Changing Seasons and Cultural Challenges

I have always loved the changing of the seasons. There’s something magical about the leaves transforming into a beautiful collage of colors and the anticipation of the first snowfall, but in Central Europe this magic is accompanied with the cloud of sunset at 4:30 and many days, even weeks, without a hint of sun. These times have revealed to us the importance of leaning into our new culture. We are trying to embrace new traditions when possible. 

So instead of the state fair, we explore a new part of the city. We learn about the incredible struggle for independence that this country has experienced, which helps us better understand the inner struggle of the people, who want to move forward and be happy but often don’t know how. A Czech lady once told us that there is this constant tension between wanting to be like an Italian, bubbly,  hopeful, smiling, and generally happy. This is contrasted by the knowledge that the Czech Republic remains neighbors with Germany, with its complicated history and sense of cold efficiency. 

 Exhibit placed in the city center to commemorate Czech history. 

November 17th is Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day here in the Czech Republic. This day commemorates the role students played in the fight for freedom. In 1939, Nazi soldiers stormed the University of Prague in response to demonstrations against German occupation. Nine students were executed and over 1200 students were sent to concentration camps. In 1989, a memorial march took place. This resulted in strikes prompted by students, which became the Velvet Revolution, the beginning of the end of the communist regime. 

Embracing a new culture is exciting, and often challenging. The early sunsets only add to that challenge. But we remain convinced that we are supposed to be here, so we continue to lean into the culture a little more each day, accepting the challenges ahead.