Ever since I survived my first Czech winter (more than 15 years ago), spring has become one of my favorite times to live in the Czech Republic. As the weather grows warmer and the days get longer, Czechs linger outdoors (perhaps to make up for time lost during the grey winter months). For parents, leaving the playground before dark can become a battle of wills. …
Despite my strong attraction for being outside (in any season), I am at my least-best when asked to work in my garden. I feel particularly conflicted about my lack of gardening enthusiasm because many friends who live in apartments in the center of Prague or high-rises on the city’s outskirts would long to get their hands dirty in the green space that causes me wakes me up on otherwise beautiful spring Saturday mornings in a cold sweat.…
Photo by Ekaterina Kuchina/Shutterstock.com
For the last two springs my husband had dreamed of organizing a biking tour along the Rhine River in Germany. It all started when he read an article online highlighting the perks of the Rhine River culture – kilometer after kilometer of flat, paved biking trails; touring boats transporting sightseers (and tired bikers) back to their starting villages; wine cellars featuring German Riesling; riverside cafes with playgrounds where our three kids could unwind after a day of pedaling. Upon hearing…
Although I initially attributed the children's tiredness to being run-down from winter, it wasn't until I chatted with a Czech friend that I realized this malady has a real name, at least in the Czech Republic: jarní únava (spring fatigue)...While I'm familiar with the term "spring fever" from my school days, as the time of year when teachers go mad because children can't bear to sit still at their desks, I'd never run across the Czech term "spring fatigue" before.…