Tag: Nature

Beauty of the Czech Republic

neilhayeswritesLeave a comment

The beauty of the Czech Republic never fails to amaze me. Everywhere you turn, there is something to see. There are castles and chateaux at every turn, I really only have to drive for thirty minutes and I am in another time. I have never lived in a place with such a ready supply of history.

But apart from the history, there is wonderful nature too. It is true that sometimes I miss British nature, the southern chalk streams of England or the rushing Welsh rivers. But here the variety is astounding. This past weekend, my family and I visited Adršpach Rocks. These are a series of rock formations, many of which are said to resemble people, animals or things. As hard as I try, I can never see it. But my children seem to have no problem, the imagination of a child is a wonderful thing.


One negative about this place is its popularity, there were people everywhere. But we can’t have everything we want, and nature is there for everyone to enjoy. So once I was over the shock, I began to really enjoy myself. I love photography and everywhere I looked there was a shot to be taken. I think sometimes my family get tired of waiting for me. Another hobby of mine is bonsai, and you could really get some inspiration here.


The best thing about these trips is, of course, seeing my children enjoy themselves. They were exhausted, at the end of the day, but so was I. How their little legs keep moving is beyond me, but as long as the fuel keeps going in they are fine.

We really do live in a wonderful world and everyone needs to spend more time appreciating it. Stop and look, and there are many secrets to be discovered. I keep telling myself this, and I think I am getting better at it. But in this country, it really should not be too difficult.

© Neil Hayes and neilsworldofenglish

By the River

neilhayeswritesLeave a comment

Such a magical place. In the heart of the city, a peaceful paradise. Sometimes it is a place to be alone, to contemplate or just to switch off. But at others, a place to be with your child and share the wonders of nature.

My favourite place to be, next to the water. I don’t have to have a rod in my hand, although it feels good if I do. But I am just as happy without one, maybe it is replaced by my camera, maybe by a good book. Or, perhaps my eyes are all I need. All you need to do is look, and most of us do not.

When you spend time next to water, you will notice so much. If you are there for the weekend, then you will spend a lot of time watching, and thinking. If you have your eye to your camera, you will begin to see details that you never noticed before. Look and think and your eyes will be opened, and maybe your mind too.

People think that fishing is boring, but there is always so much to think about, so much to see. Our lives are full to the brim. When do we stop, look and listen?

© Neil Hayes and neilsworldofenglish

Summer’s Last Hoorah!

neilhayeswrites2 Comments

Well, what an Indian Summer that was! A week of temperatures around, and often, above 30 degrees in September. It truly was summer’s last hoorah.

Although I love summer, there is a part of me that looks forward to autumn. Not the Welsh autumn that I grew up with, rain and wind and more rain, but the Czech autumn. Here it may become cooler and cloudier but the colours, which greet you every day, more than make up for it. This is the first country I have lived in which truly has four distinct seasons in a year, not in a day.

As I look outside I see gently swaying trees of red, gold and brown. I love being outside at this time of year, nature is at its most beautiful and most comfortable. I don’t enjoy being slowly roasted, as has been the case on some days this summer. Sunny, hot days in Australia were often offset by cool ocean breezes and during the Czech summer I miss those days.

The weather’s mood is changing as I write. Yesterday was the last hot day and today is cooler and I am expecting a storm. But as in Australia it will be a proper storm, will last a short time, and it will be cooler but fresher afterwards. But if and when will it arrive? I live on something of a weather island, often the bad weather skirts around us and it is never a good idea to cancel plans because of a bad forecast.

For me, it is also the time of year to dust off my fishing rods and be next to the river. I am the opposite of most fishermen and enjoy the seclusion of the banks in the colder months. Eating freshly cooked sausages and washing them down with steaming hot tea. I can already taste them now and look forward to being next to some water until the ice begins to form and I am forced to retreat back indoors.

But that is for the future. For now I have enjoyed summer’s last hoorah and look forward to whatever nature brings my way.

© Neil Hayes and neilsworldofenglish