Czech --> USA
One of the best things about the Czech so far, has been how
much it teaches me about my own country. So far, this has been a huge learning
experience, in more ways than one. Every day I learn something new about the
Czech culture that makes me think, “That is way different than home”. While
this is good for me, to step out of my comfort zone, it also makes me realize
how much I take for granted in America. I touched on a few topics in an earlier
post such as the prices of things (it is so cheap here), how beer is cheaper
than water, and others. Here are a few things that are different in my culture
v. the Czech culture:
1.
Religion.
Religion
has always been a big part of my life, and I enjoy going to church often. When
I was growing up, my family would go every week, and since in college, I try
and go as much as possible. Religion is all over in America, and not just in my
personal experiences. We have presidents who publicly announce their belief in God;
the statistical information shows that many Americans claim a religious belief,
and many other situations. Here in the Czech Republic, despite the beautiful and huge cathedrals, religion is viewed much
differently. It is considered very personal, and most people do not like
talking about it. It is one of the most secular countries in Europe, with many
people claiming Atheism. While that may
sound alarming, I have yet to see it affect any daily communication, actions,
or anything of that nature when I’m in contact with someone from the Czech
Republic.
2.
Social Life
I have
touched on it in an earlier blog post, but Czechs are very different people,
socially. While they love to drink beer, and hang out with friends, it is much
different. If you were to experience a Czech person in day-to-day life, they
are very quiet, somber, and honest people. They don’t smile at you on the
street if they don’t know you, if you ask them, “How are ya?”, they’ll tell you
honestly (I think a professor said something along the lines of, “They will say
‘I’m shit today’”), and they are extremely quiet on places like the tram,
shops, and the street.
My description
might sound rough and might make them sound mean, but in reality, Czech people
are also very kind. I have met so many great people and have learned so much
from each one of them.
3.
Transportation
Transportation
here is so different than in America! I believe it is this way almost anywhere in
Europe, but you could live every day and go all over without ever owning a car.
Even the smaller towns and cities have public transportation such as a tram and
bus system to get you across town and such, that operate from 4 AM- 11:30 PM.
Additionally, there are trains and busses that will take you to other cities and
countries for really cheap. We have taken the train to and from Prague, and the
tickets were something like $12 USD. The other side to public transportation
though, is that you have to walk everywhere. Never in my life has walking 5
miles a day (to/from class, to/from tram
stop, to/from lunch, etc.) become average, maybe low mileage at best. It is
really awesome, and I believe this is part of the reason that I have hardly
seen any over weight people!
I didn’t ever
think I could go without my car, and while I do miss it, I realize that I
really could do some walking instead of driving. I also decided that I will
never take for granted being able to drive where I want, when I want!
At the end
of the day, I have realized that even though there are so many cultural
differences, I am just meeting a bunch of other people who are looking for what
I am: friends, education, and learning experiences. I have met some new friends
and have done some amazing things, but I’m not done yet! I am learning new
differences between the Czechs and Americans every day, and I can’t wait to
find out what’s next!
Despite their Atheism, Czech's have some pretty astonishing statistics in their favor...
Huge cathedral in our hometown Olomouc
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