As a half-Czech I’m grateful for having a dose of Czech culture ingrained into who I am. As I have returned from my Czech vacation, I’d like to reflect on the many things I have learned and enjoy about Czech culture.
While being at the heart of central Europe, the Czechs over history have had to somehow manage to survive whatever oppressive monarchy, dictatorship or most recently communist elites trying to control the Czechs. But the Czechs are a smart people as odd as we may be and now with their own independent government the Czechs are a happy people.
One of the great products and essentials of life that holds things together is the beer. Since drinking water is still a scarce resource in the Czech Republic requiring a trip to the nearest well, it is certainly much more convenient and in some cases cheaper to drink beer. Furthermore, there seem to be absolutely no foreign beers in the Czech Republic. Indeed the quality of beer is as equally important as the freedom of the Czech people. Consider a moment of history described by a pamphlet at the Pilsner Urquell Brewery where a group of concerned citizens dumped several barrels of “undrinkable” beer out in front of town square in protest. And consider also the Velvet Revolution protesting communist rule.
I thought all the Czech people that I met were really nice and had an goofy sense of humor. From silly last names to odd children’s songs, the Czech always have something funny to laugh about. They all seemed very approachable too. Even though there was a language barrier, the people I met and myself both tried as best we could to make conversation. It’s also very easy to spot where people hang out since it is almost always at the local restaurant which are so numerous in this country that it’s challenging to not find a restaurant within 3 miles of any given point.
Although the Czech economy is bustling even more with its recent entry to the EU, people still don’t earn as much as in other countries and thus probably can’t afford some things that I as an American take for granted. But even so, except in praha, materialism didn’t seem to be as prevalent.
Overall I thought that the Czechs valued human relationships the most in their culture. The bonds between families were often very strong but not controlling. And also people of all ages are involved in daily life, be it walking around town or at the restaurant/bar talking with people. I hope to revisit this country soon.
