Julie on Raising a Family in the Czech Republic | Pittsburgh Family and Newborn Photographer
I had the wonderful oppertunity to travel with my family in Europe while my husband was on short term assignment in Cologne, Germany. I have loved traveling since I was a child. I love visiting new places, trying different foods, experiencing different cultures and meeting people. The experience wasn't always easy but it was totally worth it.
This summer I'll feature some of the great women that I met on my blog. The first feature is an interview with Juilie, an American from New York who is currently living with her family in the Czech Republic. I first met Julie last summer, while she was visiting family in Pittsburgh. My husband actually met with her husband first and came home he said, "You will not believe how much you have in common with Julie, she also majored in Communications, taught English, was a graphic designer, has three children, is married to a Czech and loves coffee!" I really wanted to meet her because I don't think I've ever had so much in common with anyone ever! This summer while we were visiting family in the Czech Republic she invited us to visit her family and served us "Czech/American Goulash." Her goulash is delicious, her hospitality is genuine and having the oppertunity to discuss our similar lives is priceless.
You have been living in the Czech Republic for around 10 years. You must have some funny experiences to share, right? Yes! Let me tell you what I did last week. Thankfully bathrooms are all still gender specific here. But I was in a hurry and made the mistake of using a men's restroom, because the door was labeled with the Czech word for "gentlemen" which is "Páni." My quick assumption is that I am a "Paní." which is the word for "Mrs." The only difference in spelling (aside from all the grammatical differences from context) is the placement of the accent mark. Thankfully I escaped with the humiliation of language incompetence. Sometimes you don't have to speak in order to reveal you are a foreigner. Everyone experiences culture shock. What shocked you? The first two things that come to mind are shopping and the concern Czech's have about drafts. Shopping: When I moved here I quickly realized that the typical American "first impression smile," the introductory positive facial expression of a smile, actually works against you in many situations. Like walking into a store... Generally, in the states, in my experience, it's more than a facial expression, it's attached to something, it's your expectation that this will be a positive experience, you expect the salesperson will help or serve you in some way, so you want to already express your gratitude in advance for their anticipated service. In response the salesperson feel ingratiated, appreciated and wants to do all he/she can to make you, the customer happy. He might get a good review, and maybe a raise in pay, if his boss sees he has been doing more than his job. In the States, when you encounter the "grumpy" salesperson, you just go find another one or ask to speak to the manager and you generally get satisfaction knowing your need will be met in the most gracious way. If the manager is also rude, he risks the threat of having bad reputation for his/her company. Many customer service related jobs are motivated by the idea that better service leads to better pay and benefits. Seems to be opposite here. I almost always feel a hostile response to my smile, as thought I'm about to try to con the salesperson or I intend to distract her while I slip merchandise into my pockets. And then even after I mastered the neutral facial expression, I still can't get used to being followed in a small shop by the salesperson. I usually forget what I came in for, when I sense the salesperson is just feet away from me, watching everything I pick up, or standing behind the register eyeing my every move. Drafts:"Ahh, doesn't that breeze feel great?!" my thoughts which translate almost directly into Czech thoughts: "Quick, close the window! There's a draft!" A draft will be blamed for a stiff neck or any other number of maladies. If you're sniffling today, it's b/c of the draft you allowed in the room yesterday. Yes, even on a 90 degree day. Air conditioning? Certainly not. That's just a man-made draft! My first summer here, I travelled to the mountains with my husband's parents. It was very warm weather, no a/c in the car, and they kept all their windows closed and the air vents closed. I didn't even know that air vents in cars could be closed off. I thought I would die of suffocation or car sickness or both. What aspects do you like best about Czech culture? Many American kids love French fries and pizza. What are your children's favorite Czech foods? My kids' favorite Czech foods are hot buttered noodles with poppyseeds heaped on top, and a big spoon of powdered sugar. My children also love fruit-filled dumplings, gulash, and garlic creamed spinach.
Fresh Poppy Seeds I'm curious, what is different from raising kids in CZ than from the USA?
Talk about your children's educational experiences. What do your kids enjoy when they are in the USA? Have you meshed Czech and American culture to create a new culture that is unique to your family?
Do you get to travel often?
Do you have any reccomendations on the best souvenirs from CZ? Thank you, Julie, for taking the time to share about your interesting life of raising cross cultural children!
Pittsburgh Photographer| Pittsburgh Newborn Photographer | Pittsburgh Family Photographer Laura Mares is an experienced photographer specializing in capturing timeless family keepsakes. Laura works on location and in her fully equipped home studio, located in Mt. Lebanon, eight miles south of Pittsburgh, PA. Laura’s style is creative, natural, and timeless. Would you like beautiful portraits of your newborn baby, to update your child and family portraits or to document a milestone in your life such as a wedding, graduation, birthday or reunion? If you are interested in high quality, timeless photographs, book your session today, call (412) 654-3367 or email [email protected]. To view a wide range of gorgeous portraits and to get great tips, advice and beautiful inspiration follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
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