How to Make the Best Out of Life in Prague with Marc Macaspac
Marc Macaspac is a former US Army helicopter pilot turned peaceful Prague resident. At 54, he has lived a life many of us can only imagine. He spent nine years serving in the military, including time in the thick of war. But it was during an encounter with members of the Czech army that Marc’s life took a new turn. “They made a great first impression with me,” he recalls. “I visited the country often after that and really enjoyed the peaceful lifestyle.”
Fast forward 14 years and Marc now calls Prague home. He even earned here a Master’s Degree in Public Relations at La Salle University through an overseas program at the University of New York in Prague. These days, Marc is part of the Aviation Language department that trains air traffic controllers for Řízení letového provozu ČR (Air Navigation Services).
But it’s not all work and no play for this adventure-seeking man. In fact, Marc loves competing in local sports in the Czech Republic. “I usually finish last or am among the slowest or lowest scoring,” he admits. “But I am not competing against anyone but myself, and I often enjoy the company of other competitors who are also enjoying the moment.”
Marc lives by a quote from American Novelist Henry Miller: “I have no money, no resources, no hopes. I am the happiest man alive.” In this interview, he shares his experiences and offers tips on how to navigate life in Prague.
Making Friends and Finding Community in Prague
“I don’t like the word expat at all. I consider myself an immigrant from the USA. Maybe even a refugee from the years 2016-2020,” he winks. One thing he believes is a key to finding community in Prague is learning Czech.
“The language barrier was the biggest difficulty in connecting with people in Prague as Czech is a difficult language. But once I dedicated myself to learning it – during the COVID lockdowns in 2020 – life became much more beautiful here. I often travel to small villages and remote areas so I have no choice but to communicate in Czech. I am still not very good, but I practice daily.”
Marc’s advice to anyone trying to find belonging in Prague is to keep an open mind and adjust to the way of life in the Czech Republic. “Remember that you are a guest in this country. Learn Czech, and don’t expect the same things from your home country.”
Balancing Life and Money in Prague
Marc’s recipe for balancing life and money in Prague is to participate in affordable local events and activities. “I spend most of my money on registering for sports events,” he shares. “But the good thing is that the cost is much cheaper than in other places I have been to.”
He recommends finding local events through word of mouth from friends and colleagues. “It’s a great way to enjoy things compared to bigger, commercialized places,” he says. “I joined several sports teams where the membership price is much better than paying for each competition.” By being part of a team, Marc not only gets to enjoy his favorite sports but also makes friends.
Finding Purpose and Fulfillment in Prague
For Marc, finding purpose and fulfillment in Prague is all about connecting with people through shared interests and passions. From his biathlon/cross-country skiing team to his Iaido martial arts group, Marc has immersed himself in Czech teams and clubs, allowing him to feel like a part of the community.
In addition, he organizes an Open Mic night at a local café, DeFacto, where musicians from all backgrounds and languages are welcomed to share their music. “I really enjoy multicultural evenings,” Marc says.
His advice to fellow Praguers looking for purpose and fulfillment is simple: find something you enjoy and join a local team or community group. “It’s a good way to meet people who enjoy the same thing as yourself,” he says.
Exploring Prague: Marc Recommends
If you’re looking for a unique spot to hang out in Prague, Marc has a great recommendation. According to him, DeFacto Cafebar near I.P. Pavlova is the place to be. Not only do they host Open Mic nights, but also poetry readings and movie nights.
At DeFacto Open Mic sessions, Marc encourages musicians to perform their original songs or interesting covers, and they can do so in their native language. “We’ve had performers singing in Czech, Tagalog, Bengali, Spanish, Polish, French, Danish, Portuguese, and Japanese,” he says. “It’s a great way to experience different cultures and see different styles of music.”
Marc is adamant about promoting respect and camaraderie amongst performers. “I’m not tolerant of arrogant or self-absorbed musicians who don’t respect others and their abilities, no matter what their level of musicianship is. At DeFacto, we give everyone 20 minutes to perform, so everyone has a chance to express themselves,” he adds.
If you’re looking for a laid-back atmosphere where you can experience different cultures and meet new people, DeFacto Cafebar is the spot for you.
Making the Most of Life in Prague
Marc’s experiences and insights prove that navigating life in Prague can be an adventure in itself. Learning Czech, participating in affordable local events and activities, and connecting with people through shared interests and passions are just some of Marc’s tips on how to make the best out of life in Prague.
As a Prague-based copywriter and brand consultant ✍️, I specialize in crafting meaningful stories like Marc’s, helping organizations and individuals connect with their audience in an authentic way and leave a lasting impression.
If you’re ready to share your story or elevate your brand, get in touch and let’s create something amazing together 🤩.
Don’t forget to explore more of the city’s wonders in our previous interview with Manka. And if you’re eager to uncover more of Prague’s secret corners, I’ve personally crafted a guide that will support your journey. Grab your copy here 👇
Keep up with me on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn so we can stay connected!
You May Also Like
English College in Prague: Building a Community Beyond the Classroom
Prague Confessions of 2019
