Divoká Šárka (Wild Šárka) Nature Reserve

Dzban Hill

Hi Everyone,

Spring is coming along nicely in Prague; this is the time of year Czechs love to get in touch with the sun and nature. Czechs love being out in nature; weekend jaunts are part of Czech culture in spring and summer. Many families have a chata (a cottage or cabin) located in the mountains around the country, or in the forests and hills not far from Prague. 

Cities and towns, including Prague, empty out on the weekends, as many people head out of town to enjoy the beauty and serenity of Nature in this beautiful country. However, if you can't get out of Prague, there are beautiful parks in the city where you feel as if you're completely out of Prague. One of my favorite Prague parks is Divoká Šárka. 

Divoká Šárka Park Location

Divoká Šárka sits on the northwestern outskirts of Prague 6, on the way to Ruzynĕ Airport. Divoká Šárka, or Wild Šárka, is a nature preserve famous for its forests, lake, rocky cliffs, high bluffs and deep valley. The park is one of the largest within the city of Prague. 

Šárka and Ctirad

Vyšehrad, Prague

Divoká Šárka—A Czech Legend

Divoká Šárka is named after Šárka, a mythical female Slavic warrior. Šárka was one of the main characters in the mythical story of The Maidens’ War —which is an interesting tale about a war between men and women. The story takes place in about the 6^th century, before Prague existed. 

At this time, according to legend, Czech society was based on the matriarchal system (women were in charge, rather than men). In the story, after Libuse’s rule and death, the men gain the upper hand and rule in place of the women.  The women become unhappy with this arrangement, and plan to once again rule over the men. 

Šárka, one of the top warrior leaders for the women, tries to entrap the men’s warrior leader, Ctirad, and kill him. Šárka succeeds in catching Ctirad with her feminine wiles and kills him. After Ctirad’s death, the women warriors gain the upper hand, but later the men win the Maiden’s War, and women are thereafter ruled by men.  Rather than be ruled by men, the legend says that Šárka jumped from a cliff, in the current park, to her death.  Divoká Šárka, the park, is named after this famous, legendary woman warrior. 

Park's History

The first recorded settlement of Divoká Šárka dates back to the Paleolithic era (prehistoric times), with archeological evidence also showing human settlement from the Neolithic era, the Bronze Age, through to modern times, when farming and settlement of the area was ended just after WWII.  You can find the remains of an ancient hrad (castle fortress), which was used from the 7^th to the 9^th century.

What to Do in Divoká Šárka

Divoká Šárka is full of paths where you can walk, hike and bike. The paths run through the entire valley, affording beautiful views of rocky cliffs, forests, a reservoir and stream. Some parts of the park’s sides are steep; making them popular with mountain climbers of all ages who go there to train. Jiri spent many years climbing the cliff walls in Divoká Šárka, in preparation for his many mountain climbing expeditions.You’ll also find a beautiful lake in the midst of the park, Lake Džbán. Swimming is allowed in this lake, which is refreshing after a hot day’s walk. Another popular swimming site is Divoká Šárka’s swimming pool. The water in both the lake and pool are spring-fed and cold. There’s also a beautiful stream that runs through the park’s valley. 

A Refreshing Stop and Animal Life

Meandering along the walkways of Šárka, you’ll also come across a lovely pub, where you can have lunch and pivo (beer), the favorite Czech drink. The pub makes a nice place to take a break on a warm day. Along with the beautiful scenery in Divoká Šárka, you’ll encounter many types of animal life. The park is popular with bird watchers, as you can see more than 80 types of birds there. You can occasionally see free operas and plays in the park, as well.

Divoká Šárka One of My Favorite Places

Divoká Šárka is one of my most favorite parks to visit in Prague. You actually feel as if you’re in the middle of nature, far from the busy, noisy city. You hear less and less of the city’s noise the farther down into the park’s valley you go. The forest, plants and animals refresh your mind and spirit, all without having to venture out of the city. I highly recommend a visit to Divoká Šárka when you come to Prague. The park will give you a break from the city’s popular tourist sites--you won’t be disappointed.

That’s all for now. Have a great day!

God bless,

Sher :0) 

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(c) 2012 by Sher Vacik, all rights reserved.

Slivovice o Jirko?

Hi Everyone,
When I was reading through some expat blogs the other day, I came across this post from the DISPLACED NATION: Q: What is the Weirdest Multi-Cultural Celebration You’ve Ever Attended? This article is a great read—be sure to check it out. After reading the article, it got me to thinking. What was the weirdest celebration I’ve ever attended in the Czech Republic? A couple of memories came to mind (link to past posts). But there is one I’ve never told you about before: the first meeting with my in-laws-to-be. Now, that’s a good, funny story, though maybe not too weird.

First Visit to the Czech Republic

My very first visit to the Czech Republic was after Jiří and I became engaged in 2002. Jiří and I decided spring would be a good time for me to travel to the Czech Republic; Spring is a beautiful time of year—everything is blooming and growing. We also decided it was time for me to meet Jiří’s family and friends, along with me getting my first taste of what would later become my new home—the Czech Republic.

This was my third overseas trip—the first two were to Japan to visit Jiri while he lived and worked there. Thankfully, traveling to the Czech Republic wasn’t quite as traumatic as my first trip to Japan had been. I at least had a little bit of travel experience under my belt.My trip over to the Czech Republic was fairly easy that time, with planes on schedule, no bad weather or Icelandic volcanoes erupting.

I arrived to Prague tired, but safe and very happy to see my then fiancé, Jiří. He met me at the airport and what a joyous reunion we had. We stayed in Prague for a few days before going to Strakonice for my first meeting with Jiří’s mother. We were to spend the Easter holiday with Jiří’s mother and his family.

Meeting My Future In-Laws

After spending a day or two in Strakonice with Jiří’s mother and experiencing my first Easter beating with the pomlázka, we three traveled to where one of Jiří’s brother’s has a big house and a beautiful garden. The weather was pretty that year—not too hot and not too chilly. It was a perfect Easter to stay out in the family garden and talk and get to know one another. I was very nervous about this first meeting, as none of Jiri’s family spoke English. I wasn’t sure how things would go, or if I would be included in the family activities or not.

Introductions and Easter Dinner

Once all the introductions were finished--and there were many of these--we all sat down for a traditional Czech Easter dinner. We had the beranek (lamb-shaped cake), ham and other meats, along with so many side dishes I thought the table would collapse. As it was, the table was groaning with all that delicious Czech food.During our dinner, everyone was very nice to me and were asking questions about me, my kids, etc. Jiri did the translating back and forth, poor guy. He was a real trouper that day. During and after the dinner there were copious amounts of alcohol (which is also traditional for most Czech gatherings), though I didn't have too much to drink. I was grateful for that when we went outside to sit in the garden.

Fun and Games in the Garden

While we were in the garden, Jiri's sister wanted to get me involved with the family. My sister-in-law, Alena, is a wonderful person who just happens to be a real tease and funny. Alena stood up in the middle of the family gathering and motioned for me to stand up with her. Oh no, the fear ran through me...what was Alena planning to do?

I couldn't understand her too well and was afraid of making a fool of myself in front of Jiri's family on this first visit. Wanting to be a good sport, I stood up with Alena, in spite of my fear. We were standing in the middle of the family when Alena asked for some glasses. These were two small shot glasses that were about the size of a shot glass in the US. Along with the glasses, my brother-in-law brought out a pretty fancy, rounded bottle of some clear liquor. I had no idea what it was, but I figured that they were going to have some sport with me. I wasn't sure what form this sport was going to take.

Unidentified Clear Liquor

Alena filled both the glasses, to the brim, with this clear liquor. Then she proceeded to tilt her head back and chug down the entire contents of her glass. Alena then motioned for me to do the same. I was caught between a rock and a hard place in that moment. She expected me to down this unidentified liquor just as she had done.I wanted to make a good impression on my new Czech family-to-be, and wasn't sure how best to proceed. I decided it was best to follow the saying, "When in Rome..." I downed the liquor as Alena had done, and then started choking. That was embarrassing, but everyone clapped and cheered. They could see I wasn't a stick-in-the-mud American, and that I would adapt to Czech ways...at least in something!

Slivovice o Jirko?

After this first downing of the Slivovice, Alena proceeded to do another shot and I followed suit. It didn't take too long before I was having trouble standing. Come to find out, Slivovice is a hard alcohol typically made from plums. It's very good, though not many foreigners appreciate the taste. Back to the garden and Jiri's family, I was having trouble standing up and everyone was happy I was participating in this fun with Alena. Finally, just before our last shot together, Jiri's family began to ask me, "Jirko o Slivovice?" They were asking which one I wanted most--Jiri or Slivovice. I first answered Slivovice, but then added Jiri, too. My new Czech family was very happy, Jiri's mother said he was marrying the right girl, and I was from that time completely accepted into my Czech family. My brother-in-law to be then presented me with a huge new bottle of Slivovice. I still have this bottle at home in New Mexico.

Added Note

When I wrote this post yesterday, it didn't occur to me that some people just might take this event as more like some type of family hazing. I'm here to tell you this first meeting with my Czech family was not a hazing event at all. It was, indeed, a warm and fun gathering. You could say this Easter gathering with my new Czech family was more of a "let's see what the foreigner's made of" event.
This was my first introduction to my Czech family, and it was a fun, warm gathering. This was probably one of the strangest Easter celebrations I'd ever experienced (up to that point), but what fun we had.

From the beginning and over the years, my love for Jiri has surpassed my liking of Slivovice!

That's all for now! Have a great day!
God bless,
Sher :0)

(c) 2012 by Sher Vacik. All Rights Reserved.