(Clockwise, from L-R: 1.<3; 2. <3; 3.<3.)

EDUCATION, WORKFORCE AND LIFE:

LOLA: Describe the education system in the country.

MISS LYUBA: Tough one because basically the education system is corrupted. The education system is (officially), public.  The school levels are: elementary + high school = 10 years of study; the higher school levels are: bachelors, masters, and PhD.

The applicants can apply to any university after passing external testing. However the new law now requires that the applicants not only pass the external testing, but also the internal exam given by the university they are applying to. This will definitely cause bribery among the examination committee.

The quality of the education is poor. School level is very poor.

LOLA: Do most people go to college? Is it difficult to get accepted? Affordable?

MISS LYUBA: Yes, most of the people go to college.  Only students with the highest scores from external testing get accepted, and study for free (government funds); others have to pay for themselves. Most prestigious majors, and universities are very expensive, so only rich people can afford those. However, there are less expensive options too.

LOLA: Let’s say you just received your diploma. What is your next step in the job search?

MISS LYUBA: I know that the universities “cooperate” with some recruiting agencies that help students find jobs. However, the reality is, as they get their diplomas the students are on their own. Some of them go online, post resumes, and do active job searches, while some get parents to help with the references.    But it is tough to find a job for a graduate who has no job experience, especially today.

LOLA: What would one do if they lost their job?

MISS LYUBA: Look for another one.  It is that simple. Some professions are in high demand in Ukraine, such as software developers, and engineers. But many are struggling to find and keep a good job. If you lose yours you can register as an unemployed person, and get help from the government for about one year or less. There is also a government job institution that helps the unemployed find jobs.

LOLA: What percentage of women go into the workforce?

MISS LYUBA: About 50-53% of working age women are officially employed. Only 2% of big business owners are female; women comprise only 15% of top managerial positions. Workingwomen on average earn 30% less than male counterparts, despite holding most of nation’s university degrees, this is according to a new study completed by the Equal Opportunities and Women’s Rights Program by the EC and the UN Development Program.

(LOLA’S NOTE: The situation in Ukraine is statistically comparable to the US regarding the male-female income disparity.  According to the National Committee on Pay Equity: “Latest Census statistics show that the gap between men’s and women’s earnings widened slightly between 2007 and 2008, from 77.8% to 77%… Median earnings for most women of color are even lower. In 2008, the earnings for African American women were 67.9% of of men’s earnings, and Latinas’ earnings were 58% of men’s earnings. Asian American women’s earnings in 2008 were 91% of men’s earnings, an increase from 89.5% in 2007.”)

LOLA: Are women able to rise in rank?

MISS LYUBA: While employer discrimination may not be the biggest threat for Ukrainian women, traditional social stereotypes do hold them back. There are only a quarter of working women who are willing to climb the career ladder, according to research done by the Institute of Sociology.  So, in general, it is still difficult for a woman to compete with a man when rising in rank.

LOLA: Are home duties generally shared?

MISS LYUBA: No. Ukraine is a very tradition-oriented country.  Social roles and home duties are quite distinct for men and women.  It is usually expected from a woman to take care of the house and children, cook and do most of the house work, whereas a man only has a duty to work and financially support the family. Some men do help their wives around the house, but the majority doesn’t.

LOLA: How possible is it to lead a good life in Ukraine? (Let’s define ‘good’ as a comfortable middle class life: an opportunity to find a satisfying job that pays enough to cover expenses and entertainment, being able to go on vacation, send kids to school, etc.)

MISS LYUBA: I think that today there are opportunities to lead a good life if you have brains, connections that help you to find a good job, and a strong desire to work and be the best at what you do. It is much more difficult to start your own business (small or big), because of many obstacles, and a corrupted system. Bank loans with extraordinarily high interest rates are tough to pay back.  Hopefully it will get better one day.

LOLA: What annual salary would provide for this?

MISS LYUBA: From $2,000-$5,000/month.  Only a very small percentage of people make this money.  Most of the population is in the range of $300-$800/month, depending on the profession, level of qualification, and experience.

LOLA: Do most people own their homes, or rent?

MISS LYUBA: I would say own.

(Clockwise L-R: 1. <3; 2. <3; 3. <3.)

POLITICS

LOLA: How has having someone like Yulia Tymoshenko changed women’s status in society?

MISS LYUBA: I don’t think it had a significant impact. I personally don’t see that. I think with time having more women be involved in state business will influence a woman’s status in society overall.

LOLA: Are there a lot of immigrants, and from where?

MISS LYUBA: Many people come from very poor countries from the East, China, and the Caucasus region too.

LOLA: How do minority groups live?

MISS LYUBA: Not sure.  Ukrainians are mostly tolerant of other nations, and cultures. There are some minor cases of the conflicts between Ukrainians and foreigners, but these are quite rare.

LOLA: Are people generally satisfied with the political structure?

MISS LYUBA: No! Especially having this ongoing turmoil with political parties for last six years who are fighting for power. People are so tired of lies and deception from politicians.  There is basically no trust.

FASHION

LOLA: You’re very fashionable! How would you describe your style?

MISS LYUBA: I would not call myself as a person who strictly follows the fashion trends. I tend to wear what’s comfortable.  I do have my own style of course, but it not always aligns with the current trends.

My style is a mixture of classic and hippy. There are days when I like to look very classy (depends on the mood), but more often I wear casual clothing.

LOLA: Are Ukrainian women expected to look beautiful?

MISS LYUBA: Yes! We are a nation of beautiful women, and that’s proclaimed by many men from other countries! Our women are very fashion-focused. They like glamour, and stuff like that. Wearing high (often very high), heels every day is a common thing. Make up and hair are a must on a daily basis.

LOLA: What are some pieces every woman should have in her closet?

MISS LYUBA: Hmm. I believe good high heels, good quality lingerie, and different accessories.

LOLA: Where does a regular person shop?

MISS LYUBA: Markets are still the most common places people shop. But I don’t like them because most of the clothing there is of bad quality and looks pretty much the same from one store to another. So I never can find something unique and to my style there. I prefer to shop in brand stores.

LOLA: Does Ukraine have a big fashion industry?

MISS LYUBA: Ukraine does have homegrown designers who are known abroad: Viktoria Gres, Andre Tan to name a few. But the majority of women still prefer foreign designers (if they can afford).

LOLA: Who is your fashion icon?

MISS LYUBA: I don’t have one.

LOLA: What are your top 5 beauty recommendations?

MISS LYUBA: Eat healthy food, do sports, be active, sleep at least 6 hours a day, and be confident and comfortable with who you are.

LOLA: I love your hair! Is red as popular in Ukraine as blond is in the US?

MISS LYUBA: Well, I cannot say that it is very popular, but there are definitely many more ladies in Ukraine who have red hair compared to the US. It is not my natural color, but I like dying my hair red because it suites me, and my temper well.

HOT THEMES

LOLA: Are you in a relationship?

MISS LYUBA: I am in an active search.  Relationship I am looking for must have a mutual understanding between me and my partner. And what I mean by that is not that we love the same things but that we are on the same level with each other, that we have a similar life vision, the same qualities.  The rest can be worked out.

Plus, it is very important to have a similar sense of humor. The man I am looking for is: kind, smart, a go-getter, active, honest, and loyal.

LOLA: Is marriage important in today’s day?

MISS LYUBA: Absolutely!! As I mentioned earlier, people get married early here, and have children fast. It is still kind of traditional.

LOLA: With increased financial power are couples more likely to divorce if they have life disagreements?

MISS LYUBA: I suppose so. Money has always been one of the reasons people fight. But in Ukraine I think people get divorced if a woman starts making more than a man, not vice versa.  It is a psychological factor, plus a man loses control (power if you will), over a woman—and that’s where the problems begin.

LOLA: When do young people start dating?

MISS LYUBA: In Ukraine dating starts early.  Ukrainians get married very early compared to other Western countries. Girls and boys get married at the age of 20-25. Often, the reason is that the girl got pregnant. But I think this will change soon as ladies start their careers, and get more financially independent.

LOLA: Is sex an open subject in the country?

MISS LYUBA: No. It is more open than 20 years ago, but still not like in rest of Europe. Sexual education remains a big gap in the education of young people.  Most of the parents prefer not to talk about it with their kids, the same with the teachers in schools.

LOLA: Do you have any gay friends?

MISS LYUBA: I don’t have any gay friends here, and don’t know anyone being homosexual.  The society is not ready to accept them.

LOLA: How important is spending time with your friends?

MISS LYUBA: It is very important to have friends here. People hang out with each other mostly in bigger groups. We are a community-oriented people; we need to be surrounded by others like us. Therefore, friendship is cultivated here. And I believe it is a very good thing. Good friends are quite rare but when you have them they are for life.

FUTURE

LOLA: What is the future of Ukraine?

MISS LYUBA: Oh, tough question! I would really want Ukraine to become stronger economically and politically, and become an equal player in the world arena.  I would like to see it as a part of Europe in all aspects – not only from historic or geographical stand point.  As the new generation of politicians arrives, I think Ukraine will be much better off.  As long as we have post-Soviet politicians Ukraine has no future.

LOLA: Any words of wisdom for our readers?

MISS LYUBA: Not sure what words I should be saying.

Thanks Lyuba!

<3,

Lola

(Here are a few sites of interest if you’re planning a trip to Ukraine: US Embassy in Kiev, State Dept, Travel Guide to Ukraine, Best of Ukraine Forum, Ukraine Travel 101, Virtual Tourist, Travel Pod, & Wiki.)

LVIV LIVING

A thousand years ago, Ukraine was a part of the most powerful country in Europe being at the center of first Slavic State, Kyivan Rus. Today it is a country 46 million strong, basking in its deep rooted culture, intricate history, and enigmatic people. It is my pleasure to present to you Miss Lyuba, who took time from her busy (and very fun ) life to open the doors to her Ukraine of 2010. Thank you Lyuba!

From her insights it is easy to draw parallels to problems plaguing most of Eastern, and Southeastern Europe. Yet, it is great to see that Lyuba’s generation has different expectations of what life is supposed to be, and what elements make a successful country. This generation demands accountability, and has a spirit of taking the life into one’s own hands, and this kind of attitude potentially makes for a very optimistic future.

COUNTRY: Ukraine (Eastern Europe)
CAPITAL: Kiev
POPULATION & SIZE: 46 Million;  233,090 sq mi (a bit smaller than TX)
PROTAGONIST: Miss Lyuba
LOCATION: Lviv
OCCUPATION: Marketing Manager

YOU

LOLA: Tell us about yourself!
MISS LYUBA: My name is Lyuba, and I live in Lviv (also known as Lvov, Lemberg), in Western Ukraine which is, with its strong traditions of coffee drinking, the most European city in all of Ukraine. I am a Marketing Manager at a global software development company. This is my third job as a Marketing Manager since 2004.  Taking into consideration that Ukraine is quite closed to international investors, and companies, working for this Ukrainian company gives me valuable benefits such as working with the international market, English communication, business trips to the US, etc.

As I am a very social person I devote a good amount of time to the Toastmasters club, an international non-profit organization for individuals looking to develop strong public speaking, and communication skills.

My biggest passion, however, is horse riding. I started to take horse riding classes in 2008 at the age of 27. Although I have always admired those noble animals, and always wanted to ride one, I was simply afraid of them.  When by accident I bumped into an ad for private lessons I decided that this was my chance. So I took one (lesson), and have had no regrets, only a growing passion for these animals.

Besides horse riding I love traveling, figure skating, and folk dancing. While in the US I met a couple who used to give folk dancing lessons to amateurs. I simply loved it.  Unfortunately I don’t have this opportunity in Lviv.

Overall, I am a person who is very open to new adventures.

LOLA: Passions?
MISS LYUBA: As I mentioned already my latest biggest passion is horse ridding. The interesting thing is I love taking care of these animals: cleaning them, feeding them… This way I get connected to them and it is more important than riding.

Also, I simply love traveling. I wish I had more time, and money, to travel as much and as far as I want to. Traveling does not necessarily mean going to other countries; it can mean discovering corners of Ukraine itself: the countryside, old castles, mountains, etc. I love the process of going somewhere, seeing new places… And it has to be done by car so I can stop anytime, and anywhere I want.

LOLA: What is your work like?
MISS LYUBA: As a Marketing Manager I deal with verbal and written communication. Being an extravert this suites me well. My company works for the US market – therefore I speak and write mostly in English. This is very helpful in terms of keeping the language on an advanced level. In Ukraine only a few companies work for/or with foreigners.

Apart from routine work I am also responsible for management of corporate events, one of which is the annual conference for the US clients. I do a complete coordination of this event.

LOLA: Describe one of your weekdays!
MISS LYUBA: My weekday starts at 8:30AM when I get up.  The usual procedure is this: I shower, dress up (into what I have come up with the evening before), and make breakfast – either leftovers from previous dinner, or fried eggs with toast and freshly squeezed juice. When I am done with breakfast I put on light make up (mascara and foundation), and go to work.

Since my work schedule is very flexible I can come to the office by 10:30AM—this is one more thing I love about my job – and I finish at about 7:30 or 8PM. When you work with the US clients you have to be on a shifted schedule. However, this fits me well since I don’t have a family to take care of, so there is no need to run home early. Plus, I still have enough time to do some fun activities after work: meet friends for a cup of coffee or a glass of beer, go to a jazz concert, or see a movie. Generally my evenings are quite booked. One evening it is meeting with friends, another evening I ride horses, on Wednesdays there is always a Toastmasters meeting, etc.

Before I go to bed, I like to read. Currently I am into the modern Ukrainian writers. My day ends at about 12AM.

LOLA: What about the weekend?
MISS LYUBA: Being a very active person, I try to spend every weekend doing as many good things as possible. I never sleep through the weekends. I often set the alarm for 9AM to have the whole day to do home chores and spend enough time with friends. My number one thing on the list is to go horse riding. I usually do it on Saturday or Sunday mornings, but it all depends whether an instructor is available.  In the winter there is, unfortunately, only so much one can do (my favorite winter activity is figure skating), but when it is really cold and ugly I spend time indoors. On the contrary, during the spring and in the summer I take a lot of walks around the city.

Meeting with friends is a must during weekends. Since most of my single friends are females, I go with them for a dessert, or a cocktail to chat about stuff – mostly about men and what a scarce resource a good man is in Ukraine (Lviv particularly). In the summer, I love to sit outside my favorite café Svit Kavy (World of Coffee), and read a good book.  Besides, summer is a great time to picnic at the park or by the lake, so I do that with my friends very often as well.

Weekend evenings are usually spent in a café or pub with friends, or at a friend’s house. Typical time spending activities include: watching a good movie, eating some sweets, smoking hookah (sometimes), and simply talking.

(1.<3; 2. <3; 3. <3 4. <3; 5. <3; 6. <3; 7. <3.)

YOUR CITY

LOLA: How long have you lived in your city?
MISS LYUBA: Lviv is my city.  Although I’ve been living here only for 6 years now, I consider it to be my city, simply because I love it and feel absolutely comfortable here.

LOLA: In 2009 Lviv was named the best city to live in Ukraine. Would you agree?
MISS LYUBA: Absolutely! Taking into consideration tremendous historical, and cultural heritage that is seen on every corner of the old city (with its coffee drinking tradition, theaters, opera, and jazz), all these contribute to city’s best qualities. I haven’t been to many other cities in Ukraine, but something tells me that Lviv does deserve such recognition.

LOLA: Name a few things you like…
MISS LYUBA: 1. Little old streets that take one to the most unusual corners of the city; 2. Little cafes with their delicious coffee, and pastries; 3. Friendly people who are patriots of their motherland; 4. Amazing architecture.

LOLA: Have you considered living anywhere else?
MISS LYUBA: I am a very flexible person and could get used to living in totally different places. Things important to me are the atmosphere, cultural diversity, traditions, and of course the people. New York City is the city I would like to live in because it has all that. However, I am absolutely comfortable living in Lviv for the rest of my life.

LOLA: What things would you improve, and how?
MISS LYUBA: Most of the things that need bigger improvement are the result of a lousy city government; this can be improved only by electing a better one. I am talking about things such as corruption on every level, and very poor infrastructure to name a few.

Besides that the service sector needs a major improvement, and especially restaurants, cafes, shops, etc. Service personnel should understand that only exceptional service brings in more clients. At the moment most of the places provide a very poor level of service that really spoils everything.

LOLA: If I visit Lviv, what should I do/see? Where should I eat?
MISS LYUBA: If you like museums you should visit our brewery, and ethnic museums. If you prefer sightseeing then you should see the old Market Square, and ancient churches and cathedrals (Dominican Cathedral, St. George’s Cathedral, Elizabeth Roman-Catholic Church, etc.).

As for eating there is the authentic Ukrainian place 7 piglets, and at café Kryivka you can experience the atmosphere of guerrilla fighters during World War II – these are the best I think.

LOLA: Are there enough opportunities for living in Lviv compared to those of Kiev?
MISS LYUBA: Depends what opportunities you are asking about.  If you want to build a successful career in the financial, or legal spheres, or in the politics, then Kiev is the place to be.  Lviv offers interesting opportunities in the spheres of culture, tourism, hotel, and high-tech industries, as well as small businesses.

LOLA: What cities in Ukraine should one visit?
MISS LYUBA: Lviv- for sure, Kiev, Kharkiv, Odessa. These are the big ones.

LOLA: Where within the country do you generally travel?
MISS LYUBA: Mostly to the West (mountainous region), and the South (warmer region).

LOLA: What is Ukrainian food like?
MISS LYUBA: Very delicious! In general also kind of greasy.  We eat a lot of pork, beef, potatoes, and different vegetables. The traditional soup is called borshch. It is made of beats, beans, potatoes, and pork with sour cream.

(1. <3; 2.<3; 3. <3; 4. <3; 5. <3; 6. <3; 7. <3.)

YOUR COUNTRY

LOLA: How has Ukraine changed in the past 20-25 years?
MISS LYUBA: Since its independence Ukraine has gone through toughest of times and transformations. Some of these transformations are a stronger economy, a higher standard of living, and a more democratic society with freedom of speech. Those are among the positive changes. However, poor health care, dirty politics, unbelievable corruption on all levels, and a high crime level are still thriving in the country.  Ukraine became more open to the world, and many foreigners visit the country for business and/or leisure. At the same time, millions of Ukrainians work low paying jobs abroad, and the human trafficking has risen too.

The biggest and most prominent change is that Ukraine has become a free economy state.

LOLA: Has democracy crystallized?
MISS LYUBA: Democracy in Ukraine is very young. I can say for sure that since the Orange Revolution people got a strong feeling and understanding of democracy – which leads directly to strength and growth. However, it will definitely take another 10 years to be comparable to other European democratic societies.

LOLA: Are there things people miss from the Soviet times?
MISS LYUBA: There are millions of Ukrainians who still miss the Soviet times. Amazingly so, but they miss mostly the economic and social equality of everyone. These are the people who could not realize themselves, who are poor and envy the richer.

LOLA: How is your life different than those of your parents?
MISS LYUBA: The significant difference is that I am much freer to do what I want and go where I want.  I have that freedom of choice they did not have. My life is about what I can do for myself not what “the system” allows me to.

LOLA: On a scale from 0 – 10, where does Ukraine rank for living a normal life?
MISS LYUBA: 5

LOLA: What is the economy like at the moment?
MISS LYUBA : Very weak. Very few national producers of goods, most of the goods are imported. The economy is dependent on coal and metal export.  National currency is extremely weak which influences the rising inflation. The root of all these problems is political instability.

LOLA: What are some good things?
MISS LYUBA: Good things…let’s see. After the last Presidential elections I hardly can name any good things.  Probably freedom of choice, and free speech.

LOLA: Ukraine is well on its way to join the EU.  The country always had a distinct history, and even under the Soviet Block Ukrainians had great pride in their heritage, and way of life. How will the people react to power being decentralized again (after joining the EU), when laws affecting daily life will be made outside the country?
MISS LYUBA: It definitely will not go that easy. However, as long as we keep respecting other cultures, traditions, and history, as well as our own, I think we will be able to deal with being a part of present Europe. Ukrainian power has pretty much always been decentralized in one way or another – we are simply not used to being completely on our own. So if Ukraine happens to join the EU I don’t think that it will harm Ukrainian identity in anyway.

Stay tuned for Part 2 tomorrow which explores Ukraine, and Miss Lyuba in more depth. For now, many hugs to Miss Lyuba!!!

<3,
Lola.

PRAGUE LIVING

Czech Republic has been a subject of curiosity ever since it painlessly divided itself from Slovakia and established Prague as the Paris of Central Europe.  As most of the former block countries have had a hard transition Czech example needs to be congratulated. Miss Zuzka alleviated my questions, and in the below interview assured me that good life in Czech is possible. From Zuzka we find Czechs achieved such status by seizing new opportunities, not wallowing in the old, and embracing responsibility for their own lives. I thank Zuzka for sharing her story.

COUNTRY: Czech Republic (Central Europe)
CAPITAL: Prague
POPULATION & SIZE: 10.2 Million;  30,450 sq mi (about the size of SC)
PROTAGONIST: Miss Zuzka
LOCATION: Prague
OCCUPATION: Civil Engineer

LOLA: Introductions…
MISS ZUZKA: My name is Zuzana, and I work as a Specialist Technician for a company involved in production of bitumen waterproofing membranes. Some of my hobbies include singing in the choir, and playing sports (tennis, swimming, skating, running, biking, etc). I was born in southern Bohemia, although I now live in Prague. 

LOLA: What inspired this line of work?
MISS ZUZKA: I was always interested in physics, but I also wanted to have a practical occupation with a high earning potential. The field of Civil Engineering offered both.

LOLA: What is your daily life like?
MISS ZUZKA: I get up and go to work, and after work I have some time for my hobbies and boyfriend. I don’t cook during weekdays because I am too busy. However during weekends I quite enjoy it (cooking).

LOLA: Describe your perfect Saturday.
MISS ZUZKA: I’d get up early, and have breakfast – I like having long breakfasts because I don’t have enough time during weekdays. After, I’d do sports with my boyfriend. Depending on the weather I’d either do outdoor activities (biking, skating, inline skating), or indoor ones (squash, and swimming). Later I’d lunch at a restaurant – I really like sushi. In the afternoon I would relax, and in the evening go out with my friends to a pub and have a beer or two.

(From top Left to bottom Left clockwise: 1. Pradubice by LD nahoru; 2. Jested Restaurant, Liberec by stevacek; 3. Olomouc, Turtle Fountain by annahen; 4.  City Hall, Ostrava by sveterCZE.)

YOUR CITY

LOLA: Describe Prague of 2010!
MISS ZUZKA: Prague is a very nice city. Sometimes it can be hectic and stressful – especially during the rush hour when a lot of people are taking public transport (subway, trams, buses), or are driving in the streets. But if you know where to go, it can also be very quiet and romantic.

LOLA: Things you like in particular?
MISS ZUZKA: I like the historical part – the location of some very old buildings, churches, castle and cobblestone roads with small souvenir shops. I also like places/events where the culture meets such as theaters, concerts, and restaurants. I like walking in the suburbs to places I have never been before as well. Finally, one can do any sport activities they want.

LOLA: What’s the city’s atmosphere like?
MISS ZUZKA: It varies depending on where you go.  One can find a lot of young people on the streets in the evening when bars are open. One can also find old people walking dogs in the parks in the morning. Prague has a couple of faces: a historical one, and then a new one with all the new shopping malls and other commercial things.

LOLA: What would you improve and how?
MISS ZUZKA: I would change the main highways to avoid traffic jams, if a solution exists. I would also decrease the criminal activity.  It isn’t safe to leave things visible because poor people can rob it. How to improve this is a hard question.

LOLA: How has Prague changed in the past 20 years?
MISS ZUZKA: I have been living in Prague for 9 years so I can’t say how it has changed in the past 20 years. I am sure now we have cleaner city with a lot of shops, shopping malls, more cars and people.

LOLA: What should one visit in Prague?
MISS ZUZKA: You have to see the historical part, castle, old churches, bridges, visit some very good restaurants, and see a concert in one of the famous concert halls.

LOLA: What other cities should one see? Where within the country do you travel to?
MISS ZUZKA: Hard to say as all are beautiful, but maybe Brno, and Cesky Krumlov. I travel to my hometown Strakonice. I also travel quite a lot for work.

LOLA: Any food specialties you recommend?
MISS ZUZKA: Dumplings with cabbage and pork meat, and all kinds of sour cream sauces with bread dumpling and meat.

(From top Left to bottom Left clockwise: 1. Prague by jackfre2; 2. Dancing House/ Drunk House, Prague by Edgar Barany; 3. Charles Bridge at night, Prague by Philipp Klinger; 4.Wenceslas Square, Prague by jackfre2.)

YOUR COUNTRY

LOLA: Describe your country!
MISS ZUZKA: Czech Republic is a country in Central Europe. We are a quite small country, but there are even smaller countries in Europe.  We have our own language and culture. Czechs are not big-headed, and are quite ordinary.

LOLA: Can you make comparisons of Czech in 1985/1995/2005?
MISS ZUZKA: I was only 3 years old in 1985 so I don’t remember much about that period. After the revolution in 1989 a lot of things changed, and we’ve had a democratic system since then. The economic growth ensued, and now we can spoil ourselves with all kinds of consumer goods. It hasn’t changed much in 2005 and since; except now one can cross the border without passport, and there are EU supported projects such as highways, and refurbishment of state buildings, (schools, etc.).

LOLA: Has democracy crystallized – meaning are people used to the system and able to live well? Good/bad things that came with transition?
MISS ZUZKA: I think more people live more actively overall and have increased opportunities.  One can travel, study, and do anything if they follow some rules. If a person is living badly it is because they do not want to work. This results in a lack of money, and dependence on social welfare. The problem with some older people is they do not want to be responsible; this is why they do not like democracy. Everything was planned out for them during the communist period so they did not have to try to be better.

LOLA: What is the economy like at the moment?
MISS ZUZKA: The economy is recovering after the financial crisis. The crisis was not that bad. Everything is more or less steady.

LOLA: Do most people own or rent homes?
MISS ZUZKA: Most people own.

LOLA: What could be done to improve living?
MISS ZUZKA: Lower taxes and waste less the state money.

(From top Left to bottom Left clockwise: 1. Cesky Krumlov by Franz St.; 2. Brno by Nite Tripper; 3.  Karlstejn Castle by JamesR:Exposure; 4. Pannonian Plain by Kugarth.)

EDUCATION/ WORKFORCE/ LIFE

LOLA: Describe the education system in the country.
MISS ZUZKA: Preschool and elementary schools last 9 years, and are optional. After that one chooses to either attend high school (4 years), or a training school (3 years). After high school the student takes an exit exam – it is very important to pass this. After passing one can apply to attend a university for bachelors and masters. There is also the option of attending trade school that prepares you more for your field.

LOLA: You work in a historically male field. How has this impacted you? Do you feel you have the same rights not only on paper, but also in practice?
MISS ZUZKA: In the beginning it was harder for me, but it is good now. However one can always encounter a prejudiced, non intelligent person.

LOLA: Do women find employment easily after having children?
MISS ZUZKA: Of course, but I heard it is a little bit harder with small children.

LOLA: With the financial power increasing, are couples more likely to divorce if they have life disagreements?
MISS ZUZKA: Actually more people are getting married because they want stability.

WRAPPING UP

LOLA: Overall, how different is your life compared to the life of your parents?
MISS ZUZKA: I have more opportunities and more freedom. I am able to earn more money, and am satisfied with my life.

LOLA: Finally, on a scale from 0 to 10 what would you rank Czech in terms of living a good life?
MISS ZUZKA: 10!

(Lola’s Note: Here are a few websites that may be of help when planning your trip to Czech: Travel Guide;  Prague;  Czech Republic; Videos;  Basics.)

If you liked this article, check out living in Austria & living in Croatia.

I found these photos online, and am borrowing them to express my unusual nostalgia of that time of magical realism in Sarajevo. They are by a Bosnian war photojournalist, Rikard Larma, currently a Philadelphia resident.

Mr. Larma captured my sentiments exactly: we really were just a page out of Marquez’ books. This particular set of photos he called “A Siege in 40 pictures.” (Opsada u 40 Slika.)

1984. – Year of the Olympics.  Sarajevo, a perfect medium between East and West of Europe was chosen to host the Olympics and represent that different sort of thinking brings beauty into life too.  In war only memories remained, and this Vucko (mascot of the games) poster is now trashed, together with cans of despicable ICAR canned meat that was given as Humanitarian Aid.

A UN soldier sits here with some kids (who were my age at the time). We called the UN Smurfs – less because of blue helmets they wore, and more for the nonchalant behavior.  They did absolutely nothing to help solve anything that went on in the city.  Because of this, Sarajevans are greatly skeptical of any UN missions set up to ‘watch the peace’.

Perhaps the most affected were the elderly.  At an age when life should return upon them hard work and effort they put into it, they were forced to witness their country, their way of life, their culture, and their city collapse. Many wished they had ‘gone’ before the start of war. I often wished the same for my grandfather. Had he died just a few months earlier, in 1992, he would have died a satisfied man.

This is the City Hall, greatest library of Sarajevo. It was burnt to the ground in a shell caused fire in 1992.

Remainders. Reminders.

Definitely not an everyday picture, but still charming, very charming. No regular means of transportation, but when life gives you shit and genocide, well then you have to make your own carriage. <3.

Or wait for peace… Like this little fellow.

More photos can be found here.
More about the photographer, Rikard Larma.
I hope you enjoy them as much as I.

Yours with love,
Lola

P.S. I added descriptions to photos, but will gladly remove if asked by author.

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