Lenka

2009-06-25T08:08:00.000-07:00

It´s been a year since I wrote a post here. I did not really feel like sharing whole year. Even though so many things changed. I lived in Prague for a year. And now I am leaving back home. I gained many new professional skills and learned a lot about myself. I attended some interesting courses. I have been to Brazil and Latvia. I found a boyfriend and still am very happy with him. I still love reading and found Biodanza and 5 rhythms - spontaneous dancing and I just love it. I learned (again) how emotional I am... I got tandem parachuting as a gift (still to be executed). Suddenly and recently, I lost a very close family member and it still hurts. I am afraid of what will be next as future is unclear now and I feel a bit lost. I it time to start new life period as I am definitely leaving AIESEC and students years. Gosh, I was studying whole my life! I met many inspiring people this year. And I just feel like I need somebody to hug me. And I found some initiatives I would to contribute somehow.

And after a year, I just had a sudden feeling I want to put a random post on my blog.

Up and down

2008-06-07T06:44:00.000-07:00

Strange how days of your life can be so different. One day you feel so happy and free and other one you are crying...

Thursday 5th June was just lovely. I went to see my friends who just graduated with a plan of doing nothing and just enjoying the day. What girls could do than shopping? Well, there are other choices but we chose this one. Then girls´ chat in park and in the evening we went to cinema to watch Sex and the City and for dinner in French pancake house. During the day I realized I was spending my time by nothing else than doing nothing and I have to say - what a feeling:)

Friday - day when I made somebody I value a lot unhappy. What to say? All words seem to be meaningless, nonsense and unnecessary. I feel so lost, down, sad, turbid, empty... like a little child who doesn´t know how to get back home... like a little girl who doesn´t need anything else but a warm and tight hug. If I have these feelings how does he feel then? What I did was my decision he only was a suprised receiver.

I feel that telling "I am sorry" is not enough.

2008-05-27T15:27:00.000-07:00

Monday was the Day. I was going through final state exam - stress, fear, feeling of lack of knowledge, desperation at the moment I got topics to talk about as they were exactly those which I didn´t have idea what they were about, fight, helpful teachers and a huge luck. That was day I tok master degree. Of course loads of congratulations afterwards, unbelievable relief, questions how I felt... How did I feel? How did I actually feel? That is what is a bit weird... Of course I felt happy as I knew I was very lucky that day. Of course I realized all that stress I undergone was meaningful. Yet I did not have that fantastic feeling of happiness inside I was expecting. Maybe I just did not realize that I really made it. Maybe I did not admit yet my studies are over. I am 24 and all my life I did not actually do nothing else but going to school.

Ithaca

2008-05-21T12:36:00.000-07:00

When You set out on Your journey to Ithaca,
pray that the road is long,
full of adventure, full of knowledge
the Lestrygonians and the Cyclops,
the angry Poseidon - do not fear them:
You will never find such as these on Your path
if Your thoughts remain lofty, if a fine
emotion touches Your spirit and Your body.
The Lestrygonians and the Cyclops,
the fierce Poseidon, You will never encounter,
if You do not carry them within Your soul,
if Your heart does not set them up before You.

Pray that the road is long.
That the summer morning are many, when
with such a pleasure, with such a joy
You will enter ports seen for the first time;
stop at Phoenician markets,
and purchase fine merchandise,
mother-of-pearl and coral, amber and ebony,
and sensual perfumes of all kinds,
as many sensual perfumes as You can;
visit many Egyptian cities,
to learn and learn from sholars.

Always keep Ithaca in Your mind.
To arrive there is Your ultimate goal
but do not hurry the voyage at all.
It is better to let it last for many years;
and to anchor at the island when You are old,
rich with all You have gained on the way,
not expecting that Ithaca wil offer You riches.
Ithaca has given You the beautiful voyage
without You would never set out on the road.
She has nothing more to give You.

And if You find her poor, Ithaca has not deceived You.
Wise as You have become, with so much experience,
You must already have understood what Ithaca means.

by Constantine Cavafy (1863-1933)

...wish I will not disappoint my wayfarer...

2008-05-21T11:30:00.000-07:00

OMG! Final state exam on Monday!!! Panic!!! My plan - nr. of themes learnt per day somehow screwed up (what a suprise...), still whole subject (out of three) to go, no idea what is about and no idea what I will perform on Monday... In previous post I wrote I did not feel nervous... hmmm... it has changed a lot!!! I have nothing (or at least I have such feeling) in my head, I do not have a good mind to learn more as I find many information I have to put into my head useless and I just feel sooo - aiiiii is the only word that could express my current state precisely:)

See? Even now, when I should study hard to at least try to prepare myself I am here writing this post... I will cry on Monday... or hopefully not:) You can never know.

2008-05-03T14:44:00.000-07:00

It´s been a while since I wrote last post... a month? Looks like I plan to write a post per month... Well, April is over. Diploma thesis - somehow finished (do not ask me how...), school - finished (do not ask me how...), AIESEC national conference passed, functional meeting with my team and part of transition done... Now I am trying hard to concrentrate on studying for my final state exam to get master degree. For me it is sooo difficult to push myself, sit and get some knowledge into my head... Feel like stuck somehow... And still - I do not feel nervous... Either I rely on my intelligence and experience I have (I mean - so many people have passed before and I am not so stupid...) or I just have such feeling because somehow exam is kind of far... We will see in few weeks how I will feel...

Another thing coming into my mind. I am 24, I already passed bachelor exam, now master is coming. Looks like I will become "adult" soon. I do not feel like I am ready... I mean, still (inside) I feel like a little child, not able to take care about myself, to start to think about daily worries, to feel responsible, to earn money, look for job... At the same time I am sure I will manage but...

In a month I will hopefully get my master and move to Prague to start working. Somehow I still don´t understand it. Weird...

2008-03-28T08:54:00.000-07:00

What a busy month March was! After more than a month away I am back home and have weekend off - hurrayyy! What did I do? As a part of transition and getting into my new role as MC member I atteded National Transition Meeting , Presidents Training Camp (or what PTC means:P), delivered some games during Local Training Conference (or what exactly LTC means:P) and spent almost two weeks in St. Petersburg, Russia.

EuroXPRO - conference for more than 40 countries of CEE (Central and Eastern Europe) and WENA (Western Europe and Northern America) AIESEC regions. Conference for new leadership bodies of AIESEC countries. Strategic and functional knowledge discussions, sharing, sessions... new colleagues, friends, parties, lack of sleep, fun... Global Village (representing of various cultures), Russian Night, official dinner... white Russia and frozen sea... and much more - as usually during every AIESEC conference:) Pics HERE.

2008-03-12T13:32:00.000-07:00

I will do anything rather than writing my diploma thesis... That is the main reason why I am wasting my time writing this post=P I feel so ineffective - I am able to spend all day long by doing nothing and start working in the evening when I know I am not able to concentrate anymore. Last few weeks were like a tornado - new duties, people, birthday, applying for ITC (really cool and challenging conference) faci, got selected and re-signing due to school and other responsibilities. Looking into my dictionary my schedule will even more busy - aiiiii - stress is coming=P I am going to Russia to attend EuroXPRO on Saturday and will stay there almost two weeks. Then hopefully I will get back home to tell my family I am alive. And it will be already April...

And btw, spring is coming:)

I can´t do it is never the truth... it is a decision. Farouk

2008-02-17T06:11:00.000-08:00

aiiiiiiiiiiiii, I made it! I got selected into AIESEC in the Czech Republic MC. So I will become MCVPC - for those who are confused and have no idea what that abbreviation means - Member Committee Vice-president Communication. Still confused?:)

Spring period will be very tough as there is diploma thesis to write, still my math exam to go through, final state examination and transition from current MC. Anyway, I cannot wait for it and whole upcoming year.

Year in a new team, year full of new experience, learning, delivering knowledge, communication (what a surprise:)), nice and tough moments, year spent in Prague, living and working with cool people I have to and want to get to know closer.

Peaceful Warrior

2008-02-11T06:11:00.000-08:00

This weekend I watched The Last King of Scotland which was a cool movie but I want to mention another one. Peaceful Warrior. What did I like so much on it? Again, it was about strong personalities, overcoming obstacles, life priorities, relations - simply movie I like. To me, added value also is this movie is based on real events, real person - Dan Millman, former world champion athlete, university coach, martial arts instructor, and college professor. Besides other I found "Dream small" post on Dan´s blog that I fully agree with. Well, I know and believe anybody can do and reach anything s/he wants to. On the other hand I have a feeling we (I) are just too much pushed by others to reach high without knowing who we (I) are and who we (I) want to be - I really mean we or I not my familly, friends, society and its trends.

Some Useful quotes from Socrates (Wiki source) that you can find in movie:
1. Life has three aspects: Paradox, Humour and Change.
2. Paradox: Life is a mystery; don't bother figuring it out.
3. Humor: No matter what circumstances, do not lose your sense of humor.
4. Change: Do not be so sure in life; anything can change.
5. There is never nothing going on. There are no ordinary moments.
6. This moment: The past and the future do not matter; all that matters is now, this moment.
7. It's not the destination that brings happiness, but the journey.
8. The ones hardest to love are the ones who need it the most.
9. Take out the trash from what's inside your head.
10. Empty your mind.
11. Anger, hatred, and violence are only products of fear.
12. People are afraid of what's inside of them; when you are alone lying on your bed, do you feel empty?
13. If you lend someone $20 and they don't come back, it is probably worth it.
14. When making a peanut butter and jelly sandwhich, you must first apply the peanut butter.
15. Every action has its price and its pleasure.

President´s election

2008-02-11T05:40:00.000-08:00

A big topic for the Czech Republic nowadays. Who will be the next president of our country? Václav Klaus (current one) or Jan Švejnar?

To be honest, I do not care much as president in CR does not have such a huge power and influence and both of them are really quality candidates from my point of view and I feel ok with both of them. Frankly, I did not watch campaign or news so I do not have many details about their work or so.

Anyway, what I want to mainly talk about is the process of election itself. I would not watch it but as my stepfather watched it on TV I witnessed a bit, too. Well, I do not care about politics and its procedures at all but what I have seen was ridiculous. Election itself was long, boring and the main thing is it did not bring any result. Politics did not elect new president so they will come together again in few days and hopefully they will elect somebody.

Well, I know politics is about negotiation, plenaries, talking. Anyway, this election was a real mock. Not only for me but I think even for media (especially those abroad) and all people living in the Czech Republic.

I know I should be happy I live in such a peaceful and democratic country as the Czech Republic is - and I am. I just felt like I want to share this opinion. Hmmm, my first "politics" post. Cannot I made it:) Somebody like me who does not care about politics almost at all...

Forest (not Gump) in my family

2008-02-11T04:27:00.001-08:00

When I arrived back home a week ago following news was waiting for me: "We have bought a forest!" What a hell, what? when? why? shocked and surprised face...

Question nr. 1: Why do we need it?
Question nr. 2: How much was it?

Well, still I do not know why we need it. May be - besides others - because of memories - my mum: "We bob-sleighed there as kids, remember?" Her husband: "I do, and skiing as well. You were scared because of heigh of hill, weren´t you?" ... And then I realized it was not so expensive because... one very simple reason:) There are 32 trees in our forest:) Funny, isn´t it? When I heard it I started to laugh. Of course do not imagine there is just a stripe of a few trees which I call forest - it is just a part of huge forest we own.

So now, besides having mum as a part of municipality and being responsible for writing chronicle of a village my family is forest owner. What a feeling:P

Additional important information:
Village where my mum lives has about 75 inhabitants (no, I did not forget to write "000" it is really so small:)
My mum is a part of municipality (actually, she is "vicemayoress") mainly because she was asked to do so. It was not her intention to do it I guess. You know, find 7 people who will be a part of municipality in a village with about 75 inhabitants is not very easy. It is like searching Magnificient 7:)

2008-02-11T04:10:00.000-08:00

hey all people from abroad:) and actually Czech too... I know there are many webpages about the Czech Republic so why not to browse this one? myCzechRepublic starting with some comment about a country:) and try My Czech Republic blog too. Enjoy and see you in CR soon;)

MC Selection

2008-02-07T13:41:00.000-08:00

I spent previous days in Prague by running MC selection process. Together with other 11 candidates we applied for some position in Member Committee (MC) of AIESEC in the Czech Republic. After filling in quite a tough application we were invited to go through selection itself. It consisted of Assessment Centre, group discussion on AIESEC topics, interview with current MC members and interview with AIESEC alumni.

Did I feel nervous? Yep, I did. However, atmoshere was very friendly and for me personaly selection itself from the very beginning meant a kind of self reflection - how I am able to find information, what I know and do not know yet and I should, how I can cooperate with others, whether this is what I really want to do, how people perceive me as a potential MC member, what is my opinion on certain topic and if I am able to stand behind it... To be honest, I still do not know how to feel after selection as I still do not know the result. Anyway I feel comfortable as during selection I did not play any role, simply I behaved in my way, expressed my personality and ideas and by this I am satisfied. I realized again I am not a kind of person who can change opinions easily when it seems to be better for career or getting other benefit.

Between interview with current MC and interview with alumni I had free time so I walked in Prague. In Charles Bridge there are many statues which were originally "golden" by due to time, weather conditions and chemical reactions which I do not understand:) they got black. Except of one of them or two small places on one of them. As people still touch it and wish something it remained the same. Do not ask me about the story of this statue as I do not know it. Why am I talking about it? Of course once walking in Prague I had to go there and make a wish. Once I made it I realized even in a stress time of MC selection, even if I want to get there so much, I did not wish to get into MC. Somehow unconsciously I made the same wish as when I was there in June. Does it tell anything about my priorities and values? I have no idea. Wanna know what wish was that? I will not tell you - you know how it works with wish once being told aloud:)

2008-01-31T13:49:00.000-08:00

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

2008-01-30T02:59:00.000-08:00

I believe the sun should never set upon an argument
I believe we place our happiness in other people's hands
I believe that junk food tastes so good because it's bad for you
I believe your parents did the best job they knew how to do
I believe that beauty magazines promote low self esteem
I believe I'm loved when I'm completely by myself alone

I believe in Karma what you give is what you get returned
I believe you can't appreciate real love 'til you've been burned
I believe the grass is no more greener on the other side
I believe you don't know what you've got until you say goodbye

I believe you can't control or choose your sexuality
I believe that trust is more important than monogamy
I believe your most attractive features are your heart and soul
I believe that family is worth more than money or gold
I believe the struggle for financial freedom is unfair
I believe the only ones who disagree are millionaires

I believe in Karma what you give is what you get returned
I believe you can't appreciate real love 'til you've been burned
I believe the grass is no more greener on the other side
I believe you don't know what you've got until you say goodbye

I believe forgiveness is the key to your own happiness
I believe that wedded bliss negates the need to be undressed
I believe that God does not endorse tv evangelists
I believe in love surviving death into eternity

I believe in Karma what you give is what you get returned
I believe you can't appreciate real love 'til you've been burned
I believe the grass is no more greener on the other side
I believe you don't know what you've got until you say goodbye(Repeat 2)
Until you say goodbye

Affirmation, Savage Garden

My next steps...

2008-01-30T02:48:00.000-08:00

So I did it... I applied for Member Committee of AIESEC in the Czech Republic. I made a decision about how I want to spend my next year. Right now I do not have an idea whether I will succeed in selection process. Anyway I will fight, support others, prepare, enjoy, live it... Together with 12 more applicants from the Czech Republic and some internationals.

2008-01-30T02:44:00.000-08:00

Wow, I just came back from exam. After looong day full of non effective studies, 2 hours of sleep and "question chance" I made it. Uffff, finaly... I did not feel very comfortable when I went to faculty to pass my exam but now:) Need some sleep and food and probably I will go to city center to buy something to appraise my effort:) Typical woman...

2008-01-27T14:48:00.000-08:00

This weekend I attended AIESEC conference concerning leadership. Content and the way of delivery was interesting and worth. We had quite interesting conversations, tried to find our personal values and way of life. I realized or confirmed many facts about me.

I like to be independent in my decisions. I like to express my feelings by dance or singing. It makes me happy to help people. I like simple things and enjoying moments. People generally like my spontaneity and enthusiasm. I am very emotional person relying on feelings a lot.

Conference was very intensive and helped me to "switch off" during long exam period, I could meet friends again and enjoy unique AIESEC conferences atmoshpere again.

2008-01-16T16:15:00.000-08:00

Well, I was asked when I will update my blog... hmm what about now? sooo, what did I do? I would say nothing special. Xmas at home, fortunatelly with some snow, first non working NYE after 7(?) years (am I really so old?).

Then during Xmas news about Pakistan... honestly, normally I would not probably pay attention... but as friend of mine is living there I was interested in situation. Well, imagine situation you have some worries about him because of certain situation and besides news that he is safe and alive you also get a news he twisted his ancle. Childish? Stupid? Ridiculous? This is exactly his style.

Now back to school I am trying to handle exams. My last exams in my five year university history. I should probably somehow enjoy them but I do not. And besided mentioned I am taking some action steps to "be a pilot of my future life":)

And as year 2007 is over... To me it was very pleasent year full of new friends, nice places, lovely feelings - simply it was a year I do not want to forget. There are some people running in my head thingking back about 2007 and I want to tell THANK YOU! Who are they? In a huge amount of people I met in 2007 they are Milica, Judy, Geoffrey, Bruna, Piotr, KLepo, Rosťa, Petra, Ivo, Jana, Peťa, mum, bro, Franta, Hartoška, Barbára, Jaro, Peťula, Alex, Kuba, Margreet and may be even YOU:)

Belgium

2007-11-30T04:45:00.000-08:00

September

My friend Zuzana is studying in Gent (Belgium) for winter semester. There was an idea to visit her during her Belgian stay. In September me and my friends Maruška and Krispi checked out the prices of flight tickets and found out they were cheaper than bus tickets. Flight cheaper than bus? Travelling shorter time? Free stay in Belgium? Of course we did not hesitate too long.

November

We are going to Brussels. Fortunately Geoffrey aka Brown Sugar (one of my lovely friends) is waiting for us there. He made some time to meet us and help us although he is busy. As he is native Belgian, lives in Brussels and speaks French everything is much easier. He found accommodation for us, told us what to visit and next day took us for lunch. Such a pity he could not stay longer with us.

Brussels was very nice. I was there two years ago already – anyway it was nice to see those places again. And nice thing also is that in Brussels everything is very close so you can just walk.

Then we travelled to Gent to meet Zuzka. Her room is really small so it was a bit challenging for four persons to sleep there but we managed. When Zuzka´s friends heard four of us stay there they were a little shocked… Following days we visited Gent and Bruges after. Both of them are very nice and romantic places.

At the end of our Ladies´ trip our Belgian mission was fulfilled. Meeting Zuzka and Brown Sugar, tasting chocolate, fries, waffles (we love them) and beer – we managed all. Looking for my next trip. PHOTOS HERE.

AIESEC Conferences

2007-11-15T07:58:00.000-08:00

Last three weeks (26th Oct - 12th Nov) were like a tornado. So many new people, so many new experiences, so many places, so many emotions...

Simply, I spent last three weeks by actively participating in AIESEC conferences. You can find my brief description here. I had a chance to meet cca 700 new people, work in international teams consist from about 15 nationalities (all continents except Australia and Antartica covered), visit 2 countries (Poland and Switzerland), get inspired, motivated, learn a lot, have many lovely chats, think a lot about my next steps...

Also I belive I was an inspiration for many young and smart people, helped them to find their own way and enjoy moment.

Although now I am a bit sick, I feel full of energy, passion and enthusiasm. I would like to tell thank you to all people who contributed to this feeling.

Only 11 more to go:-)

2007-10-24T11:32:00.000-07:00

Heya, I am in Poland, Warszaw. What does it mean? It means I only have to visit 11 more countries to fulfill my 13 in 12 challenge:-) Isn' t it great? Stay tunned to find more about my performance...

First snow this year

2007-10-24T11:25:00.000-07:00

It was snowing last Saturday. Fortunatelly it melted immediatelly in my mum's place. Frankly said it was a bit early for snow to come from my point of view.

Some people in the house

2007-09-30T06:58:00.000-07:00

On Thursday we had that honour to welcome two newcomers into AIESEC Ostrava interns family. And suprisingly this honour happened in AIESEC flat which means flat where I live... Now, thanks to this, I know much more about Hungary (Geri) and Hong Kong (Derek) - both of them on pic. I know how Hungarian wine tastes and how Hong Kong people greet each other:) But what I really know is what it means to have some people in the house. I mean - what it means to have 26 people in a flat:) I just hope neighbours will still be still so tolerant as they were that evening:)

2007-09-27T07:01:00.000-07:00

I am now in sharing mood so let me tell you what I did during last few days.

On Tuesday my lovely roommates came. Just a few more days and our flat will finally be full of girls I like. I am looking forward to hot tea and hot wine during winter, girls´ talks, fun...

On Wednesday I had a very nice girls´ talk with my friend Peťa. There was so many things to say after more than a month we did not see each other...

On Thursday me and my roommate Maruška went to visit our friend Meeny from India who prepared Indian food for us. Then she predicted our future from tarot cards. Hmm, I rather did not have to ask as I heard something I did not want to hear...

On Friday I went to IKEA to buy some small things to make my room nice. Then I cleaned and made order a bit in my things to make my room really nice. Now it is almost ready - just a few details are missing. In the evening my roommate Zuzka came from her relatives visit and brought mushrooms. So we cleaned them and cut to prepare them to dry.

On Saturday Geri came. Geri is a Hungarian student who came to Ostrava for an internship in ING Corporation company. I am his trainee buddy so I will "take care" about him in next three months he will spend here. I accommodated him and showed him Ostrava a little bit. Then I worked on Train the Trainers cookbook. In the evening me and Zuzka watched a movie Any given Sunday.

Sunday - first autumn day. I followed in creating Train the Trainers cookbook and went to a park for a while to enjoy sunny day.

That is all:-) At least for a while.

PS: Are you confused in number and names of my roommates? I will tell you about them more in future, promise.

My morning

2007-09-20T02:50:00.000-07:00

Today I decided to have a nice morning. The sun was shining, Indian summer was here. So I decided to start my day by walking in a park right next to my flat. It was so amazing - just walking along the river, enjoying trees, sun, quiet and sun. It was the best decision I could make.

13 in 12 challenge

2007-09-19T07:59:00.000-07:00

Do you have a vision? I finally have it!!! Well, honestly I would rather call it challenge...

In my lovely organisation called AIESEC we discuss "vision in my life" very often. Sometimes it makes me feeling annoyed a bit as I did not have it defined. I talked about that with my lovely "Mystery Friend" and his opinion was vision does not have to be something huge and unreachable. He simply asked me how many countries I want to visit. I just replied I did not know. His response to this was: "What about visiting 13 countries in 12 months?" I must say first reaction coming to my mind was "WHAT???" "Are you crazy?" But what I really told allowed was: "Why not?"

So now I am making my plans to fulfill this challenge. I have no idea where to find money for it (as now I am absolutelly out of money). I have no idea how I will manage my university studies (as I am in 5th class and there is writing diploma thesis and master exams in front of me). I have no idea if I will succeed. In any case I will do my best and try.

2007-09-09T14:21:00.000-07:00

Summer 2007 is definitely over. I must say it was the best summer I can remember. After 7 years full of summer job this summer I did not have any job. I just enjoyed, met many new people, traveled, got inspired - simply gained a big experience. I would like - here and now - thank all people who I met this summer and who helped to make it so special. THANK YOU. I will remember you because I do not want forget you.

2007-09-06T06:50:00.000-07:00

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.

Mark Twain

My Turkey

2007-09-03T14:23:00.000-07:00

I spent two wonderful weeks in Turkey in August. Wanna read more about it? Here we go:-) I have a crazy Mystery Friend - originally Slovak, currently in Pakistan. The only chance to meet him within a year was to go to Turkey where IC (AIESEC International Congress) was organized this year (you probably have heard about Mohammad and a mountain, haven´t you?:)

I must say I was very lucky. I applied for facilitating at You Can (another AIESEC conference) in Turkey to get to Turkey to see my Mystery Friend and was selected. In the same time I got an offer for accommodation in Istanbul from my Turkish friend Burak who I met in ITC. My Mystery Friend got visa at the very last moment so he could come to see me. And this was only a beginning of amazing days which were about to come.

First day me and my Mystery Friend decided to discover Istanbul ourselves. We spent a very nice time walking by Istanbul streets, admiring mosques, having a rest in parks, enjoying tea and fresh squeezed juice, discovering Grand Bazaar, having Turkish food and simply enjoying moments of a beautiful day.

In the evening we met our host Akin, one of the most hospitable and helpfull persons I have ever met. We have not meet ever before and he was so nice to take us to his flat, prepare Turkish meal for us, take us to many lovely places, help us to overcome challenges that appeared and simply said contributed to make my time spent in Istanbul very special and unforgettable. I will never forget your help Akin and will be happy to welcome you in the Czech Republic once.

Next day me, my Mystery Friend and Akin went by ship to Princess Island and had a nice trip there:) We climbed a high hill in the biggest heat to reach a top and to be appraised by beer - at least guys - and by a wonderful view on Istanbul. I liked that place a lot because there were not any cars just horse traps, nice nature, sunny weather, sea and two guys I like a lot:-)

After a few days in Istanbul it was a time to move to Bursa to become a part of You Can. Wanna know more details about my faci experience in this conference? Read HERE.

Croatia

2007-08-08T14:53:00.000-07:00

So at the age of 23 finally even I spent my holidays by the sea. As I am Czech of course it had to be Croatia - one of the most popular summer country to go for Czechs.

Me and my mum stayed in a small family hotel in Vodice. Seems to me may be this summer was extremely hot in Croatia but not week we spent there.Temperature was not so high, it was windy and cloudy and water in sea? Well, very clear so you could see the bottom but so cold. And when I say I mean cold. Not many people were so brave to swim.

I should not forget delicious fruits bought fresh every day at a fruit market, tasty pastry and of course ice-cream - so many flavours and such big portions, mmm... Also surrounding was nice. Harbour with ships ready to take owners or tourists for trips, typical stone houses with very narrow streets like designed for lovers and of course many cafés and restarants inviting you to have a rest and have something good and souvenir shops inviting you to spend money.

Now back home I am just courious where my next holidays will be and who I will spend them with. I am already looking forward. PHOTOS.

Double AIESEC Visit at My Home

2007-08-08T14:26:00.000-07:00

On Sunday 22nd July 2007 me and my family had a very nice and special guest. I invited Bo from China to come and he accepted. Bo is a Chinese AIESECer who spends summer 07 in AIESEC Ostrava and stays with me and my friends in our flat. When Bo arrived, firstly we visited my home to get to know my family and have lunch. It was very nice to see how Bo was amazed by almost everything which is so common for me. Of course he had to taste our homemade slivovitz and get a bottle as a gift. Of course whole my family now has names written in Chinese.

Then I took him to Luhačovice, biggest Moravian spa, for some sightseeing. We tasted some mineral springs and spa waffels which Bo first considered as plates and then made stupid jokes that Czech people eat plates. In the evening Bo went back to Ostrava as he had some business appointement on Monday.

On Monday another AIESEC guest was expected to come. It was Petra, very nice girl and a good friend of mine. I decided to meet my cousin and her boyfriend, too. So we all met in a very nice restaurant Racek in Luhačovice (owned by my friends) and had some good meal and chat together. Then me and Petra went to my house. We had BBQ with my family and then long girls´talk while enjoying nice summer evening and a bottle of wine. Next day we both went for AIESEC conference.

Just a random note

2007-07-18T13:23:00.000-07:00

Well in two weeks I am going for vacations with my mum. My first time spent by the sea. So of course it must be spent with mum:-)

Me: "Mum, where are we going?" (Greece, may be?)
Mum: "Chroatia."
Reaction in my mind - well, ok, every Czech go to Chroatia, not the first choice comming into my mind but actually why not?

Me: "By plane?" (oh please!)
Mum: "No, by bus. It would be more expensive."
Reaction in my mind - oh noooo. I cannot imagine I will have to spend so many hours in a bus. Well I will take books but still I cannot read all the time.

Later on in my mind when I was thinking about our trip. Well I do not like long travelling by bus. I am not actually a good swimmer. I do not like so much long laying in the sun and sunbathing and doing nothing. So why am I actually going there? Only not to be the last Czech girl who was not by the sea yet?:-) Now you can think I am not looking forward but I am:-) Hopefully my trip will not look like a Czech movie "Účastníci zájezdu."

5th IAAF World Youth Championships

2007-07-18T10:51:00.000-07:00

Ostrava city had an honour to organize 5th IAAF World Youth Champion ships - athletics event for 15 to 17 years old sportsmen from all over the world. About 130 countries and more than 1500 delegates participated. I took part there as a volunteer which means I cared about Saudi Arabian delegation. It was such a nice experience to be part of such an international team. Just imagine 8 young talented Saudi Arabian sportsmen and their retinue from Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt and Sudan. So I had a chance to practise French a bit too. It was a pleasure for me to watch my sportsmen during competition, show their retinue Stodolni Street and share happiness when Ali won
silver medal in 800 m.

During these days I also took a small (due to a small time) part in Colours of Ostrava musical festival. I had a chance to see Gipsy Kings and some Cuba hip hop band.

PHOTOS here.

Ostrava sightseeing

2007-07-09T09:35:00.000-07:00

There is not any reason to go. But is there any reason
why not to go?

If it is hard to find a reason "for" it is even harder to find

a reason "contra".

KLepo:-)

Once I had a chat with my lovely friend KLepo (originally from Slovakia now in Pakistan). He already made me do many crazy things and asked me to do another one. I asked him to give me a task so he did. I had to visit some places in Ostrava (place where I study) and take pictures of mine there. At the first moment it sounded crazy but then I started to feel ashamed as I´ve been living in Ostrava for 4 years and have never visited these places.

I decided to take some internationals as well so first July Saturday me, my friend Maruška, Anja (Belorussia), Bo (China) and John (Greece) went for Ostrava sightseeing. We visited Silesium Ostrava Castle, Miniuni, The Fairytale Ghost Cellar and New City Hall Viewing Tower.

We spent about 6 hours by walking and enjoying Ostrava. Of course we had to finish this trip in street that never sleeps - famous Ostrava Stodolni street having a drink and enjoying summer nightlife.

We wanted to go to the Ema Slag Heap as well... Hmmm... We walked soooo long.... We were soooo close.... We asked sooo many people... We were sooo tired... Honestly, we did not find it. When we asked later on other people we realized we almost were there. So now we have a reason why to go for Ostrava study tour nr. 2. Still there are many other places to visit - Mining museum, rope centre e. g. And the Ema Slag Heap:-)

I would like to tell thank to KLepo who (bored in Pakistan :-) caused 5 people of different nationalities spent a very nice afternoon in Ostrava. THANK YOU.

More photos HERE.

Cleaning day in a new flat

2007-07-04T05:33:00.000-07:00

So I moved... From dorms to a flat right in the centre of Ostrava (city where I study). I will share this flat with 5 more girls so sometimes it will be probably challenging but I am looking forward it. The flat is nice and big. It is right next to Nová radnice townhall and right next to the big park.

So I am really glad for such a flat. However... after our moving in we realized the flat is a bit messy and dirty (politely said), especially bathroom and kitchen were in bad conditions (politely said:-) There was only one solution - to clean it (after coming back from Tesco with lots of cleaning stuff:-) Me and Petra (one of my roommates) spent about 3 hours by cleaning these two rooms only. It was such a "nice" experience. I forgot to tell you that day I finally finished my exams period and started summer holidays. Cleaning is a really nice way how to celebrate isn´t it?

Well, I considered myself as a messy and chaotic person who does not like housework. After our cleaning day I still consider myself as a person who does not like housework... But in every case I am not messy! Well, may be I am chaotic - I let my clothes, keys and other things in whole flat and then look for a certain thing a long time.... But not messy!!! Good to know:-)

MC TOP

2007-06-24T12:39:00.000-07:00

I spent the weekend 21 to 24th June in AIESEC in the Czech Republic Member Committee TakeOver Party. It was an open air event to kick off old "top management" of AIESEC and to welcome new one on stage.

It happened in Protivanov near Prostějov. Just a few impressions... I met my new boss there - Barbara (aka Barča) from Brazil there. She will be responsible for Talent Management area in AIESEC in CR this year. She is very friendly and crazy person and I am very looking forward to cooperating with her. I also took part Talent Management functional meeting to get to know people responsible for this area and find out what is going on in this area.

Next nice moment was when Fabian (MC member of 2006/07 from Mexico) taught me basic salsa steps. Thank you my dance teacher. I promise I will improve it.

During Friday another crazy moment appeared. The weather changed from sunny to rainy quite often those days. In one such a moment when there was a strong shower my lovely friend Kristyna came with amazing idea. "Let´s get swim suit on and go outside to make some fun for the rest of people who hide from rain inside." So me, Kristyna, Maruška and Míša did... I think we let a big impression in them. It was funny to stay outside, enjoy the rain and watch a group of people watching us and taking pictures. Atmosphere was even better when Starosta approached us wearing anorak, long trousers and hiking boots. Unfortunatelly I do not have any pictures but hopefully will get some from my friends.

Other relaxing activities? Volleyball, football, basketball, petanque, sunbathing, chatting with others, drinking, dancing, BBQ,...

As I already told at the beginning MC TOP was an unofficial end of experienced Czech MC. I would like to say thanks for their effort, work and enthusiasm during their term. Dear Evča, Nina, Šíša, Fabian, Majka, Meňa and Starosta - THANK YOU.

I would also would like to wish the best to the new MC during coming period. Dear Jaro, Tina, Peťa, Barča, Peťula, Lukáš and Radim - GOOD LUCK!

My Romanian Training Experience

2007-06-16T06:59:00.000-07:00

Simply I have some lucky period... How to explain in other words... When I came back from International Trainers Congress in Romania organized by AIESEC about 2 months ago I had a call from AHRA. When I came there for a meeting I realized it was an offer for cooperation. As a first working oppportunity I was asked to go to Bucharest (Romania) as a coach/support trainer to help to run Train the Trainers course for employees of a RUUKI company. Of course I said yes.

I was suppossed to mainly help my Romanian collegue Diana who was a main trainer there as it was in Romanian and till now I cannot speak this language. It was so strange to help to run a course and not to understand almost anything. And taking into account it was my first working experience as a trainer and it was my first bussines trip as well. What are my impressions so far? I could not wish more strange and nice first working experience. I am very thankful for it and must say it motivated me a lot to my next work as a trainer. Cannot wait for next practical experience.

2007-06-16T06:09:00.000-07:00

"All your life you are told the things you cannot do.

All your life they will say you're not good enough

or strong enough or talented enough;

they will say you're the wrong height

or the wrong weight or the wrong type to play this

or be this or achieve this.

THEY WILL TELL YOU NO,

a thousand times no, until all the no's become meaningless.

All your life they will tell you no, quite firmly and very quickly.

AND YOU WILL TELL THEM YES."

Nike ad

Prague with Judy

2007-06-11T11:02:00.000-07:00

From 6th to 8th June I spent very special moments with Miss Judy Kong in Prague (capital of the Czech Republic, assigned in UNESCO list). I met this lovely lady from Hong Kong during ITC in Romania in April. She was one of not so many people who I wanted to see again anyway I would not belive it could really happen. You know "keep in touch" phrase at the end of special events is nice but does not become reality very often. So when Judy wrote me she is coming from Denmark (where she is currently studying) to Prague I definitelly decided to be her guide there.

We visited many historical places, took many pictures and walked a lot. We climbed four towers in three days and realized every single of them is of a different style. We started with St. Vit´s Cathedral (Prague Castle) followed by Old Town Hall tower. Then the next day we climbed Petřín tower (Czech small Eifell tower) and then Charles Bridge (Old Town Bridge) tower as well. And of course we did not miss those famous historical places such Old Town Square with astrological clock, Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, St. Nicholas Church, Wienceslaw Square and others.

On Wednesday evening we went to "U Houdku" pub which is very popular (not only) among AIESEC people where we met quite a big group of AIESEC Praha members. the thing is we met Misan, Vojta, Zuzka and Petra there. All those people (including me) were representatives of Czech ITC delegation so KiT (keep in touch) phrase became almost perfect (we only missed Lukas and Terka to have Czech delegation complete).

Apart of all special moments I must mention meal experiences as well. Because of Judy I tasted sushi for the first time (we found some sushi take out in Wienceslaw Square). I fell in love with sushi and I am looking forward to my next sushi experience (may be in Hong Kong?). The "Czech traditional meal mission" was clear: Kofola, beer, smažák (fried cheese) and vepřo, knedlo, zelo (pork, dumplings and cabbage). I was very curious about Judy´s reaction and was very happy realizing she liked it.

Dear Judy, thank you for special moments I could spend with you. Wish you all the best in your life. Looking forward to seeing you again - sometimes, somewhere (may be in Hong Kong?).

Bratislava with Klepo

2007-06-03T05:22:00.000-07:00

„Carpe Diem“

Although I have met this person for only three times before he left a big impression on me. After coming back from Slovensky raj I did not want to admitt I would not see him again any more. While chatting with Klepo afterwards I suggested him a crazy idea to come to Bratislava to tell good bye definetelly before he will go to Pakistan. And he accepted it. It was crazy – I had exams period and other things to do, he was busy as well anyway we both made some time to see each other again. And this all just because of a few hours together.

Thank you Klepo for Bratislava night sight seeing, for showing me the centre of the city, for all those special moments I could share with you, for spending your last moments in Slovakia with me. I do not have enough words to express my feelings as they are so deep and not really public ones. Only you Tom know what is behind all these words here and what exactly I mean.

Miss you.

Outdoor training

2007-05-27T08:50:00.000-07:00

A boat does not go forward if each on is rowing their own way.

Swahili proverb

I was asked to prepare outdoor/teambuilding activities during the weekend 25 - 26th May. For me it started to become a reality on Saturday, 6 a. m. when I woke up and went to a forest to prepare The Day of the Triffids game (based on the novel by John Wyndham).

It was amazing to stay in a forest so early in the morning - just me and nature, everything so silent. Of course I was afraid not to get lost and fortunatelly I did not. According to this game there is a group af blindfolded people lead by one of them to the safe place. On their way they have to overcome some obstacles and at the whole end they are supposed to cross the river without any bridge. I really wanted to incude this part but... Of course I had to try it by myself first... Firstly I almost lost my shirt as I did not realize it appeared in river somehow (it was hung on my backpack before). Then it happened:-) I got off my shoes and tried to cross the river but... Suddenly I lost my balance and simply sat down into water. Fortunatelly it was sunny and warm and place was very near to the cottage where we stayed. After such an experience I decided not to include this part into game:-)

In the afternoon we played "Cannon" outdoor game. We spent about 2 hours in forest testing physical condition and team cooperation. I think I as a trainer succeed because after coming bac to cottage everybody was tired and not so talkative and alughing as at the beginning:-)

Then on Sunday morning at 5 a. m. (4 hours of sleep for some lucky ones) really strong alarm delivered by me woke them up. Everybody blinfolded. The game "The Day of the Triffids " could start. I spent about 2 hours with a team in forest courious how they will performe.

If the success of outdoor teambuilding is (among others) measurable by good mood in a team afterwards, tired people and telling phrases like "I hate National Trainers Team!", "I want to get back to the cottage", " I hate nature and have wet shoes they will not get dry"... then this teambuilding was successful. Photos.

Hiking in Slovensky Raj

2007-05-22T10:34:00.000-07:00

During the weekend 18th to 20th May I hiked in Slovakia Paradise. I had a great guide Klepo who took a great care about me. I will not ever forget sleeping in a tent in Kláštorisko (the ruin of a monastery from Middle Ages). In fact we were not allowed to sleep there as it was forbidden but thanks to Klepo´s negotiating it was possible. Just imagine - nature, silence, the atmosphere of such a place, sunset and then sunrise in the morning, breakfast in the nature... It was something very worth for such a person as I am who enjoyes calm mornings so deeply. Still thinking about it I am smiling.

Then on Saturday we spent whole day by hiking. It was sometimes challenging to overcome all those ladders, ropes, water and Klepo´s jokes :-) Anyway it was something that I needed to enjoy - I mean to forget all those daily routines, work and worries. Just to enjoy moments and feel pure joy of life. I must say I was totally dead in the evening but totally happy at the same time.

To all of you who like hiking, nature, challenging yourselves and overcoming obstacles I reccommend you to go there and enjoy the same moment as I did.

Dear Klepo, thank you for taking me for such a great trip. It was one of the best experiences I have ever had. You made me sleep in a tent, not wearing make-up every day, not having a shower every day - simply not to be perfect, just being me. You made me feel happy and smiling. I will not ever forget it. Big kisses and hugs to you as my thank you.

Career Days 2007 BBQ

2007-05-03T02:17:00.000-07:00

May be you already have heard about Career Days 2007. For those who are lost or are not AIESEC members a small reminder. Career Days 2007 meant a record in their history. There were 1693 students taking part which means 50 % growth comparing previous year!!! Let me introduce shortly amazing organizing committee that helped to make this AIESEC experience very worthy for me (and not only because I was the only woman in team:-)

Stanislav Hába (Project Manager)

Karel Hlavinka (External Relations)

Marián Kobolka (External Relations)

Pavel Vávra (IT)

Tomáš Laboutka (Logistics)

Adam Lebeda (University Promotion and Roadshow)

... and me (Public Relations)

... ... and Šíša of course (MCVPER)

Two months later our teambuilding happened... We met in Adam´s place in Zlin and had a BBQ. But before BBQ itself Adam prepared a small sightseeing in Zlin. We visited Building 21 - Bata skyscraper to see Tomas Bata office in pater noster and to and to watch Zlin from the 16th floor.

Then we moved to Adam´s house where we met his sister who prepared steaks for our BBQ (thank you Kristyna) and Adam´s dog Ben that we renamed to Baťa. Unfortunatelly we did not have a chance to introduce ourselves to Adam´s parents because they were in Egypt. Such a pity:-)

According to me Karlos decided to be the chef and the rest of us did not protest at all. We talked, ate, drink, had fun, remember Career Days 2007... After finishing all the meal we had we went to a pub. We met a children playground on our way to pub so we had to use it of course... Then in pub Majo and Šíša decided to dance. Probably this was a reason why Šíša fell in sleep very early so the rest of us (whose idea was it?) decided to pretend we had left and let Šíša pay for us. When Šíša was woken up by a waitress he was a bit confused and ready to pay - unfortunatelly he did not have enough money so we had to pay for ourselves:-(

Then there was a funny journey back to Adam´s house. Such a surprise Šíša played a main role again. In the moment we passed block of flats (it was about 1 a. m.) he decided to ring all door bells... We ran away sooo quickly:-) Then he realized there were some logs in front of a family house and he decided we needed some more wood for our fireplace so he picked one and took it to Adam´s house...

I had lovely moments with you guys during this team building (or after party or evaluation meeting or what actually it was). Thank you for creating amazing atmosphere. Hopefully see you very soon:-) More pictures here.

2007-05-02T13:52:00.000-07:00

Hmm, I am creating my own blog (or trying to create :-) It should be easy or not? Probably it is easy it is just me who does not know how it works :-) Never mind I will handle it soon (hopefully). Now I feel as picture shows...