Sometimes the Water Goes Off

Hi Everyone,
This morning I found our water was off around 7:30 or so.  I wasn't sure what was going on, but thought maybe some nearby construction might be the problem.  It happens and you just live with it.  Not having water is definitely inconvenient when it hits with no notice.  I called our friends, Ricky and Sybille, to see if they knew anything about the water outage.  They said there had been a notice on their building's door letting everyone know the water would be off. UGH!  I had been sick and Jiri was traveling, so neither of us saw the note.  I felt really stupid for somehow missing this notice.  Well, that's life in the Czech Republic at times, and also my life living in a bubble to try to stay healthy.  You live and learn how to survive these minor inconveniences.


Along with the note we didn't see, the city was able to provide a tanker of water for those who needed water during the day. I didn't have to use it, but it's nice to know they do take care of us. 


Thankfully I have had extensive lessons on how to survive when the unexpected happens. My folks taught my brother and I to be ready for an emergency at all times.  We were taught to store extra food and water, emergency candles and matches, etc. We also learned how to cook when there's no power or gas, and hhow to manage daily life in such situations. And living through a few days when our entire house froze, along with living in the Rockies in a very rural area helped to prepare me for life in the Czech Republic.  I've had to live several days, at a time, with no electricity, water or heat on more than one occasion, and that was back in the States!  So, today's water outage was inconvenient and bit frustrating, but I managed OK.


As Ricky pointed out on Facebook, there are millions of people around the world who have to live with no indoor plumbing or running water every day of their lives.  And many of these don't even have access to clean water at all.  What to us is a rather minor inconvenience is for them a daily way of life.  Today was a good reminder of how so many people around the world live...and what I and most of us take for granted every day.  We really do need to remember those who are less fortunate, and help in any way we can by supporting charities and other groups who help people around the world have access to what we take for granted every day. 


Have a great day!


God bless,
Sher :0) 


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Photo credit:  ma87576


(c) 2011 by Sher Vacik

Vesele Velikonoce (Happy Easter)

Hi Everyone,

I'd like to wish you all a very wonderful, happy and blessed Easter!  We are celebrating Easter Sunday and Easter Monday here, in the Czech Republic.  I have already had my Easter beating, so am good for this year :0)  

Have a great day!

God bless,

Sher :0) 

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Answers to Reader's Questions

From Czech Off the Beaten Path

Hi Everyone,
Today's post is in response to some reader questions from MiGrant.  Here is what MiGrant asked:

• Since you ask... I'm (probably) moving back to Prague this year — lived there for a few years in the 90s — and right now I'm interested in practicalities. How hard is it now to get a residence permit for someone self-employed? Where to buy fresh vegetables? Where's the best Gold's Gym equivalent? Can I switch my US iPhone over to a Czech carrier, or will I have to get a new one? That sort of thing.

Thanks for your questions, MiGrant.  I've been doing some detective to work to find answers, and here they are.  Please remember I'm not an expert in issues dealing with visas and residency permits, and all information supplied here is basic and not to be used as an official guide.

Residence permit for self-employed.  

The process is a bit long, and full of bureaucratic red-tape, but that's typical.  You must be somewhat familiar with this aspect of living in the Czech Republic since you lived here before.  One major change, as of this year, is that the Ministry of the Interior now handles long-term visa and permanent residency permits.  This was formerly the job of the infamous Foreign Police.  Another change since you last lived here is that people applying for permanent residency now have to pass a Czech language exam in order to live here. 

MiGrant, you didn't specify if you are an EU citizen, or from outside of the EU.  The requirements will be different for a non-EU citizen, than for an EU citizen.  If you are non-EU, you will have to apply for a long-term visa at a Czech embassy outside of the Czech Republic.  The visa process cannot take place while you are in this country.  The application process usually takes from six to eight weeks, but can legally take as long as four months.  In addition to supplying the required documents, you are required to undergo an interview as part of the application process.  

Along with this, you'll have to supply the usual proofs of accommodation in the Czech Republic, along with proof of health insurance, and proof of financial means to support yourself in this country.  This is basic information about you will need to apply for residency in this country.  You can find detailed information on the Ministry of Interior's website.  

Being self-employed you will first need to obtain your residency or long-term visa, then you will be able to either work under an s.r.o or zivnostensky list (trade license).  This is a bit complicated to explain in one post, but there is a difference between an s.r.o and working for yourself under a trade license.  Basically, an s.r.o. is a limited liability company and will offer more protection for your personal assets.  There are also certain tax advantages to doing business under an s.r.o.  The zivnostensky list (trade license) offers a couple of advantages such as less professional fees for accounting and tax compliance, along with being able to deduct more expenses for tax purposes.  One of the main drawbacks to the trade license is that you will be held responsible for your company's liabilities, and the rate of income tax is higher than for an s.r.o.  However, the trade license is easy to get and the cost is minimal.  

Again, all of this information is only basic...I'm not an expert in this area.  To find expert help, you might check on the Business Directory of Expats.cz to find those who will know all the ins and outs of getting the correct visa and the best legal way for you to be self-employed in the Czech Republic. If any readers have more specific information to help MiGrant with this question, please respond in the comments below.

Farmers Markets

Another reader had an answer to your fresh vegetable question.  Sean said fresh vegetables are available at the now popular farmers markets.  Sean's right.  Farmers markets are popping up all over, and we have several here, in Prague.  You can find a list of farmers markets on the Czech Off the Beaten Path website. 

Farmers markets are growing in popularity here.  I can personally attest to the fact that these markets have some of the best produce to be found in Prague.  The prices on some goods are a little higher than the grocery store, but these products are well worth their price.  And the quality is much higher than what we can find in our local grocery stores.  Everything Jiri and I have bought there--from klobasa, fruit, vegetables and sadlo--has been excellent and fresh.  All sellers are registered and bring produce from all over the Czech Republic.  On my last visit to our local farmers market, I noticed a booth selling klobasa and other smoked meats from Croatia.  Otherwise, all the other products were from the Czech Republic.  We believe in supporting Czech business and buy regularly at our local market.

Prague Gyms

Here again, Sean was very helpful with his response to MiGrant's question about gyms in Prague.  We have some great gyms all over Prague.  A couple of those, used by many expats, are the Cybex at the Hilton, and Fitness Millenium.  These are only a couple of the many excellent gyms found in Prague.  

iPhone

You can use your iPhone here, but only if it is unlocked and you have a Czech SIM card.  If not, you will have to buy a new phone and data plan once you come to Prague.  I found three major mobile phone companies who carry the iPhone:  Telefonica O2, T-Mobile and Vodafone.  

I hope this information will help you, MiGrant, and other people who might have the same questions.  Again, this information is basic, but you can find further details about each topic by following the links supplied in each section.  Some of these links are in Czech only.  All of these links are supplied to help readers find more information.  I am not affiliated with any of the companies or organizations mentioned here (aside from links to material for this blog and related website), and I am not an expert in visa or residence applications.  

That's all for today!  I hope you all have a great week!

God bless,

Sher :0) 

Photo credit:  Sher Vacik

Czech Off the Beaten Path Website

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(c) 2011 by Sher Vacik

Strasbourg's EU Complex and the Orangerie

Hi Everyone,

Today’s post will be about the last part of our visit to Strasbourg, France.  Jiri and I had a great time, in spite of my getting sick.  We walked around as much as we could, and were able to see the Grand Island (the most ancient part of this city), along with the EU Parliament and the Orangerie.

EU Complex

Strasbourg is the official seat of the European Parliament (the directly elected parliamentary institution of the EU), and hosts twelve sessions of the EU parliament a year.  The Parliament complex is located in the Quartier Européen (European Quarter) of the city, not far from the Orangerie.  The main building is the Louise Weiss building, which was first put into use in 1999.  This site also contains the Council of Europe and the Court of Human Rights.  When you’re viewing this complex in person, it is impressive, modern and very well kept.  The grounds are park-like and beautiful.  The week we visited Strasbourg, there was also an EU parliamentary session taking place, making the city full of nationals from all over Europe.

Orangerie

After visiting the EU Parliamentary complex, Jiri and I walked over to the Orangerie.  It is located just across the street from the Council of Europe.  This park was built in 1804 and was dedicated to Josephine, the wife of Napoleon Bonaparte.  The Orangerie is a beautiful spot, not far from the Grand Island are, where you can go to enjoy some time away from the hustle and bustle of the city. 

The Oragerie is home to a small zoo with monkeys, birds, lynx and barnyard animals.  The park is also famous for the storks that call it home.  We were amazed to see all the storks not only in the park, but even nesting in trees outside the park.  The storks were flying over our heads, and resembled pterodactyls with their long wing-spans and graceful flight.  Leaving the park, we found one street lined with trees, and each tree had its stork nest. 

The Orangerie is filled with lovely trails and walking paths.  We also found a lovely lake near the center of the park.  The park was alive with people walking, jogging, and sitting on benches enjoying the afternoon sun.  People of all ages use the park.  We found a pretty playground for kids, along with a skate board track, and found many people enjoyed walking their dogs in the park.  Even in early spring, the park is a beautiful spot to spend an afternoon.  I can only imagine what the Orangerie will look like once full spring has taken over, and flowers are blooming and the trees have leafed out.  The park was truly a lovely and restful spot.  We enjoyed our stroll there very much.

Miscellaneous Pictures

Here are some miscellaneous pictures from our trip to Strasbourg.  We found the city to be a beautiful place to visit.  In spite of getting sick there, I had an enjoyable time and am happy to have had the chance to see and experience one more place I never thought to see in my life.

That’s all for today!  Next week’s post will deal with the questions from MiGrant, and other helpful information for tourists and expats coming to visit Prague.

Have a great day!

God bless,

Sher

Czech Off the Beaten Path Website

Czech Off the Beaten Path T-shirts & More

Sher’s Stuff

(c) 2011 by Sher Vacik

Photo credits:  Jiri and Sher Vacik