Amazing Prague Projects in 2020 and a Peek into 2021 – Part 2
This year, I once again had the chance to interview some of the extraordinary people of Prague. We talked about what’s close to their hearts and what makes them tick. But what happened with their projects in 2020? Where are they now? And – Will they give us a peek into 2021?
Here are the stories of the interviewees of the second half of 2020. (READ THE FIRST HALF HERE)
Vojta Stolbenko
Not all festivals were canceled last summer. Vojta is a visual artist, juggler, musician, and founder of the new circus and music festival Roztoč. We talked about the ways this festival is unique and how you can become the hero of the moment there.
In the meantime, Vojta launched an online flow-art platform, where flow professionals can offer their services in any form and for anyone open to learning something new. On this platform, you have access to all kinds of online events, classes, and workshops for free or a small fee.
Maarten Crefcoeur
Maarten Crefcoeur is a music graduate from Holland, who teaches music to Prague expats. What are his music lessons like? “I try to make my lessons as memorable as possible,” says Maarten. “Like with guitar, for instance, having names for different chord shapes, so it’s easier to remember.”
“Oh, like in Friends, right? There were an iceberg and an old lady…” I’m making shapes with my fingers and showing them to Maarten.
“Ah, I didn’t know the old lady,” he makes a quick assessment. “I usually use pizza and building, and building with a person outside” Maarten makes me laugh. “I tell, especially kids, silly stories about dinosaurs and picking up pizzas next door… It’s an easy way for them to remember what’s going on…”
What were the most important projects in 2020 for you?
“Definitely the switching from in-person lessons to online teaching projects. Even though I started quite late with it (lockdown was not even in effect anymore) I was quite happy with the concepts that I came up with. I also used online teaching for my normal music classes (guitar / ukulele / piano). And this also brings me to the next chapter…”
Peek into 2021 – What are you planning?
“I’m currently recording an online course. I can not provide too many details at this point since I am still recording and planning it. I hope to have it done some time in January.”
Wish for the New Year
“Stay hopeful. The vaccine is on the way. Old times will return. Singing and hugging will return. Tourists and traveling will return. Let’s hope 2020 will be a faint memory, but also a reminder of all that is important, art and human interaction.”
If you’ve always wanted to learn how to play guitar, ukulele or piano or improve your skills, then talk to Maarten to find the most fitting type of lesson for you.
Michal Čapek’s T.E.T.R.I.S.
What’s the best way to learn something new? Michal from the fire and light performance group T.E.T.R.I.S. talked to me about the benefits of creating platforms for sharing skills in a community.
What were the most important projects in 2020 for you?
“We’ve had plenty of free time this year. We’ve spent part of it working on our new costumes for a light show, which we shall bring to light in spring 2021, if it will be possible. We also contributed to an online parade at MIMO space. And on a personal level, I participated in a couples’ walking race inspired by Amazing race – for a million around the world, where we took the bronze medal for walking more than 70km in 24 hours.”
Peek into 2021 – What are you planning?
“We hope we can work in the next season. Our year is divided into light and fire seasons (inside/outside) and if we have luck Corona restrictions will end at the start of the next fire season and we may work.”
Wish for the New Year
“Stay negative and don’t get bored.”
If you are curious to see Michal with T.E.T.R.I.S. performing, book their show and/or follow them on their
Olga Garajová’s Etik Butik
“Sometimes I need to stop and remind myself that running this store isn’t about worries if you will pay the rent… that always works out somehow. What’s important here is the message and that really is to show the alternatives,” says Olga, the owner of EtikButik. We sat down together in September to talk about how come a person who has nothing to do with fashion opens an ethical fashion store in Prague.
Visit the shop with ethical, slow fashion and vegan shoes and accessories in their showroom at Náplavka (Rašínovo nábřeží 54) or check out their e-shop.
Kristin LaRonca Parpel
“I remember thinking, ‘OMG, we are gonna die.’ Everything was dark and grey and dirty because it was just after the revolution and I remember getting in my room and thinking, ‘What am I doing here?’” That was Kristin’s first impression of Prague. She is an Executive Coach and Consultant and we sat down to talk about what brought her to Prague, why she stayed and how she got her dream career.
“I always thought that work has to be really hard. And that’s how I worked for many many years. I worked my fucking ass off. And now I feel I do something that people get value from. And it feels so natural to me. Of course, it’s still hard and takes time and energy but somehow it continually fulfills me,” says Kristin. How can mentoring help you in your career and personal life? That was another topic we discussed with Kristin in detail. She shares all the important things one should know about mentoring before looking for a mentor.
You’re in Prague, you speak English and you are looking for a way to enhance your personal development? Have you considered mentoring? Here’s an expat-friendly guide on where to find a mentor.
Marek Navrátil
“This crisis has one very positive thing. It gets all of us on the same starting line. I can see that people are more open to adventures. Like, ‘Ok I have nothing to lose so I can…’” SNAP! “‘…start doing this.’” says Marek Navratil, executive search consultant, and psychologist. Read what his take is on how the people’s stories changed during the pandemic and what tips he has on coping with the pandemic.
What was the most important project in 2020 for you?
“My secondment in Žilina.”
Peek into 2021 – What are you planning?
“To finish the reconstruction of my house.”
Wish for the New Year
“Balance in personal and work lives.”
I hope you find in this peek into 2021 some inspiration for you. Let me know what you think and/or share what were your successes in 2020 and what are your wishes for 2021 on my Facebook Page. The next post will bring even more tips and ideas on how to spend our time at home in a fun and useful way. If you don’t wanna miss it, subscribe below and follow my Facebook Page. Hope to see you soon!
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Earlene Villegas
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