BECOME A NOMAD FOR A MOMENT AND EXPERIENCE (VIRTUALLY, AT LEAST) THE FEELING OF ROAMING THE WORLD ON WHEELS! Whether forgotten and discarded in a back yard or new and polished, a caravan amounts to a desire to go somewhere. Feel the same? Then you’ll surely join our effort to renovate mobile homes of all kinds. VIVAT CARAVAN! We believe that the era of caravans and mobile homes is far from over! Quite the contrary: the modern era of digital nomads is perfect for them. It’s great to be able to work anytime and from anywhere.

“If I were a child, I would want my parents to have a caravan. I can see it clearly. Riding from camp to camp, summer, holidays, camping chairs behind the trailer, children running around...maybe sometime I’ll get a caravan for myself and make this dream come true for myself and my children. Although they’ll probably be dreaming about flying to the moon. We’ll see,” Lina says, looking at her photo collection. ■

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A caravan patiently waiting for the tourist season to begin and the beaches to be filled with people – Lina discovered it while roaming the Corsican countryside.

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An inhabited caravan belonging to a Romani family who travels in large groups and doesn’t stay in any one place longer than a few weeks. also FROM Corsica.

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A caravan under a snow blanket on a hillside near Paseky nad Jizerou can take pride in its numerous stickers – surely it has seen a great deal of the world.

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This caravan, whose picture was taken by Lina near Sloup v ฤ echรกch, looks both romantic and mysterious. Who and what is hidden inside? Hard to say...

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The magical river Sava in Belgrade, a powerful spot, the air smells of spring and... a floating caravan. Who wouldn’t want to come spend a couple of lazy days here?

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the caravan on this farm in Central Bohemia seems very well preserved. But what is its purpose? Is it a summer house? A guest house? A child’s playhouse?

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Lina found this mobile home on the road to Proboštov in České Středohoří. The neighbours across the street invited her in for slivovice. What a marvellous trip!

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WE SEEK TRUE MIND TRAVELLERS ON BRIEFS AND DEADLINES

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Do you still remember that moment, when you had this SOFFA for the first time in your hands? Then draw it, describe it – and send it to us.

On this postcard or upload to soffamag.com/mindtravellers.

We want to see the way you think. We – a group of people, who seek unique, who want to connect with others of the same kin.

Nydrle, member of the Kindred Family.

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nydrle.net Drtinova 8 15000 Prague Czech Republic

Crea department

Nydrle

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TO U R I S T S I G N S A Czech phenomenon – one of a kind!

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FOOTPATh SigNS

strip sign

hiking table

arrow

hiking route direction indicator

combined multicolour sign red – long distance and ridge routes blue – notable routes green – local routes yellow – short routes, linking paths, shortcuts

CYCLiNg ROUTE SigNS

cycling and hiking route

cycling and hiking route direction indicator

local sign

Ski ROUTE SigNS detour to castle ruins or other ski route strip sign end sign ski route direction indicator detour to well or stream

detour to peak or viewpoint detour to other interesting site

nature trail sign

SY STE M O f H I K I N G RO U T E S I G N S text: Adéla kudrnová | styling: SOFFA | photo: Marek kučera

In ThIS ISSUe DeVOTeD TO TRAVeL we SIMpLy COULDn’T FORGeT ABOUT A TRADITIOnAL CZeCh phenOMenOn – OUR One-OF-A-kInD SySTeM OF hIkInG ROUTe SIGnS. The CZeCh neTwORk OF DeSIGnATeD hIkInG ROUTeS COMpRISeS An InCReDIBLe 40 ThOUSAnD kILOMeTReS AnD RAnkS AMOnG The BeST AnD MOST DenSe hIkInG neTwORkS In The wORLD. whAT ARe The RULeS FOR MARkInG ROUTeS wITh SIGnS? we FOUnD OUT FOR yOU! we wanted to experience the maintenance of a hiking route, so we asked jiří Ulmann from klub českých turistů (Czech hiking Club) in Turnov, the local manager of the sign district, if we could join him and his colleague jana Leitnerová on one of their hikes. we learned the rules of signage and some details every ranger needs to know. The basic rule, as stated in the klub českých turistů handbook (available online), states that routes with tourist signs should lead safely and securely through the terrain so that the person on these routes will not have to search for a path but can focus instead on their hiking interests.

Members of klub českých turistů regularly devote their time to maintaining footpaths, cycling routes, ski routes, and riding routes, as well as ►

NEXT PAgE: Before the start of each season every group of rangers is given a single route. each route is renewed every three years. we set off for sign renewal with professionals jiří Ulmann and jana Leitnerová from klub českých turistů (Czech hiking Club). we followed the red route through beautiful scenery to the Trosky Castle in Český Ráj.

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routes accessible to wheelchairs. The network of footpaths with hiking signs spans the entire Czech Republic and is considered the best in Europe. If you plan to go for a walk or hike, the map of hiking and cycling routes is available at www.mapy.cz.

The first hiking footpath of the KČT (Klub českých turistů) was created on 11 May 1889 and connected Štichovice with Svatojánské proudy using red-coloured signs. Since then the network continues to grow and today is over 40,000 km long. Over 1,400 volunteers, called rangers, ensure that it is properly maintained. They usually work in pairs and each pair covers 5-7 km of routes. Anyone can become a volunteer after a 10 km long induction under the supervision of an experienced ranger. Any ranger can become a head ranger after two weekends of seminars followed by an exam. There are various methodologies for marking routes. You can find the basic principles at www.kct.cz, where you can also apply for a seminar and become a volunteer. ►

RIGHT: The basic equipment of each ranger includes the following: a set of varnish colours, a paintbrush, and a template used to measure the proper sign dimensions. In most cases the signs are painted on trees and depending on how the trees grow the shapes of the signs change and their sizes require adjusting. What’s more, each ranger needs a little saw and shears in case the immediate surroundings of the signs need to be cleared of branches and bushes.

NEXT PAGE: The signposts present hiking tables showing local names and directions, but you can also see the emblem of one of the sponsors of the sign system in the Czech Republic: Lesy ČR (Forests of the ČR). Signposts should never be more than 4 km from each other. After every signpost, there has to be a leading sign, followed immediately after by another confirming sign. On the column with the simple direction indicator you can see that the size of the sign has been adjusted using brown paint.

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Footpaths are marked with “strip signs” consisting of three horizontal strips. The middle strip determines the colour of the particular route and can be red, blue, green or yellow. The other two strips are white and are meant to highlight the mark. A strip sign is a square of 10 x 10 cm. If a sign is meant to point in a certain direction at a crossroads, the basic square is complemented with an arrow. If multiple routes follow the same route, they are marked by a combination sign in a strict order: red for long distance and ridge routes, blue for notable routes, green for local routes, and yellow for short routes and linking paths. At the end of each marked route you will find an ending sign. Various detours are specially marked with signs leading to peaks, viewpoints, castle ruins, wells, and other sites of interest. The so-called nature trails are marked by strip signs and local signs, or special nature trail signs (a white square with a green diagonal stripe).

As a general rule, marked routes are two-way routes. At a crossroads there are signposts with tables of local names containing information on names of places and heights, and directional indicators including a distance index. (Distances in the Czech Republic are traditionally stated in kilometres; in Slovakia these are usually in hours.) Checks and renewal of signs are performed every three years.

For more information go to: www.kct.cz www.kct.cz/cms/turisticke-znaceni-kct www.kct.cz/cms/sites/default/files/users/user1/dokumenty/znackari/ prirucka-znaceni-2014.pdf ■ Our special thanks to Jiří Ulmann and Jana Leitnerová for their explanation.

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T R A N S PO R TAT I O N Futuristic & traditional

Art o f T ravel text: Rohit Kalro | styling: Lenka Hlaváčová photo: companies’ archives, Wikimedia Commons - AntonO

The idea of packing our bags and travelling somewhere excites us like nothing else. And yet this excitement seldom matches our daydreams when confronted with reality. Tragic and sometimes comic situations are experienced by one and all. The despair at the long wait at the airport, the lethargy after a long walk exploring ancient ruins, the mid-afternoon quest to get out of sun, and the irritation at having to do an activity you would rather skip. We won’t explore these reasons in detail but instead ask the question: what if we made our travels a bit more extraordinary, and unexpected?

We sometimes underestimate our method of transportation. We look at it merely as a means to get from point A to B. In the enlightening wisdom of Ernest Hemingway, “It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.” And if we may be so bold as to adapt his words, we would say how the journey is made is of primary importance. An exciting new way of travel brightens our spirits and brings a smile. We usually find ourselves on top of double-decker tour buses admiring how different a city and its people look from a view a mere few feet above the ground. We explore a few novel and some comic approaches on how this mundane task can be enlivened. ■

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BMW i3 ThIS IS BMw’S FIRST eVeR SeRIeS-pRODUCeD ALL-eLeCTRIC VehICLe. The BMw I3 USeS ULTRA-LIGhTweIGhT COnSTRUCTIOn TeChnIQUeS AnD InnOVATIVe BMw eDRIVe TeChnOLOGy TO pROVIDe UnBeATABLe DRIVInG FUn, eFFICIenCy, AnD RAnGe. The BODy SeCTIOnS ASSeMBLeD heRe ARe MADe FROM LIGhTweIGhT CARBOn, whICh weIGhS 50% LeSS ThAn STeeL.

The most striking new development in the interior is the use of kenaf.

This natural fibre is used in large sections of the instrument panel and door trim panels. The material also provides an intriguing contrast with high-quality leather or wool in the door-trim panels. The sweeping wood element on the instrument panel is fast-growing eucalyptus grown in certified sustainable plantations. even the leather selected for the BMw i3 has outstanding green credentials. Unlike conventional leather, no chemicals are used in the tanning process; instead, a natural tanning agent created from olive leaves is preferred. It is soft to the touch and maintains its natural beauty.

The BMw i3 can be fully recharged using a Level 2 charging station in just 3.5 hours. Drivers can choose to install a home charging station or stop by one of the many public charging stations.

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3.5 BMW i3

hrs charging

Kira Sail Yacht The 40-MeTeR kIRA SAIL yAChT IS A VeSSeL InSpIReD By peRFORMAnCe, DeVeLOpeD FOR SIMpLICITy, AnD STyLeD MInIMALLy. IT IS MeAnT TO BRIDGe The GAp BeTween SAIL AnD MOTOR yAChT, SO ThAT ThOSe whO TAke TO The wInDS CAn DO SO In The MOST COMFORTABLe wAy. DeSIGneD TO Be COMpUTeR COnTROLLeD AnD SAILeD By A CRew OF One.

A genoa sail is furled into the second deck, allowing the bow to be fitted with comfortable amenities and creating a comfortable retreat with a hammock below. The fly bridge is designed to provide the owner with the ultimate sailing experience. Computer-controlled winches and navigation instruments allow the boat to be controlled easily.

A Swiss platform was included to allow the owners to board more comfortably or to go for a swim. The sails are equipped with solar panels on the horizontal ribs, which utilise the sails’ surface area to power the engine and all the electronics. Lead in the keels has been replaced with lead batteries utilising the weight of the boat to an advantage.

The goal of the designer here was to achieve the perfect blend of features and comfort while staying true to sailing and creating an experience for non-sailors that is authentic and honest.

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40

m long

Kira Sail Yacht

Favorit IF yOU FAnCy TRAVeRSInG The CITy STReeTS In STyLe, Then The FAVORIT MIGhT Be RIGhT FOR yOU. wITh ITS MInIMALISTIC AnD COLOURFUL DeSIGn IT’S wInnInG The heARTS OF MAny. ORGAnIC ShApeS ARe ShApeD InTO STATUeS wITh DISTInCTIVe ORIGInAL STyLISTIC eLeMenTS ThROUGhOUT The BIke. The ReTRO DeSIGn pROVIDeS IT wITh A SIMpLe eLeGAnCe.

Leather is used to add a more elegant feel to the bike. The saddles on the Favorit are made of leather six millimetres thick that adapts to the shape of the seat of each rider. They are handmade from premium leather, which is dyed or painted with natural wax. The grips on the handlebar are made of natural leather that is pleasant to the touch.

The safety and convenience of riders is paramount. The Favorit has tires with multistage protection; regardless of the penetration of the sheath, the inner layer is coated with a special gel that seals the hole immediately. Built-in front and rear lighting automatically adjusts to ambient lighting conditions. As Favorits are really quiet because of the belt drive, you will benefit from the electric bell. An eight-speed transmission is hidden in the rear hub, completely resistant to water and dirt, and does not require daily maintenance. you can choose from four colours: racing blue, fiery red, spring green, and pearly white. All colours harmonize beautifully with accessories.

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9

kg weight

Favorit Aviator

Terrafugia wIThIn A MInUTe, The TeRRAFUGIA TRAnSITIOn CAn FOLD ITS wInGS LIke An ACCORDIOn AnD DRIVe OFF AT SpeeDS OF Up TO 65 MILeS / hOUR. TO GeT AIRBORne AGAIn, The pILOT enTeRS A CODe AnD wATCheS The wInGS FOLD BACk OUTwARD. The VehICLe IS COnTROLLeD By A STeeRInG wheeL On The GROUnD, AnD A STICk AnD RUDDeR SeTUp In The CLOUDS, wITh A CRUISInG SpeeD OF 100 MILeS / hOUR.

In either mode, the Transition is surprisingly efficient, rated internally at 35 miles per gallon on the road, and burning only 5 gallons per hour in the air. A 23-gallon fuel tank is good for a range of 410 miles, plus an additional 30 minutes of travel. In folded mode, the approximately 19-foot-long vehicle is 80 inches wide, and 6 feet, 9 inches high. As an airplane, it stands a few inches shorter and has a wingspan of 27 feet, 6 inches.

In the case of major emergency, the Transition is equipped with a full-vehicle parachute, which is exactly what it sounds like. It also includes automotive safety features like airbags and impact crumple zones.

The Transition accommodates up to two (a pilot and passenger) in automotive-style seating. And, like many modern luxury cars, the cockpit features a touch-screen interface.

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100

mph cruising speed

Transition

Camels CAMeLS hAVe Been RIGhTFULLy CALLeD The ShIp OF The DeSeRT. TheIR LOnG, STROnG LeGS wITh pOweRFUL MUSCLeS ALLOw TheM TO CARRy heAVy LOADS FOR LOnG DISTAnCeS. A CAMeL CAn CARRy AS MUCh AS 450 kILOGRAMS, BUT The USUAL LOAD weIGhS ABOUT 150 kILOGRAMS. whILe wORkInG, The AnIMALS TypICALLy TRAVeL ABOUT 40 kILOMeTReS A DAy, AT A SpeeD OF 5 kILOMeTReS An hOUR.

Their pace is a medium-speed movement in which both legs on the same side rise and fall together. This leg action produces a swaying, rocking motion that makes some riders “seasick.” This is why they are called “ships of the desert”.

Riding a camel is quiet and peaceful (that is, once the camel is well trained enough that it no longer grumbles along the way). A camel’s slipper-like feet make hardly any noise. without the clip-clop of hooves, you can hear the wind sighing in the brush, the rustle of autumn leaves, or a coyote howl in the distance on a moonlight ride.

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40

km/day

Camel

High-end moto gear k al up.c o m

These hand-crafted original bags from our prague workshop are for people who like nice things that last, who care about how their purchases are produced and where they come from www.mumray.cz.

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ENJOY ThE CiTY JUST LikE CYCLiSTS iN TOkYO, NEW YORk CiTY, OR LONdON Urbane exclusively presents the urban cycling concept by independent japanese manufacturer Tokyobike.

Visit our showroom in karlin for a test ride! www.urbane.cz

Country Life has opened a new store with natural cosmetics in prague on Liliová Street. In the environment of a beautiful stylish interior you can get the best organic and natural cosmetics. For more information go to www.facebook.com/CountryLifeLiliova NEW COUNTRYLiFE STORE iN LiLiOVÁ

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H O M E TO U R Unger town house

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F O R LOV E O F H I S TO RY idea and realisation: ORA | text: Adéla Kudrnová | styling: SOFFA photo: Lina Németh

WHEN WE DISCOVERED THIS HOUSE IN THE CENTRE OF ZNOJMO, DESIGNED IN 1895 BY THE FAMOUS BUILDER JOHANN UNGER FOR THE LOCAL NOBILITY OF THE TIME, NOW INHABITED AND SIMULTANEOUSLY RENOVATED BY ORIGINÁLNÍ REGIONÁLNÍ ARCHITEKTURA (ORA), WE WERE AT A LOSS FOR WORDS. SO MANY WELL PRESERVED FEATURES AND SO WELL RENOVATED! IT IS DEFINITELY WORTH YOUR ATTENTION. JOIN US FOR THIS JOURNEY INTO THE PAST, IT WILL SURELY BE EXCITING – WE PROMISE! The young architect couple, Bára Zmeková and Jan Hora, ended up in Znojmo after completing their studies and taking frequent trips to South Moravia, mostly on business. Moreover, Bára’s family comes from a nearby village called Vrbovec, where the very first building by ORA is located: the cellar U Modráka. The young couple started carrying out projects in Znojmo and took on their friend Jan Vaisser. Together they founded the progressive architecture studio ORA – “original regional architecture.” When Bára’s family bought this historic Unger townhouse in the centre of Znojmo, their next plan was obvious. ORA started the difficult renovation of the building, which lasted two years and ► HALL (RIGHT): Upon entering the apartment of the two architects Bára and Jeník, the first room you see is a hallway. In this room you will already feel an atmosphere from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. The renovated original dark wooden floor lays a foundation for the room. The high ceilings, white decorated doors, and walls with uncovered original paint look very contemporary when combined with simple furniture. There is a recycled glass vase by Klippa hanging from the ceiling as a light.

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during which Bára and Jeník moved into the second floor of the house.

Thanks to them, this three-storey house lives again. Apart from the inhabitable second floor, the newly lightened cellar is now livened up by the presence of the ORA studio. The first floor is being leased to other companies.

“This house, with its touching history, had been deserted for a long time, but thanks to the fact that the previous owners did not change anything here, it was incredibly well preserved. Our goal was therefore to return life to the building and to reveal its secrets,” explains Bára, the architect. “The purpose of the renovation was to achieve modern ►

HALLWAY (PREVIOUS PAGE): In the three storey house (not including the attic), a very important role is played by the hallway with staircase. Right after entering the house you’ll be captivated by the uncovered original paint. Part of it has been restored to its original colours (for instance, the hallway ceiling), while part has been deliberately kept in the “middle stage” of restoration. The restored frescos and the facade of the house are a masterpiece of Tomáš Petržela and his team (stukaterikamenici.cz).

DETAILS (PREVIOUS PAGE): The entire house has the original Šatovian floors (Šatov is a town approximately 6 km from Znojmo that used to be famous for production of cement tiles). You can see them in the hallway, kitchens, and bathrooms in various colours and patterns. The patterns of the outside facade are repeated on the interior of the house. The luxuriant motifs of stucco reliefs decorate the ceilings and listels in rooms. Wooden ceilings have been preserved in several rooms.

LIVING ROOM/ CONFERENCE ROOM (LEFT): In the room on the second floor, which also serves as an office, there is a massive wooden Nakročený (Poised) table. It was designed by ORA as a table for festive dining but also as a work table. It was made from ash tree wood by the workshop of a local carpenter, Mr. Mašek. The glass vases on the table are by BoConcept.

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The kitchen with original stove, and original Ĺ atovian flooring leads directly to a wooden veranda.

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comfort of living while preserving the maximum number of original features and structures,” says Jeník, the architect.

During the reconstruction and renovation the architects had to tackle numerous problems and were often forced to use non-traditional solutions. “As far as the facade is concerned, it was necessary to get the assessment and approval of the conservationists for pretty much everything,” says Bára. It was mainly the restorer Tomáš Petržela and his team who deserve the credit for sorting out such a smooth restoration. “We also wanted to preserve all the original floors and ceilings and avoid demolishing walls when renovating built-in installations,” they both add.

Jeník and Bára collect furniture and accessories from old houses.

Several of the pieces from their collection were used in their apartment.

The original furnishing was complemented with Grandma’s furniture ►

VERANDA (LEFT): Every house needs a wooden veranda. The refurbishment of the veranda is one of the last phases of the renovation and, as you can see in the pictures, it has yet to be finished. Even here Bára and Jeník managed to combine old Grandma’s furniture with new furniture (a red chair from IKEA). The heater is by Kermi.

BEDROOM (NEXT PAGE): Several rooms in the house still have their original doors with stained-glass windows.

One immediately begins to wonder why such beauty is never properly realised in modern buildings. The bedroom is predominantly blue – it came out when the original paint was restored. Here as well, the furniture is original. Why buy a new bed with no memories when the old wooden one still serves just fine?

Teapot Ridge, Kinto; thermocup, Menu, both www.esuperstore.cz Linen pillowcase Sunshine Fringe, Himla, www.coclea.cz

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and porcelain as well as with new retro accessories (such as Decento switches and plug-sockets by ABB, as well as hanging lights by Klippa and lighting by Ateh).

The wooden verandas on both floors of the house are still in the last phase of renovation but they elevate the living space to another dimension. Since they face South and a radiator has recently been installed, Bára and Jeník can enjoy peaceful rest throughout the entire year and plan their various projects here. Even in the house they live in, their plans are nowhere near complete. “We’d like to start working on the garden.

Behind the garden shed we would like to build a henhouse and keep chickens. In the other part of the garden we would like to build a vineyard with a concrete bath in the middle for bathing,” the architects conclude enthusiastically.

For more information go to: o-r-a.cz ■

BATHROOM: An oval bath rests on the original Šatovian floor. Bára and Jeník found the sink in another old building and brought it here. The radiator is by Kermi, the mosaic on the walls is by Hisbalit and the ceiling light is from the attic.

BACKYARD VERANDA (NEXT PAGE): The architects had to take down the rotting sheathing and window casements from the original wooden verandas on the south side of the house and replace them with new ones of appropriate style and design. The Zoukar company from nearby Konice supervised to ensure the execution ran smoothly. Bára and Jeník can now enjoy the view from their new windows.

Organic Liquid Soap, L:a Bruket; set of linen towels Fresh Loundry, Himla; bath towel Lina, Himla; all www.coclea.cz

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T R EN DS we know what’s trendy

NAV Y B LUE text and styling: Adéla kudrnová | photo: companies’ archives

IF yOU’Re GeTTInG SOMeThInG new, eITheR FOR yOUR wARDROBe OR AS An ACCeSSORy FOR yOUR hOMe, GO nAVy BLUe! ThIS CLASSIC wILL neVeR GO OLD AnD wILL GIVe yOU GOOD VIBeS ThROUGhOUT The enTIRe yeAR. nAVy BLUe CReATeS A FAnCy AnD eLeGAnT IMpReSSIOn BUT IS pLAyFUL AS weLL!

iNFLATABLE TOY ELEPhANT design Libuše niklová www.efatra.cz | 299 CZk

mARiON dRESS www.toa.st £115.00

RiNg TO iT + BikE BELL design StudioFriso www.kikkeland.com | $15.00

SUNgLASSES shop.mango.com 499 CZk

CUShiONS CONE ANd BLOCk www.fermliving.com € 40,50/ pc

ChAiR EC05 ThAT design Stefan Diez www.e15.com | price upon request

LARgE BOWL design jakub Liška modranska.sk | € 27

NAVY BLUE PAiNTiNg PRiNT www.etsy.com/shop/LikewilliamStudio | 1933 CZk 91

HO M E S PA text and styling: Adéla kudrnová | photo: companies’ archives

DURInG The hOT SUMMeR DAyS yOU CAn eASILy COOL yOURSeLF DOwn AT hOMe In yOUR ShOweR. COOL FLOORInG AnD TILeS, FReSh AIR COMInG In ThROUGh An Open wInDOw, AnD BAThROOM TeXTILeS wILL GUARAnTee A SpA ATMOSpheRe! gREY ANd PiNk BATh TOWEL h&M home 299 CZk/ ks

CEmENT TiLES dANdELiON ANd BOW C design Claesson koivisto Rune www.marrakechdesign.se | Sek 672 and Sek 642/ 12 tiles SOAP diSPENSER COPPER Bloomingville www.nordicday.cz | 1119 CZk

RETRO BATh CAmBERLEY www.keramico.cz 31 740 CZk 92

LAUNdRY BASkET Bloomingville www.nordicday.cz | 1959 CZk

PAiNT S 4020-R90B AQUART ShOWER www.balakryl.cz Seletti | www.outthereprice uppon request interiors.com | £ 245

Summer is at its best and companies are already racing for autumn.

Bathroom accessories from h&M home can be used all year long. photo: h&M home

We help you find beauty that will last through the ages.

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An exclusive service for UniCredit Bank Private Banking clients offering advice in the field of art.

We are the first bank to offer this service in the Czech Republic, having provided it since 2007. www.artbanking.cz

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WO R L D f UR N I T UR E 4Ă— styling by country

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EAST ASIA Flower carpet FlĂŠ and blue carpet Rafitsary, both www.jainandkriz.com

F RO M AL L OV ER T H E WO R L D text: Adéla Kudrnová | styling: SOFFA | photo: Lina Németh

EVEN FURNITURE AND DESIGN ACCESSORIES HAVE THEIR PLACE IN AN ISSUE DEVOTED TO TRAVEL. WE DECIDED TO SEE DESIGNERS FROM DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE WORLD AND PREPARE A COLLAGE OF THEIR PRODUCTS. YOU’LL SEE FURNITURE AND ACCESSORIES FROM THE FOLLOWING REGIONS: EAST ASIA, THE MEDITERRANIAN REGION AND AFRICA, SCANDINAVIA, AND THE CZECH REPUBLIC. WHICH STYLES ARE CLOSEST TO YOUR HEART? You would not believe how adventurous the quest for furniture, textiles, and other accessories from different countries can be – especially in a market as small as the Czech Republic. Finally we managed (we hope) – decide for yourself! Lovers of Scandinavian design will surely be pleased to see the iconic pieces of furniture. Czech design must not be overlooked from the selection, because we are proud of it! Here it is represented by enjoyable, mostly white products by Czech designers.

The far corners of exotic Asia are represented by furniture and textiles from Japan and India. And because summer is inseparable from images of sun, heat, and sand, we couldn’t forget the Mediterranean region and Africa. Come with us on an exciting quest for world design! ■

Our special thanks to Žluté Lázně and the Průhonice Dendrologic Garden for letting us hold a photo shoot in their premises.

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EAST ASIA Japanese minimalism and precision on one side and abundantly colourful patterns from India on the other – both represent the design of East Asia. Their originality will surprise you. Harmonic atmospheres of calm and peace will always be guaranteed when furniture from this area is present!

Stools Common Comrades Emperor, design Neri & Hu, Moooi, www.stockist.cz Flower carpet FlĂŠ, blue carpet Rafitsary and carpet Imagine, all www.jainandkriz.com Teapot Unitea, Kinto, espresso cup Kronos, both Kinto, www.esuperstore.cz Table Fusion and armchair Fusion, design Nendo, both BoConcept Table lamp IN-EI Hostigame, design Issey Miyake, Artemide

MEDITERRANEAN REGION AND AFRICA Accessories, furniture, and textiles from Africa and the Mediterranean are ideal for summer and more. With these items you can feel like you’re on holiday even when you’re at home. When choosing goods from this area, make sure they are labelled as “fair trade” – not only will you buy something beautiful, you will also do some good.

Pillowcases Sissi 3 and 14, carpet Beni Mrirt 1, bowl Flip Flop, African heads (small, black and orange), all www.nila.cz Bowl, www.jainandkriz.com Lounger Biknit, design Patricia Urquiola, Moroso, and side table, both Konsepti

SCANDINAVIA Scandinavian design is an entirely different chapter. Clean and simple shapes, wood, pastel colours, and enjoyable details inspired by nature – that’s what it’s all about.

These already iconic pieces by world-famous designers should not go missing from any interior. They look great even in a forest!

Organic Chair, design Eero Saarinen, Vitra, Konsepti WH Serve Table black, side tables DLM XL levander and DLM powder, all Hay, www.stockist.cz Table lamp Sned and bird Cody, both BoConcept Eames House Bird, design Charles Eames, Vitra, Konsepti

CZECH REPUBLIC You can’t suppress Czech humour – the playfulness of our designers is palpable even in furniture and accessories. At the same time, Czech design often draws inspiration from its rich history. The wooden bench recalls the Biedermeier period, while the goat toy recalls the legendary inflatable toys by Libuše Niklová.

Inflatable toy Goat, design Jerry and Anna Koza, www.hrackyfatra.cz Bench New Biedermeier, design Michaela Tomišková, lamp Versa, design Lucie Koldová, vase Bucket, design Klára Šumová, all Křehký Flower stand Triangolo and flower pot Calimera, www.boadesign.cz

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PER S O N A L I T I ES Czech advancers

NEW WAY S text: Adéla Kudrnová | styling: SOFFA | make-up and hair: Marcela Hanke photo: Adéla Havelková

BECAUSE WE ARE PROUD OF BEING FROM THE CZECH REPUBLIC AND BECAUSE WE BELIEVE THAT GREAT THINGS BEGIN HERE, WE DECIDED TO CREATE A GALLERY OF CZECH PERSONALITIES WHO ADVANCE – PEOPLE WITH THE COURAGE TO COME UP WITH NEW IDEAS AND INVENTIONS; PEOPLE WHO ADVANCE FORWARD AND BUST OLD TABOOS. MEET THOSE WHO ARE WORTH FOLLOWING, GET INSPIRED, AND TRY TO REALISE YOUR OWN DREAMS! Travel can be understood in the figurative meaning of the word. We invited five people we consider advancers and innovators in their respective fields to tell you about the directions of their lives and creations. Designer Anna Marešová designs sex toys for women and busts old taboos about female sexuality. Café owner Ondřej Kobza came up with a wide range of new ideas (ranging from the Street Pianos project to Poeziomat) and he deserves the credit for improving public space in Czech towns and cities. Architect Martin Rajniš creates so-called “natural architecture” and is trying to give architecture back its key role in civilisation. Liquor producer Martin Žufánek and his family came up with a new concept for a distillery and bet on natural alcoholic beverages.

Tap water promoter Zuzana Cabejšková has created a whole range of projects supporting the drinking of tap water in the Czech Republic and is already working on a new one. What do all these people have in common? They are tireless and inspiring. We talked with them about their lives and work and about what they are currently up to and working on.

We hope you’ll enjoy their portraits and that they will inspire you to find your own way! ■

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MART I N R A J N I Š NAT U R AL ARCHITECTURE

One of the most significant personalities of Czech architecture is Martin Rajniš – an architect with original and strong opinions who likes to travel and is, as he says himself, a nomad. On his travels he draws inspiration mainly from nature and other cultures, and then uses it for designing structures as part of the philosophy of “natural architecture,” of which he is a supporter. “Architecture is when living structures reflect the spirit of their time. It is crucial to be inspired by deeper laws of nature and to give architecture back its key role in society, because for the past 200 years architects could not offer people what they need and people stopped admiring it,” Martin Rajniš explains. After more than 12 years, Martin Rajniš and his coworkers focus on experimental structures and search for architecture’s possible future (last year Martin Rajniš received the global award for sustainable architecture). Artefakt (an artifact) – by the pond in prague 14, kyje, which resembles female buttocks – is also an experimental structure; it is built from the natural seeding vegetation Martin Rajniš considers the material of the future. This structure is an example of the so-called “from cradle to cradle” principle, where the material is not typically used as it is considered waste. This is essentially a type of architecture that leaves no traces; it has no negative impact on the world and thus allows humans to keep their freedom.

For more information go to: hutarchitektury.cz

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ANNA M A R EŠ OVÁ WH OO P.DE .DOO

production designer Anna Marešová has been successful in busting taboos and conventions about sex toys and female sexuality. As early as her diploma paper several years ago she designed a set of sex toys for women under the beautiful name whoop.De.Doo. Thanks to the positive public reaction she decided to make the idea a reality and founded a brand with the same name. “I wanted to create an ideal design that would show how even a sex toy can be light, elegant, and gentle at the same time. My aim was also to explore the boundaries between erotica and medicine,” Anna explains. The first product of the whoop.De.Doo label is love balls: their use is very pleasant but mainly they help strengthen pelvic floor muscles, which then improves sexual experience.

They also help prevent incontinence. Anna Marešová’s whoop.De.Doo proves that using sex toys can benefit your health; we consider Anna a true advancer in the field of female erotica.

Currently whoop.De.Doo is introducing a new product – a vibrator.

This is another sex toy recommended by doctors and sexologists. you can support its development and sales by ordering it as part of the campaign from indiegogo.com.

For more information go to: whoopdedoo.cz and www.annamaresova.com

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O NDŘ EJ KO B ZA POE ZIO MAT

If we were to name a single person whom we consider a true advancer in the field of contemporary cultural life, it would definitely be café owner Ondřej kobza. he has a range of successful projects on his list, thanks to which he has managed to revitalise prague’s public spaces and improve their use – be it through street pianos or chess tables.

Ondřej lacks neither courage, nor ideas. when he opened one of his first cafés, he started in debt; now he can afford to fund non-profit projects that make the city live and people smile. his ideas are so original that they raise interest in various cities abroad. This is also the case with one of Ondřej’s latest ideas – poeziomat (the automated poetry machine). poeziomat, which is basically a jukebox with poetry, has been in prague at náměstí Míru since march 2015; instead of playing music it plays poetry by twenty Czech poets in author recitals. “I got the idea about a year and a half ago, I was inspired by an ordinary broadcast from a street speaker: I thought how great it would be if, instead of an ordinary announcement, people heard poetry. I like to read poetry out loud in the countryside,” the author explains. The first Czech poeziomat in history will soon have counterparts in kiev, Moscow, and warsaw, and even more cities are under consideration. During this spring the prague poeziomat was given a brother – a Veršomat (automated verse machine). At the moment Ondřej kobza is already working on another plan: solar benches for phone charging. we just can’t wait!

For more information go to: www.piananaulici.cz, www.cafeneustadt.cz, www.katalyzator.cz

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Z U Z ANA C A B EJ Š KOVÁ Z VO DOVO DU

Zuzana Cabejšková is steadfast in her effort to promote the drinking of tap water. She is the chairwoman of a civic association called Česko pije z vodovodu (Czechia drinks from watertaps), which supports a range of activities in the area of promoting tap water. On the Zvodovodu.cz website you will find a map of the Czech Republic with highlighted restaurants where tap water is served either for free or at a fair price (see explaination at zvodovodu.cz). If you own a coffee shop or a restaurant, you can even register. If you are not yet sure about drinking or serving tap water, you will find an explanation and a list of the advantages of drinking tap water. By drinking tap water you save the environment and save money as well. It is also safe because, unlike bottled water, you can see what you’re drinking. At the same time it is also convenient: all you need to do is turn on the tap! Along with the Zvodovodu activities Zuzana has come up with a number of great ideas – such as waterbar.

Zuzana and her colleagues have just started a project with ZAZA tap water bottles. These are the first type of bottles for drinking made of hygienic plastics of organic origin: they are beautiful and versatile.

Support their production and tap water drinking in general as part of the ZAZA bottles campaign at kickstarter.

For more information go to: zvodovodu.cz and zazabottles.com

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MAR T I N ŽU fÁ N EK Ž U fÁN E K DISTILLE RY

It may sound like a fairy tale but it is the story and great reality of an exceptional family, their courage and effort. In a small village Boršice u Blatnice close to Uherské hradiště the Žufánek family (the parents and their three sons Martin, jan, and josef) managed to establish a successful fruit and bee farm and a traditional fruit distillery that now produces spirits and liquors ranking among the best in the world. It is above all dexterity and determination that is behind the success: “Spirits have long been considered cheap drinks and so we decided to upgrade them to luxury products worth savouring,” says Martin Žufánek. It was all built on family ties, a personal approach, and 100% natural products. “we founded the company in 2000 as a family and it still has only us in it; we do the distilling and only hire seasonal workers for fruit picking. we are the ones who decide which products we make – the main thing is that we have to like it,” Martin says. All Žufánek spirits are 100% natural and made of fruit and herbs from Žufánek’s own orchards and patches. Local ingredients of organic quality form the bases of original and proven recipes without using artificial colours, flavourings, or aromas.

This is how the first Czech absinthe was made – created according to an original distillation technique – and it was ranked among the top ten absinthes in the world. Another is the award-winning Gin OMG (Oh My Gin), which is made of 16 unique herbs and spices. OMG is the first Czech hand-distilled gin. The success of the Žufánek spirits and liquors is also enhanced by the pleasant design of their products: the bottles copy the shape of the distillation column in the Žufánek distillery.

For more information go to: www.zufanek.cz

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IM/MIGRANTS Animals and humans

FOR E IGNE R S IN T H E C ZEC H R EPU B L I C text: Adéla Kudrnová | styling: SOFFA | photo: Ondřej Lipár

Sometimes it happens that after a journey abroad we come home a little heartbroken: that place was paradise on Earth, we say; I would have loved to have stayed there forever. For some people, finding a new home abroad is a necessity, for others it is an opportunity to experience the biggest adventure in life. We addressed four men of various professions and origins who have been living in the Czech Republic for various reasons – we asked them one question: WHAT DID MOVING TO THE CZECH REPUBLIC GIVE YOU / WHAT DID YOU LOSE? ■

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ALBERT FRIESS translator and partner at www.wegrowflowers.cz | 45 years old from Creston, British Columbia, Canada | in the Czech Republic since 1990

Any new experience can, if grasped from the right end, give you much more than it takes away. My decision to visit my parents’ homeland and then settle here was also voluntary, so if I am missing something, it is something I gave up rather than had taken away from me.

If there is one word to describe what I have been given, it is understanding: understanding that my highly unusual parents were actually ordinary Czechs (a true moment of insight); understanding who I was by being freed from pressures to conform (I was a foreigner – from a “most favoured nation” and could get away with quite a lot); and understanding the power of the human spirit – I arrived a few months after the Velvet Revolution and could see firsthand that people can join together to create a powerful force for change.

What have I given up (and dearly miss): walking all day without meeting (or expecting to meet) a single person, being able to see the Milky Way clearly on a cloudless night, hearing the call of loons at dawn, and encountering community spirit and well-wishers a bit more often. But I may reclaim all that one day…

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NGUYEN VAN TRUONG Grocery Store Owner | 27 years old from Vietnam | 5 years in the Czech Republic

I went to school in Vietnam. We (me and my brother) came to the Czech Republic five years ago to start our own grocery store. We are happy here. It’s wonderful to have our own shop.

We like the weather here and all the people are so nice. We want to stay here.

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ALEX BELYAEV photographer | 24 years old from Russia | almost 2 years in the Czech Republic

Czechia is almost like Hogwarts to me, and Professor Dumbledore was right when he said: “Help will always be given at Hogwarts to those who ask for it.” When I think about my friends who stayed in Russia, I know that we all have our own paths and I direct myself (follow) to my feelings. I know what is important and what my goals are, what I want to achieve. Also in Russia I left my family, but I am grateful that they still support me. Czechia offers many opportunities. I found my second family, new friends. I have very good people around me, they know how to support my interests, they know when I need help or advice. I am grateful for that to the team of Pokojík – they really are the best people. When I moved I stopped being dependent to things, now I don’t even have my own bed, table, or wardrobe, and I became more mobile. But still I keep on me my favourite pillow, which I got as a present from my grandmother for my birthday, and a silver bracelet from my mum – so just a couple of things that remind me of my family and home. I think that any city can bring something, and surely you can lose something. But I know that if you dream about something and follow it step by step, you will always have everything you need, just don’t be afraid of your dreams.

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MUDr. Riad Sabra, CSc. urologist and court interpreter/translator of several languages | 63 years old from El-Mina in Northern Lebanon | in the Czech Republic since 1973

When I evaluated all the pros and cons I reached the deep feeling that I feel good in this country and I am happy that the Czech land is my home. When a person thinks in Czech, eats Czech, speaks Czech, and laughs Czech at the Czech style of humour, then that person will not be able to respond simply and objectively to the question of what it is he has lost.

When a person cannot fight tears every time he hears the Czech anthem and his son of just 17 years tells him he wants to join the Czech army or Czech police, then that person does not even have time to think about what important things moving has taken away from him.

Yes, I miss the smell of fishing nets, the smell of thyme and citrus blossoms. But today I can’t imagine a single day without the smell of the conifers, pines, and spruces, which surround our summer house. I miss the seacoast but today I cannot live anywhere other and Prague 6 is becoming my blood group. Czech society has given me a lot and grown up well.

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WIN A MAGNETAR CROSSBODY BAG BY LIfT Off! have you been longing for a stylish cyclebag? you can win one from Lift Off. email the answers to these questions to info@soffamag.com (subject: LIFT OFF): which colour leather Magnetar cyclebag do you prefer? why should you win the Magnetar cyclebag? The most interesting answer wins!

See the complete general rules at www.soffamag.com.

Lift Off | liftoff.cc

THE BIGGE ST A N I M A L T R AV EL L ER S text: Adéla Kudrnová | illustration: Milada Kudrnová

WE HUMANS OFTEN THINK ABOUT HOW MUCH TIME WE SPEND ON THE MOVE, BUT JUST ONE PEEK INTO THE ANIMAL KINGDOM PROVES US WRONG. ANIMALS MIGRATE ACROSS LONG DISTANCES SOMETIMES FOR UNBELIEVABLE REASONS AND UNDER INCREDIBLE CiRCUMSTANCES. WE’VE PREPARED A MAP OF THE WORLD THAT SHOWS THE BIGGEST ANIMAL TRAVELLERS AND VOYAGERS. SEE WHICH ONES THEY ARE! Do you feel that your commute to work takes too long? That the drive to your summer house takes forever? And you definitely don’t want to spend endless hours travelling on a plane? See how far animals travel when they migrate and you’ll see that people are nowhere near being the best at covering distances. The biggest animal travellers include: the barn swallow, the white stork, the blue wildebeest, the leatherback sea turtle, the ruff, and the emu. The absolute record breaker, when it comes to migration distances, is the arctic tern: every year it flies across the entire world from the Arctic to the Antarctic and back, thereby covering a distance of 70,000 km. The Monarch Butterfly is also worthy of note since it migrates for winter from Canada to Mexico, covering 4,000 km; likewise the great skua, which flies from Africa to the British Isles to breed. Impressive, isn’t it? ■

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CARiBOU has the farthest land migration of up to 6,000 km/year

POLAR BEAR can walk up to 1,200 km/ swim up to 100 km non-stop

gREAT SkUA flies from Africa to the northern British Isles to breed

CANAdA gOOSE migrates with others in V-shape to save energy mONARCh BUTTERFLY travels more than 4,000 km from Canada to Mexico for winter

ARCTiC TERN flies up to 70,000 km each year from the Arctic to Antarctic and back

LEAThERBACk SEA TURTLE swims up to 16,000 km each year to find jellyfish to eat

BARN SWALLOW flies from the northern to the Southern hemisphere to avoid winter (at speeds of up to 320 km/day)

RUFF RUFF travels travels30,000 30,000km/year km/yearfrom from Siberia SiberiatotoAfrica Africakm/day km/day

COmmON COmmONFROg FROg travels travelstotolay layeggs eggs ASiAN ASiANELEPhANT ELEPhANT migrates migratesalong alongprecisely preciselydefi defi ned ned routes routes memorised memorised and and led led by by the theeldest eldestelephant elephant EUROPEAN EUROPEANEEL EEL travels travels5,000 5,000km km totolay layeggs eggs

gREY gREYWhALE WhALE swims swims18,000 18,000km kmfrom from the theArctic Arctictotothe thepacifi pacifi ccOcean Ocean totobreed; breed;the thejourney journeytakes takes 33months months

WhiTE WhiTESTORk STORk flfl ies iesup uptoto20,000 20,000km km aayear yearfrom fromeurope europetoto Africa Africaand andback back

BAR-TAiLEd BAR-TAiLEdgOdWiT gOdWiT can canflflyyup uptoto12,000 12,000km km inin88days dayswithout withoutaarest rest

migRATORY migRATORYLOCUST LOCUST swarms swarmswith withmillions millionsofofothers others and andflfl ies iesmore morethan than130 130km/day km/day

BLUE BLUEWiLdEBEEST WiLdEBEEST migrates migrates up up toto 1,600 1,600 km/ km/ year yearwithin withineast eastAfrica Africa

EmU EmU travels travelsaalong longway waytotoreach reach feeding feedingareas areas AdéLiE AdéLiEPENgUiN PENgUiN every every year year travels travels 200 200 km km totonest, nest,does doesnot noteat eatduring during the thejourney journey

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WIN A CITROﾃ起 C4 CACTUS fOR A WEEKEND! Ready to drive the Citroﾃｫn C4 Cactus? you can win and enjoy it for a whole weekend. email the answer to this question to info@soffamag.com (subject: CACTUS): what do you like most about the Citroﾃｫn C4 Cactus and where would you go on a trip with it?

See the complete general rules at www.soffamag.com.

Citroﾃｫn | www.citroen.cz | www.facebook.com/citroen.ceska.republika

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T R AV EL Žilina region

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A T R IP TO T HE N O R T H O F S LOVA K I A text: Adéla Kudrnová | styling: SOFFA | photo: Lina Németh

ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT GOING FOR A HOLIDAY SOMEWHERE NOT TOO FAR AWAY that’s CLOSE TO NATURE and CULTURAL POINTS OF INTEREST? WE RECOMMEND NORTHERN SLOVAKIA – THE ŽILINA REGION! The Žilina region is not too large in terms of the area it covers; nevertheless, there are many things to see, taste, and try. Those who love mountain hikes and beautiful countryside, folk culture lovers, architecture connoisseurs, lovers of music, as well as gourmets, will definitely find whatever they’re looking for.

What to see and do in the Žilina region: We went to North Slovakia mostly because of the beautiful local countryside – which revealed its full strength in May. The forests and meadows were so green! Cattle were grazing on the slopes of the hills and the idyllic spring picture was emphasised by omnipresent colourful ► NEXT PAGE: If you want to enjoy Slovak folk architecture and folk designs, you should definitely visit Čičmany. It is the highest situated village in the Žilina region and is a folk architecture preserve with unique painted timber cottages resembling gingerbread houses. A walk through the village will feel like a fairy tale! The local Čičmanian patterns are noteworthy for their geometrical ornaments, which can be found not only on houses but also on folk costumes and embroidery. The geometrical decorations on the houses are 200 years old and were created using layers of white lime, which also serves as a form of preservation.

Floral cap, denim shirt, striped t-shirt, floral jacket, all GANT

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maypoles. The tradition of maypoles is still strong in Slovakia. We especially enjoyed the countryside around Súľov. The part of the Súľov Mountains called the Súľov Rocks is considered the most beautiful rock town in Slovakia. There are various shapes: the most famous one is the Gothic Gate; there are also several caves and the ruins of a castle.

The easy footpaths with their breathtaking views impressed even us!

Approximately 10 km north of Súľov, where we were staying, there is a little town called Bytča. The Renaissance Sobášny Palace, which is a part of a chateau complex notable for its gorgeous sgraffito facade, is definitely worth visiting. The Renaissance building was built at the request of Juraj Thurzo as a wedding palace for his daughter. At the start of 18th century it was also the residence of Juraj Jánošík. Right next to the palace there is a restaurant called Palatín where we had an excellent dinner. The renovated palace building should be appreciated when you look at a nearby synagogue, which is desperately run down.

We long admired architecture of a different kind from a different world in Čičmany. It is a living natural museum that is unique for its painted timber houses. The geometrical folk patterns on local houses are very decorative and timeless. Once you start walking through the town, you’ll surely want to stay! Čičmanian patterns are not traditional; very often it is rumoured that the local population was of Bulgarian origin. Čičmanian folk apparel is famous, you can see it in the House of Raden. ►

Left and next page: We spent a day at Mr Bronislav Hládek’s chalet near Lietavská Svinná. We saw the milking of the sheep (carried out three times a day in season) and we tried making cheese. Life at chalets is not easy, local shepherds live here from May to October, making and selling cheese; nevertheless, the European Union regulations have reached these areas and production and selling of fresh cheese has had to yield.

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We also journeyed to Slovakia because of the sheep and fresh sheep cheese. One day, at the chalet of Bronislav Hládek near Lietavská Svinná, we had a chance to take sheep to their pasture and back; we tried milking them and we watched the making of fresh sheep cheese. It was an unforgettable experience. What’s more, from the chalet we could see Lietavský Castle, one of the largest castles in Slovakia.

Once you’ve had enough of wandering through nature, you can set off for a walk through Žilina. Apart from historical sites from various eras (ranging from Gothic to Functionalist) there are many concerts and exhibitions going on. We followed the functionalist buildings in Žilina and we were most charmed by a synagogue that has undergone a significant change and is now meant to serve as a multicultural venue in the centre.

The people, who deserve the credit for restoring the synagogue, are also behind the Žilina-Záriečie Station cultural centre, where you can ► Right: During the season, the herd of sheep needs to be taken to the pasture and milked three times a day. On their way from the pasture and before the evening milking the sheep stopped and curiously examined the Czech license plate on our Citroën C4 Cactus, to them foreign and unknown.

NEXT PAGE: We made our journey to the North of Slovakia in the first half of May; at that time the local landscape was decorated with maypoles. For centuries maypoles were always put up at night on 30 April. For our ancestors it was a symbol welcoming spring, but it has always been above all a symbol celebrating youth and love. The habit of putting up a maypole is traditionally accompanied by the habit of night watches by the maypole in order to protect it against men from neighbouring villages – the rivals used to come at night to try to cut the neighbour’s maypole and cut off the decorated top. If they succeeded, the entire village would be humiliated.

Citroën C4 Cactus, www.citroen.cz

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find a café (which sells SOFFA) as well as a concert hall and a huge outdoor rock climbing wall.

What and where to eat and drink: Not only in the Žilina region but in Slovakia in general you just have to try the real brynzové halušky (bryndza cheese gnocchi). Moreover, fresh sheep cheeses straight from the source are a must (korbáčiky, žinčica, parenica, and other types). In Žilina you also have to try the delicious chilli and rum hot chocolate from Café Le Jour.

What and where to buy: In Slovakia you should definitely visit a chalet and purchase some of the delicious fresh sheep cheese directly from local shepherds. We bought bryndza, žinčica, and other sheep cheeses from the chalet at Lietavská Svinná. At other chalets you will also be able to get korbáčiky, parenica, and oštěpok. Don’t forget to take cash with you – cards are not very useful in the mountains! Do you like Slovak folk patterns? In Čičmany we discovered a shop with traditional Slovak folk costumes, embroidery, and beautiful modern clothes inspired by folk patterns. If you desire a new handbag, backpack, belt, or wallet, make sure to order it from Slovakia from the WooleWo brand, which makes handmade products from leather, wood, and merino wool! ► Left: The bed and breakfast Súľov 183 offers a view of Súľov Rocks. The morning mist really suits them. Súľov Rocks are part of the Súľov Mountains. The most beautiful part is the Súľov Basin, the central part of Súľov Rocks, which ends with the Súľov-Hradná village.

Blue trousers and yellow jacket, both GANT Citroën C4 Cactus, www.citroen.cz Accommodation Penzion Súľov 183, sulovskeskaly.sk

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Where to stay: In the Žilina region we recommend staying at one place and making your trips in various directions from there. We spent two nights at a family hotel, Súľov 183, operated by the Maslík family (sulovskeskaly.sk, ubytovanievsulove@gmail.com).

For more information go to: www.regionzilina.sk, www.facebook.com/WooleWo, sulovskeskaly.sk, www.cicmany.net, www.bytca.sk, www.stanica.sk ■ We enjoyed our trip to Slovakia thanks to our partners. For their invitation and warm welcome we thank the hotel Súľov 183, for the beautiful clothes the GANT company, and for lending us the car our thanks go to the Citroën company.

Previous page: To the North of the Súľov Mountains there is Bytča, a town with the famous Sobášny Palace –one of the most significant Renaissance sights in Central Europe, its facade is richly ornamented in sgraffito technique.

Left AND NEXT PAGES: The 1945 sign on the balustrade in front of the theatre in Žilina at the Andrej Hlinka Square commemorates the 70th anniversary of the end of WWII. Right next to the balustrade Lina posed with her new bag by WooleWo. The picture on the right shows the Rosenfeld Palace in Žilina, which is one of the most beautiful Art Nouveau sights in Slovakia. Žilina is home to a range of functionalist buildings, including a synagogue with maori features built in 1931 according to a design by Peter Behrens.

Nowadays the synagogue is undergoing a significant transformation into a centre of contemporary art – it is intended to serve as a showroom and a concert hall.

Dan Perjovschi is the creator of the interior decoration. The last two photographs on the page are from the Žilina-Záriečie (www.stanica.sk) station, now a legendary cultural centre in Žilina with a train station that is still operational.

Blue dress, GANT Leather bag, WooleWo

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COnTACT www.soffamag.com info@soffamag.com +420 777 623 346

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SO f fA & PA R T N ER S Cooking with h&M home

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GARDEN F EA S T recipes and styling: SOFFA | partner for this article: H&M Home text: Adéla Kudrnová | photo: Adéla Havelková

DURING THE HOT SUMMER DAYS WE LOVE TO LIVE AND DINE OUTSIDE. THAT’S WHY WE’VE TEAMED UP WITH H&M TO PREPARE A HUMBLE GARDEN FEAST. TWO EXCELLENT RECIPES PLAY KEY ROLES IN QUENCHING YOUR THIRST AND FILLING YOUR BELLY: RHUBARD LEMONADE AND GRILLED SALMON WITH LEMON SLICES. GET INSPIRED AND TRY THEM BOTH AT ONCE, THEY GO AMAZINGLY WELL TOGETHER! If you have a garden, terrace, or even a balcony, try to throw your family lunches, dinners, and parties outside. Nature is so beautiful and it will turn your meal into a unique experience. We laid our garden feast table with accessories from H&M Home. First we made lemonade with fresh rhubarb bought at farmers’ markets. While the lemonade was ready and chilling in the fridge, we grilled salmon in tin foil with several of lemon slices. After that we could enjoy this refreshing combination and plan the next SOFFA issue in peace. Bon appétit to you as well!

Thanks to the Weber-Stephen CZ&SK company for lending us the Master-Touch grill.

All crockery, textiles, and accessories are available at H&M Home: Patterned cotton tablecloth, ceramic vase small and big, glass carafe, placemats, dark dessert plate, beige linen tablecloth, wooden cutting board, linen tea towel, pitcher, patterned tumbler, tumbler, glass jar, sea grass bread basket, wooden bowl, 4-pack coasters ►

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R HU BARB L EM O N A DE recipe and styling: SOFFA | partner for this article: H&M Home text: Adéla Kudrnová | photo: Adéla Havelková

SUMMER LEMONADE SHOULD BE REFRESHING AND NOT TOO SWEET – JUST LIKE THIS RHUBARB LEMONADE WHICH YOU CAN EASILY PREPARE AT HOME. GIVE IT A GO! TIME: app. 1 hour SERVES: 2 litres INGREDIENTS: 2L water 1 kg fresh rhubarb 1 cup sugar fresh lemon zest 1 whole cinnamon ½ vanilla bean 4 whole cloves

INSTRUCTIONS: First, wash rhubarb thoroughly, peel, and chop into small pieces.

Boil rhubarb in water, cloves, cinnamon, and vanilla for 10 minutes. Rhubarb should be soft.

Drain sauce through a tea towel and add sugar and lemon zest to taste.

Depending on the consistency you can add water.

Leave lemonade to cool and serve chilled.

TIP: Did you know that rhubarb is considered an aphrodisiac and is rich in vitamin B? That makes rhubarb lemonade both delicious and healthy! ►

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GR IL L E D SAL M O N W I T H L EM O N recipe and styling: SOFFA | partner for this article: H&M Home text: Adéla Kudrnová | photo: Adéla Havelková

IN THE HEAT OF THE UPCOMING SUMMER YOU’LL APPRECIATE THIS LIGHT RECIPE FOR SALMON WITH LEMON SLICES. YOU CAN ALSO USE THE OPPORTUNITY TO TURN AN ORDINARY GRILLING PROCESS INTO A SOCIAL EVENT WITH FRIENDS. GET INSPIRED! TIME: app. 40 mins (including preparation) SERVES: 6 portions INGREDIENTS: 1 kg salmon fillets 3 small lemons 100 ml olive oil 3 tbsp of capers sea salt freshly ground pepper dill (to taste) grill tin foil

INSTRUCTIONS: Clean salmon, wash and dry. Remove bones. Meanwhile, fire up the grill. We used the Master-Touch grill by Weber but all you really need is a simple campfire with a grill.

Lay the salmon fillets on double-layered tin foil skin side down. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Cut the lemons into thin slices and spread them evenly over the fillets. You can roast some of the lemon slices directly on the grill and serve them on the side. Finally, sprinkle the salmon with capers. Feel free to add more oil.

Fold the tin foil so that it forms a sort of nest for the fillet (you can either close it completely or leave it slightly open). Grill on heat for approximately 15-20 minutes. The salmon should be pink inside but not dry. ■

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we really enjoyed barbecuing with the Master-Touch GBS 57 cm Grill by Weber.

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BOmTON FLORENTiNUm Offers a pleasant design environment. Let yourself be pampered in a soothing atmosphere by taking advantage of our services including hairdressing, cosmetics, manicures, pedicures, or massages. florentinum@bomton.cz, bomton.cz

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Adéla Kudrnová I editor in chief adela@soffamag.com Lenka Hlaváčová I art director & designer lenka@soffamag.com Lina Németh I photographer info@soffamag.com Adéla Havelková I photographer & graphic designer Antonín Cífka I production manager antonin@soffamag.com Terézia Bělčáková I marketing & pR terezia@soffamag.com

Rohit Kalro I editor Marek Kučera I photographer Milada Kudrnová I illustrator Ondřej Lipár I photographer Grace Alexandra Russell I illustrator www.pod7kilo.cz THE WINNERS fROM THE APRIL ISSUE: BOMMA: petra Burešová MOeT: Věra Studeničová, Andrea Babindaiová

Kateřina Krejčí I english translation Easytalk.cz I revision and proofreading

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