© Neil Hayes and neilhayeswrites
It feels like now is a time for everyone to raise their standards. To think, to learn, to try to understand those who are different. To not believe the hype, but to investigate and choose our sources of information wisely. To not let one person’s actions colour our opinion of an entire group. To simply be human, accept the differences we find and rise above the hate. Just be better.
© Neil Hayes and neilsworldofenglish
The Welsh have a great sense of national pride. As a small nation this pride does not manifest itself in international power or influence, but more in our sense of independence of spirit. We simply believe that we think and feel differently to the rest of the United Kingdom.
Commonly, national pride is expressed through sport. Wales is no different and our sport of choice is rugby. With the current tensions in the world and everyone seemingly intent on the reinforcement of borders, this particular warrior code has to be preferable to the real thing.
But, I have to say, I do get unreasonably emotionally involved while I am watching Wales play. If we are playing badly my emotions range from anger, if they are making mistakes, to a sense of emptiness, if they have no spark. If the game is on fire, so am I, and my emotions run wild. I am not alone in this, the whole nation is invested in the result of a rugby match. Everyone, from grandma and grandad to small children, don their rugby jerseys on match day.
Rugby is the Welsh religion. There is only one other country which beats us in terms of addiction and devotion, and that is New Zealand. They are, of course, by far the best team in the world and it must be a pleasure to worship at that altar. In comparison the Welsh must often suffer and sacrifice. But dragons are fierce creatures and when they breathe fire, there is no better feeling for the devout followers.
© Neil Hayes and neilsworldofenglish
The ultimate form of being a copycat has to be the tribe. The word copycat has a very negative connotation, but being part of a tribe doesn’t have to be, it gives everyone comfort to be with their own kind. But this, of course, can be negative if it breeds racism and mistrust. Although not such a problem if it means wearing black clothes while you listen to heavy metal music.
We all need a sense of belonging, and if you don’t get it at home or school, then why not go looking for it. But you must still be an individual within your tribe. So maybe the most important thing is not to be a copycat in thought, set your own course and don’t always follow the prevailing wind.
© Neil Hayes and neilsworldofenglish
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!
© Neil Hayes and neilsworldofenglish
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
© Neil Hayes and neilsworldofenglish
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