Velvet Revolution

I'm not sure if the "about" section should be about the blog or about its author. Well, let's say that in this case it will deal with both. My name's Wojtek and I live in Poland. A few years back I went to the Czech Republic and I fell for this country and its people immediately. Since that time I've been doing my best to get back there at least once a year. I've already been not only to Prague, Ostrava, Brno, Pardubice or České Budějovice, but also many smaller towns like Třebič, Český Krumlov, or Mělník. What's more, my fascination made me learn the Czech language and I enjoy doing it by watching films, reading magazines or just browsing the internet. The Czech Republic and its culture is my passion and that's why living in Prague in the future is definitely on my "to do" list. What can you find on this blog? The list of items is quite long and actually there are no limits to it. Roughly, it includes: important and/or interesting news about the Czech Republic, humorous reports, photos I took myself and nice pictures I found on the internet, beautiful videos, captivating music and what not. What's important, I’d like you to feel free to make use of the "submit" button too! I hope you'll enjoy browsing this blog and will be returning here in the future.

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Rašínovo nábřeží, Praha / June 2014

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Náměstí Republiky, Plzeň / June 2014

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The Polish Embassy in Prague has officially protested against the defamation of Poles in a Czech TV commercial. According to the embassy, one of the mobile operators basing on some worn-out stereotpes portrayed Poles as cunning salesmen. Is the ad actually offensive? You can judge yourselves – I officially declare that as a Pole I do not feel offended by the commercial in question :)

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Prague tram network shut down for the first time in history

Ice on overhead lines halted the Prague tram network's operation for many hours at night. For the first time in history adverse weather has completely paralyzed the city's tram network. On Monday evening, the tram operation was already restricted, and the night and morning lines did not start operation at all. Public transport was possible only by bus and metro. Some of the tram lines resumed operation shortly after 3 P.M. on Tuesday.

Frost and black ice also thwarted road, rail and tram traffic in other parts of the Czech Republic, and electricity supply has been interrupted in many places. Meteorologists have warned that black ice might continue almost all over the country until Wednesday evening.

/ photo by Richard Cortés

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That dark brown spot in the middle of Europe looks sweet, doesn't it?

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Welcome to Prague! video by Popojedem group

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John Lennon Wall in Prague has been painted all white

Tourists visiting the famous spot on Monday might have felt confused when they saw the wall painted all white with a cynical inscription in its centre saying that the wall is over. Who did it - we still do not know. The Sovereign Military Order of Malta, the owner of the wall, has reported the fact as an act of vandalism. Meanwhile, numerous drawings and inscriptions started reappearing on the wall.

Read more about the symbollic John Lennon Wall here. See more photos on iDnes.cz.

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Have you ever wondered how to secure your car in Prague? Here's an idea from Kostelní street / photo by Tomáš Třeštík

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Beer spa in Prague allows visitors to bathe in beer while drinking

No, this is not a dream — this is reality. There actually is a spa where you can just relax in complete bliss and guzzle beer all day long! The Beer Spa in Prague is home to many wishing to kick the relaxation up a notch by not only drinking beer, but actually sitting in a tub filled with all-natural ingredients like barley, hops and yeast.

Read the full article here.

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Rooftops of Malá Strana / photo by Jiří Jeníček via lostandfoundinprague

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Inspired by “Race the Tube”, a video filmed in London, five runners from Prague took up the challenge and decided to race against metro in the Czech capital. They tried to beat the train between stations Hůrka and Nové Butoviceon line B. In only about two minutes the runners had to cover the distance of 748 metres. Did they make it? Find out yourselves.

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Žižkov / June 2011 / photo by me

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Titz, Bigas, Wanke... PraguePig.com compiled a list of 10 Czech surnames that sound a bit rude in English.

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Full filmography of Helena Třeštíková, the acclaimed documentary filmmaker, is available online at DAFilms.cz. Free of any charge. Only till Sunday, though. I personally recommend Katka, the tragic story of a drug addict, René, an intimate portrait of man man living on the margin of society, and Private Universe presenting a Czech family over the course of 37 years.

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Prague: Lights & Motion by Marek Kędzierski

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Spring 2015. Blanka tunnel in Prague is finaly open. In the first hours of its operation, reports of numerous crashes and car accidents flood in. The situation escalates. Chaos breaks out. Thousands of people flee from the city. There is only one man who can protect the citizens of Prague from moving to Brno.

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Czechs start qualifications with a win

The Czech Republic beat the Netherlands 2:1 in a Euro 2016 qualifier! The winning goal was scored by Václav Pilař in the injury time. You can see it here.