Online Gift Shopping for Expats

Christmas presents by heybucketme

Hi Everyone,
Today's post is my way of supporting expats and capitalism. Online present shopping can be a boon for expats. Christmas shopping can be challenging when you’re an expat far from family and friends, who live back in your home country. The years when I go home for Christmas, it is easy to buy gifts to take back with me. I usually buy gifts that are found here, in the Czech Republic. These presents will be the most exotic and different since they are from a foreign country. However, when I spend Christmas in the Czech Republic, I typically shop online for gifts for everyone back home. There are several benefits for expats who shop online for their Christmas gifts:

1. Shopping online saves money on postage. Mailing gifts back to the U.S. is not only costly, but you also have to worry about presents being broken, lost or stolen.

2. Checking “wish lists” makes choosing a gift easier. Wish lists make it easy to find the best gift for your loved ones or friends. Several online stores allow customers to create wish lists, including sites such as Amazon and other online stores.

3. Create one-of-a-kind gifts. You can even create one-of-a-kind gifts by visiting online stores such as Zazzle and Café Press. These shops are known as print-on-demand stores, where you can order a gift, and they will print it up and send it where you specify. You can use a favorite photo, a graphic image you’ve created, and more to create a unique present for family and friends. It’s possible to personalize all of the items available for sale at these stores. Each gift you create will not only be personally selected, but also created by you. If you aren’t artistically gifted, you can find many items that can be personalized to make wonderful gifts. One more note, Zazzle and Café Press allow you to offer your unique creations for sale to the public. This is a great way to earn some extra money to add to your expat budget and/or to use for holiday shopping.

4. Digital gifts are popular. Other gift options include digital gifts you can give via iTunes and Amazon, among other online shops. You can gift digital versions of music, movies, books and more through these shops. Another gift option is to make a present of a gift certificate for your giftee. You can specify the amount to be credited to the gift certificate. Many major online stores allow you to send real gift certificates via mail or virtual (digital) gift certificates via email. Digital gifts are wonderful for people who have e-readers, such as the Kindle or Nook, or who use tablet computers, such as the iPad or Kindle Fire. Digital gifts are also great for family and friends who have iPhones, Android mobile phones and iPod Touches. Digital gifts are easily downloaded onto the devices and computers of your giftees.

5. Several different payment options. Ordering presents online gives you various payment options. You can pay for online gifts using debit/credit cards, PayPal, electronic checks and even bank transfers.

Some people believe online shopping is too impersonal and that it doesn’t take much effort to choose or send a gift. I tend to disagree. Online shopping takes real time and effort, for by the time you take to check “wish lists,” read reviews and compare prices, you will have spent as much time shopping for the right gift as if you had been to several stores. And you may have to visit several online stores before finding the right present. Online shopping is a wonderful way to find personalized gifts for your family and friends.

Gift-giving can be challenging when you’re living in a foreign country. However, with all of these online and digital options, you’re sure to find gifts to please your family and friends back home. Online shopping is convenient when done from your own home and offers several types of payment options. Following “wish lists” and/or sending physical or digital gifts or gift certificates ensures you’ll find just the perfect gift to send back home. I personally have used each of these methods, and will do so this Christmas. These are just a few ideas to help you with shopping for Christmas gifts for family and friends back home.

Have a great day!

God bless,

Sher :0)

PS You can find unique Christmas gifts by following the links to my online shops in this post and below! You can find books about the Czech  Republic and Prague, along with travel gear and gizmos. You can also find unique gifts such as t-shirts and more made with photos and images I have created. 


If you use these links to make a purchase at Amazon or Zazzle, I will earn a small percentage from each sale. These programs are part of my freelance work online.

Have a great day!

God bless,
Sher

Czech Off the Beaten Path Website

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Sher's Holiday Inspirations


Note:  Sher Vacik is a participant in the Amazon services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees and linking to Amazon.com.


Sher Vacik creates designs and images to sell on her Zazzle shops. Sher is also a Zazzle Inc. affiliate.  

© 2011 by Sher Vacik. All rights reserved.

Better Red and Fed?

Hi Everyone,

I came across an interesting poll the other day on the Prague Monitor about how about 28% of Czechs believe their lives were better under communism. I’ve encountered this conundrum many times since moving here almost five years ago. Some Czechs have expressed this feeling to me, and I’ve wondered at the numbers of older Czech people attending Communist rallies in Prague. It is astounding to Westerners to hear that people who lived under communism think life was better back then. 

I have grew up in a free, capitalistic economy—this is what I’ve known most of my life. There are drawbacks to capitalism, too. However, when I’ve read about what it was like to live under the regime, I shudder to think of having to live such a life of repression. So, why are some Czechs feeling as if their lives were better under communism?

Image from Wikipedia

This is a poster for the communist

May Day celebration in 1946.

It reads, " Work and peace for

the Republic, well-being 

for the people."

After conversations with Czechs about the issue of life being better (in some ways) under communism, several points have come together that help to solve part of the puzzle for Westerners.

1.  The law required everyone to work; not many people were without some type of job. As a result, there were almost no homeless people and beggars that you can now see in many places here, in Prague. Those who refused to work were punished, and sometimes even sent to prison.

2.  Most people had their basic needs met. Most families had a home, clothing, food and work. This was guaranteed under communism. The quality of these basic needs was not usually up to Western standards, but was adequate to live a somewhat comfortable life.

3.  Everyone had pretty much the same lifestyle—there was not such a huge gap between rich and poor as we have now. There was not much crime under communism as there is nowadays. People didn’t have much, but at least had enough to survive.

4.  Social care was adequate for most people under communism. Generally, families took care of one another, and took care for their elderly family members. Society took better care of those who suffered from ill health and handicaps. Currently, the Czech government is proposing cuts to all social care, including aid for handicapped and elderly people. I have personally seen many elderly people, near our neighborhood, picking through dumpsters just to find enough food to eat. This was not seen twenty years ago.

5.  All workers’ income was taxed, with part of the funds going toward health care. Everyone had medical insurance through this tax and health care was subsidized. People could freely go to the doctor and receive necessary medicines for a small co-pay. Hospitals were free to all, as were any necessary procedures. The Czech government is working, at this time, to make the Czech healthcare system resemble the one we have in the U.S., including higher costs for health insurance, medications and hospital care.

Periods of Relative Comfort

It is important to note that while life was not easy under the communist regime, there were periods when life was somewhat easier for Czechs. One such period was the Prague Spring, back in 1968, when the government was headed by Alexander Dubček, then elected First Secretary of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia. 

Dubček initiated moderate changes including decentralization of the economy, democratization and more rights for citizens. The Prague Spring was short-lived. It was ended in August of 1968 with the invasion and occupation of Czechoslovakia by Soviets and Warsaw Pact troops. The Soviets then began a brutal crack-down on Czechoslovakia, and life again became hard. 

One Man's Memories of Life Under Communism  

Jiri Slavicek (Czech Republic) – Remembering... by fondapol

Capitalism Difficult for Some Older Czechs

Typically, older Czechs (40 +) who remember life under communism. For these Czechs, capitalism seems harsh and destructive. Older Czechs remember being able to visit their chata (cottage) on the weekends and during summer holidays. Many people were able to have a garden plot near their flats or houses. You could grow a few vegetables and fruits, and keep a few chickens in the yard, and it was enough to keep your family provided with food. These Czechs view life during the regime as less complicated and easier than it is now, under unbridled capitalism. Though they do not want a return to communism and repression, they do long for the safety net that was provided by the government in that time.

The on-going world economic crisis is hitting most countries very hard, including the Czech Republic. This country is heavily dependent on exports to keep its economy going. A recent report disclosed that economic recovery for the Czech Republic has been slower than in neighboring EU countries. Before the crash of communism, the Czech Republic’s debt was non-existent. Rather, there was a surplus. However, after the switch from communism to capitalism, the process of privatization was accompanied by stealing of national property. Now, there is a 40% of GDP national debt load for the Czech Republic.

Under capitalism, life for many older people is becoming more difficult. Pensions are becoming smaller, while social services provided by the government are being cut. With changes in the healthcare system, going to the doctor and getting medicine is more expensive. Necessary hospitalizations and procedures are also expensive for older people here. During the regime, older people usually had enough money to do a bit of traveling, but now they can hardly make ends meet. There are not many retirement homes in this country, and the ones that do exist are typically not maintained in a manner to allow elderly people to live comfortably. Many families are also cash-strapped, and find it almost impossible to care of their elderly family members.

Effects of the Current Global Economic Crisis

Czechs are feeling the pinch more and more as they have to pay out higher prices and taxes from salaries that are much lower than in other EU countries. The typical Czech salary is about 23,000 CZK/month, which is equal to about $1209.99 (on date of publication). Czechs are being required to pay more due to new austerity measures currently being worked on by the Czech government. Starting in January 2012, for instance, the cost of heating will go up 10%, along with an increase in food prices and VAT. Some Czechs are dismayed by all these changes and find it difficult to cope with a free-market, capitalistic system. Is it any wonder that some look back to life under communism as a better time when they now struggle to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table?

For me, the choice is easy—I would choose freedom of life and economy over communism. Being poor and free is better than life under such repression as existed under communism. But many older Czechs remember life under communism, and while it wasn’t easy to live under the regime, when people usually had the basics of life—a roof over their heads (maybe crowded in with other family members), a job, food and clothing. This was enough to live somewhat comfortably. These are the aspects of life that some Czechs long for. Czechs do not long for the repressive regime, only the basics of life that were promised back in that time. These people feel if you have freedom, but no money, then you really have no freedom at all.

Transition and Recovery Take Time

Transitioning from a repressive, totalitarian regime is difficult. It is similar, in some ways, to when a woman (or man) is in an abusive relationship. They long for a better life, but are afraid to leave the life they are familiar with, even if it is a bad, hard life. The change from living under repression, of any type to a more free way of life, is difficult. The healing process can be lengthy. So it is for Czechs who lived most of their lives under the communist regime. It will take some time for them to adjust to this new way of living. Twenty years is not enough time to erase the marks of the old communist regime. It will take another generation, at least, before Czech society is on the way to a firm recovery from their harsh past.

That’s all for today. Have a great day!

God bless,

Sher :0)

Note:  I have focused mostly on the older generation of Czechs, but I must also make a note about the younger generation. Those who are 35 and younger have fully embraced capitalism in this country.

Czech Off the Beaten Path Website

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Sher Vacik is a participant in the Amazon services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees and linking to Amazon.com.

© 2011 by Sher Vacik. All rights reserved.

Točník Hrad

Hi Everyone,

About a year ago, Jiří and I took a day trip to see Točník hrad, near Beroun in central Bohemia. We took the train from Prague, and got off at Žebrák, and walked a ways to Točník castle. Točník is one of two castles in the area, and is situated to the north and slightly east of Žebrák. The area is filled with beautiful rolling hills and farmland, along with picturesque towns and villages. We visited in October while the trees were turning and there was a slight chill in the air. I also remember many sunflowers along the way we walked that day. On the road up the hill to the hrad we encountered sheep and goats in a field. I found one sheep that really enjoyed having his ears rubbed.

Točník hrad is a fortress castle, and was started by Holy Roman Emperor Vacláv (Wenceslas) IV in 1398. The castle is situated on one of the highest points in the area, and offers extensive and beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. The castle was not only built to be the personal residence of a king. Being a fortress, one of Tocnik’s jobs was to guard the trade route from Prague to Nuremberg. The castle also served as a place to entertain dignitaries. Točník is made up of two courtyards (forming an L-shape), one at the entrance of the castle, and the second courtyard near the main building (King’s residence) in the middle of the western wall. The other large building within the castle walls was used as a place for important visitors to stay, and contained a huge hall for entertaining.

After the death of Vacláv IV, his brother Sigismund became the owner of Točník. Over the years, Točník came to be owned by a strong Catholic family—the Šumburks. From there, the castle went on into other hands, eventually coming back to the Czech crown during the reign of Emperor Rudolph II. He was the last royal to visit the castle. Eventually this beautiful fortress became a state prison until about 1865, when it was abandoned and left to decay. The castle and grounds were later bought by the Czechoslovak Tourists Club, in 1923. The club worked to restore the fortress, and then sold Točník to the Czechoslovak Sokol in 1953.

Točník hrad is a beautiful fortress castle where you get a vivid sense of the past. You can almost see the lords and their ladies walking across the square, with servants rushing to and fro. You can hear the distant sounds of horses and other animals in and around the castle walls from a long ago time. If you listen closely, you might even hear the sounds of war, for Točník was devastated by the Thirty Years War (1618-1648).

The castle is used for festivals and weddings to this day. There is a beautiful chapel, and we saw several wedding couples and their parties on the grounds having their pictures taken. 

If you are visiting Prague, and have extra time to tour outside of the city, a visit to Točník would make a wonderful day trip. The castle is closed for the winter months, but will open again in March. Here is the schedule I found on the Tocnik official website:

Točník Opening Hours

January-February:  Closed

March-April:  Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 10 to 12 and 13 to 16

May-June:  Daily, except Monday, from 10 to 12 and 13 to 17

July-August:  Daily, except Monday, from 9 to 12 and 13 to 18

September:  Daily, except Monday, from 10 to 12 and 13 to 17

October:  Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, from 10 to 12 and 13 to 16

November-December:  Closed

Admission

Adults:  70 CZK

Children (6-15):  50 CZK

Seniors: 50 CZK

Children under 6 and those with disabilities:  Free

Make a day trip Točník hrad and enjoy the scenery and the castle. Don't forget to stop by the castle's small hospoda for a snack. Točník hrad will not disappoint. 

Have a great day!

God bless,

Sher :0)

Czech Off the Beaten Path Website

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Photos property of Sher Vacik.

© 2011 by Sher Vacik. All rights reserved. 

Life with a Cane

Photo by westrow

Hi Everyone,

The past four months, since our trip up Sněžka, I’ve been dealing with a herniated disk and finding out that I have inherited a birth defect called spinal stenosis. It’s been an interesting time in my life. I had just had that milestone birthday, and then a couple months later ended up with a cane. That can be somewhat discouraging. Actually, that’s an understatement. A milestone birthday and a cane can be a very discouraging experience. For the first weeks after getting my cane, I tended to avoid friends and social activities. There is a kind of embarrassment in having to use a cane when you’re not so old. 

Even so, after a while, avoiding friends and social occasions tends to become a bit old. I finally reached the point where I was desperate to get out and be around friends and attending social gatherings, such as church. I still felt embarrassed at going out with a cane, but didn’t care so much at this point. It felt so good to get out, even though I was walking extremely slow and had the cane. Getting out was one of the best things I did for myself.

Fall flowers by amyjayne10

Along with getting out when pain has allowed, I have been learning about how people here treat those who use canes. Czechs are mostly respectful to those who have canes and are having a hard time getting around. I have been shocked and surprised by the kindness of people—from teens to those much older than me. I don't want to be treated differently due to having a cane, but having a seat on a tram, bus or in the metro is a boon. At first, when people would offer me a seat, I was surprised and hesitant to accept. But after several times of being wrenched while standing, I began to accept seats when they were offered. I've been very appreciative to all who have given up their seats to help me—thank you all so very much—I mean this from the heart. (Note: these days [2016] I return the favors shown me during my "cane time!")

A few times, some young men have even stepped off the bus/tram and then held out their hand to help me down. I was so surprised—this also made me feel very old, but I don’t care. When you need a hand, and someone’s there offering theirs,  you’re very thankful.  

Another day, about a week ago, I was standing on a tram coming home, and an older man (he must have been in his late 70s) saw me having trouble, and got up to give me his seat as the tram was moving. He was still a very strong and vigorous man, and he held my hand and my lower arm and helped me to the seat he had vacated for me. This man did not let go of my hand/arm until I was firmly seated. This almost made me cry. I would have stayed standing rather than take an older person’s seat. However, this man insisted, and I’m most thankful to him for his assistance.

Fall imagery by lindaorso

Life with a cane and a temporary disability are challenging. I have learned a lot about people—both good and bad, and how thankful I am for those who have been a help and who have been so kind as to give up their seats. I mostly don’t need too much assistance, but when traveling it is definitely best to be able to sit. I have been doing my own housework (most of the time) and cooking, though there have been some high-pain days when that hasn’t been possible. At times, I have been frustrated by living with this lower level of capability than I’m used to. However, I have also learned to live life a little slower and to enjoy the small things. 

When you are recovering from a long illness or injury, it is best to view your time of recovery as a pilgrimage or quest, and take one step at a time. Just try to see how much you learn about yourself and others through the process of healing and recovery. And if you aren’t able to recover to the level you were at before, that’s OK. Go and do what you are still able to, and enjoy it, in spite of your illness or disability. One last bit of advice, don’t be ashamed or embarrassed to go out with a cane or any other assistance device. If you need  it, use it. Keep living and don’t hide yourself away. We are social creatures, and you will only be healed through staying as active and as social as you can—even if that means only socializing online…do it. You’ll be better for it and feel better, in spite of what you’re going through.

God bless,

Sher :0)

PS I'm currently in a round of physical therapy and doing exercises to ease pain and regain strength. Right now, there doesn't seem to be much progress. I'm staying focused on getting better--this type of injury can take a while to heal--almost a year for some people. At this point, I'm almost 4.5 months into dealing with this pain and injury...just past the 1/3 of a year mark. That's a positive thing! If physical therapy doesn't work, I'm not sure what the neurologist will want to do next. I have to stay focused now, though, on the physical therapy and the hope this will work. I remember what Christ taught us, "Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about it's own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." (Matthew 6:34 New King James Version) In other words, don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow has it's own worries, and today has enough trouble of it's own without having to worry about tomorrow's, too! I'm not always good about practicing this, but I'm working on it :0) 

Czech Off the Beaten Path Website

Czech Off the Beaten Path T-shirts and More

Sher’s Stuff

© 2011 by Sher Vacik. All rights reserved.