Life was easier back then living on a scholarship stipend and walking around Prague with a “rohlik” and a “coke”. After a while, I found a job in one of the largest logistics companies in the world and have been living in Czech Republic since then.
Coming from a different culture, I found myself too naïve staring and smiling at people showing their affection in public. I had always thought, Prague must also be a “City of Love” besides Paris. I was used to having someone to help on household chores back home but staying here taught me how to live by myself and do everything on my own. Lifestyle here is more relaxed too and Czechs prefer to stay outdoors compared to Filipinos who would spend most of their weekends in shopping malls.
Customer Service is not really a “forte” in restaurants and shops but service has improved for the past 5 years I’ve been here. Although, I and my friends still experience waiters passing by pretending they didn’t see us so they would not have to get our orders or them telling that they are “full” even when the entire restaurant is almost empty. I used to struggle when complaining in local slang. Fortunately, most restaurants nowadays employ better English speakers.
So how come I stayed in Czech Republic?
I came here as a scholar and have gained a lot of friends through the years. I consider Prague as my second home and I know my way like the back of my hand even when tipsy. I enjoy my morning walk to the metro and have fun at my occasional awkward moments when I slip during winter. I may have difficulties walking on cobbled stones with my high heels but the façade of buildings and pavements never ceases to amaze me.
Czechs may still have to improve on the customer service aspect but their foods are sought-after. They are big “meat-lovers” except those who are diet-conscious of course. Koleno (pork knuckes), “Zebirka” (pork spare-ribs) and “Medovnik” (honey cake) have become my all-time favorite.
Prague may not be the cream of the crop and salary may not be comparable to Western Europe but I have travelled to a number of places in Europe but still end up loving this city. In fact, I still enjoy my evening walk along the Charles Bridge overlooking the Prague castle and my occasional duck-feeding along the Vltava River on sunny days. I still smile when I see tourists anxiously waiting for the hourly Astronomical Clock show Life is simpler here compared to home, where 10-hour daily work and weekend overtime are quite normal. I work to live, not live to work and being in Prague gives me the opportunity to balance life and career.