neilhayeswrites

Czech History, Nature and Fairytales

October 31, 2016 neilhayeswritesLeave a comment

I love long weekends, who doesn’t? And on this particular one, we decided to visit a local town called Pardubice. We live in Hradec Králové, and being only twenty minutes apart these two large towns have a bit of a local rivalry. Like most Czech towns, Pardubice has interesting and beautiful places to visit. It can be easy to miss these, as some parts of this town are quite industrial but it is certainly not all the same.

We started our day at the chateau and it is a wonderful example of renaissance architecture. It is surrounded by gorgeous grounds, has a museum and many exhibitions always running. It also has quite a collection of peacocks, which can be see throughout the grounds.

Pardubice also has some lovely parks and one in particular has a very modern feel, with a nice design and natural-feeling children’s playground. My kids love places like this and we always have to drag them away, not literally.

But we had to leave because we had been waiting until 2pm to go to our next destination. This has been on our to-do-list for a long time. It is the new eco centre in Pardubice. A little unusually, it opens from 2pm-9pm daily. We paid our, very reasonable, entry fee and spent over one hour walking around the inside and outside of the centre. Inside there were animals and some exhibitions. And outside were more educational, interactive displays and exhibits. We will certainly be going back, because there is much more to do. There are organised activities where you get to pretend you are, for example, a scientist or explorer and conduct experiments. These take around 2 hours to complete and it was already getting late, so next time.

The next day we went to a different area, in search of fairytales. These are very popular in the Czech Republic and there are many traditional ones, both old and modern. The first place we visited was another chateau, in Staré Hrady. This has been transformed into a wonderful day out for both children and adults alike. There are three different tours that you can do, and this time we chose the tour of the cellars. There are very interesting exhibitions throughout the cellar. The tour took around 45 minutes and when it was finished we had time to walk around outside, look at the animals and enjoy some shooting. We also drank some medovina, which is a warm honey-based drink. Perfect to warm you up, on a cold day.

The final job for the weekend, was to begin preparations for halloween. This is not such a special holiday, in the Czech Republic, but children like to prepare jack-o-lanterns and maybe dress up for school. But no trick or treating, they will often do that type of thing during other holidays, such as Easter. But Easter in the Czech Republic is something which requires it’s own article!

Border 2, the move: A short story

October 29, 2016September 18, 2019 neilhayeswritesLeave a comment

At first I was worried that we would lose everything, but we were allowed to collect our few belongings before the destruction began. It was terrible to behold. What now, where? There had been talk of relocation, but there is such uncertainty. I just hope that the next move brings us closer to some permanence.

I find myself staring at the destruction, feeling numb, I can hardly breath. Nadia has her arms around Yaya and Abdo, trying to comfort them. “Now, we will go somewhere better”, she says. Please, I hope so.

The dream was always to reach Britain, we speak English and have some relations there already. At least there would be some friendly faces to help. But here, it seems like everything will be so much harder. But, believe me, even the Jungle was better than where we came from. If learning another language is the largest problem we have, the future will be bright.

The police are coming now, directing us where to go. Single men here, families there, children here. It is unbelievable how many children there are, with no families. Teenagers with no one to guide them, heartbreaking. Our processing seems relatively simple, the decision has already been made where to send us. Another foreign name with no meaning for me.

We are put on the bus, with many other families. Time to leave. Part of me is sad, how strange to think I would ever feel sad to leave this place. I guess the channel crossing was always the end of the journey, and we never made it. And now we are off, to something better. I must believe.

It is easy to forget what a beautiful country this is, once you move away from the port and the city. We have been told we are going to a large village. This seems surprising, how will we find work there? And the people, what will they think?

Now we are moving, the children are more animated. There is excitement in Yaya’s eyes, it is infectious, I am starting to feel it too. The colours of autumn glow all around us as we speed towards our destination. There is nervousness amongst my fellow passengers, but so much hope.

After a couple of hours we are told we have arrived. What a pretty place, typical old-world French charm. I am amazed, I would not have believed that we would be brought to somewhere like this. It is obviously not the richest of places but it has a warm, welcoming feeling. Nadia looks too shocked for words, but she is smiling, nervously.

Le Grand Hôtel, sounds impressive and looks fine. It maybe doesn’t quite live up to the name, but it looks clean, warm and dry. All the things we have been missing so much. The lady, maybe the owner, is very welcoming and takes us to our rooms. Yes rooms, two rooms with a bathroom.

As soon as we are alone, Nadia begins to weep. Gently, at first, but when the dam bursts she cannot stop. You see, this seems like a palace to us. Two rooms, four beds and the children are already jumping and bounding from one to the other. Unbridled joy, it has been such a long time. The feeling of my wife’s tears, running down my face and soaking into my collar. The feeling of love, of hope.

Daily Prompt: Transformation

October 25, 2016 neilhayeswritesLeave a comment

I am in need of a change. Whether it be transformation or just rejuvenation, something. It is too easy to become stuck in a rut. I have begun with my websites, this is the first step. A step towards more creativity in my life. Taking photographs and writing has reopened a way of thinking for me. But I would like it to be a greater part of my life.

But first I need to make other changes, get more energy, be more positive. And focus on what is important. Family first, then the rest. But the rest needs to follow. Too many of us go through the motions and just hope that change will come. I have been lucky in my life that this has sometimes happened, but it can’t be relied upon.

But it is easy to doubt yourself, because change is difficult. So the first change must be in attitude. There is no maybe, only yes I can. I will.

via Daily Prompt: Transformation

Movember

October 21, 2016 neilhayeswritesLeave a comment

It’s almost that time of year again. The time when I get off my backside and do something for other people. I always feel like I should do more to help others, and too often allow myself the excuse of being too busy.

Movember is a way for men to do something for others, in a fun way. But, of course, the idea isn’t only to grow a moustache. The idea is to raise money for charity, too many people seem to forget this part. Growing the moustache is the easy part, although my 45-year-old face does not always wish to cooperate. Raising the money is the more difficult part, it takes work. People don’t just hand over the cash, well some do. But most need a little bit of arm-twisting, especially Czech people.

I do not mean that as any slur against the Czechs. They have a natural mistrust of any organisations, be they political or charitable, and this is with good reason. The reasons are mainly historical, if you lived through communism then maybe you wouldn’t trust the political system either. But also current, people simply do not trust Czech organisations to be honest. I think they would prefer to give to a foreign charity because at least the money would be used properly, although we all know this is not always the case. But the charities associated with Movember are well-known and trustworthy, so I am certainly happy to trust them.

The world really is becoming more selfish and distrustful, and for my own peace of mind I simply refuse to adopt this mindset. My own country, the United Kingdom, is making me despair. And, goodness knows, I cannot comprehend what is going on in America; a supposedly God-fearing country. Give me strength.

So forget all the negativity. I am going to be positive and grow my weedy, fluffy moustache and raise some money. Of course, you can help too.

Donate at mobro.co/neilhayes

Daily Prompt: Urgent

October 21, 2016 neilhayeswritesLeave a comment

Everything seems so urgent these days. People spend their lives rushing hither and thither, never slowing down. Sometimes we all need to take a breath.

I need that breath now, there are simply too many things on my mind. Unless I clear that list, I will not relax. I can feel the tension in me, just breathe.

So relax, plan and do. There is no urgency, just my mind telling me there is. These are simply tasks, not what is most important.

What is most important has already been achieved, a wonderful weekend with my family. A weekend of playing, celebrating, spending time in nature and watching my kids have fun on the skating rink.

So the highest priority task has been completed, now onto the little things. I feel better already.

via Daily Prompt: Urgent