5 reasons I LOVE living in Prague, Czech Republic! | American expat living abroad in Prague

The Czech Republic rocks! It's a fascinating little country with a vibrant and exciting capital city--the modern medieval wonderland of Prague, where I've been living abroad as an expat since November 2019. On this perfect July day in Prague, I took a walk from Malá Strana up through the northern part of Petřín park toward Strahov to catch some stunning views of the city, assert my territorial dominance over competing vloggers in Strahov, and talk about 5 of the top reasons that I love living in the Czech Republic. No beer, sausage, or stag parties on this list. ;)

[@bukva11]

I mean that "Ř" in Petřín, was pretty good. gj

[@skeletonkeysprague21]

Thank you, I appreciate the feedback :))

[@tamtenjakub]

@@skeletonkeysprague21 Like I feel that your pronounciation overall is really good!

[@jazzcat2075]

He definitely pronounces Ř better than Václav Havel did:)

[@jankasparek6172]

@@skeletonkeysprague21 We have a saying in Czech, that the world is a small place. I always tought that it was a nonsence. But now I see a guy from Colorado Springs, a place I used to live in, making videos and cruizing around my home town and saying Petřín with a perfect accent. Now I finally get it. Thank you for your great videos and interesting look from an outsider perspective!

[@NickyNorvege]

I was about to say, that “ř” was brilliant :))

[@SubrtMartin1]

People in charge in public transport are watching ;-). Actual end of metro operation at 11 PM is due to covid, between 10 and 11 PM metro has 75 % less passengers. But problem wit operation time is larger. Prague metro on each line usually transport between 400 000 and 500 000 passengers a day. This is the number unable to transport by surface transport (trams, buses). So there is no chance to do maintenance in metro during normal workday. With one exception, first 3 workdays in July after state holidays, when on each line travel around 150 000 or 200 000 people a day, less than normal weekend. So night pause is necessary. Our metro is not so old (born 1974), but first line has wooden sleepers, which need to chance. Almost 20 000. During 1 night, only 5-6 sleepers could be changed, during longer weekend with state holiday 200-300 could be changed, during first July week around 600-700 sleepers could be changed. We have still about 8-9 years of work on it. In metro tunnels during night, it is necessary to clean, repair tracks, operate night work trains, which are there for transporting parts of new escalators, which are in reparation (demoliton of old ones and building new). So, every minute during night is higly valued. But good news for everybody ;-). Metro lines will operate till midnight (last train from city centre Muzeum, Florenc, Můstek between 0:00 and 0:05) from the 15th od July. But money also are topic. Cheap public transport means that people from revenues give to the city only 15 % of whole costs need for operation. 85 % are city subsidies (comes from taxes). After covid is usuall almost no collection taxes, so nearly all operation of public transport is now paid from reserves (prepared for large investment to new metrro lines or city bypasses). Year pass is this year cheaper than in year 2000, all people with this pass (400 000) pay only 1,5 bilion CZK a year, but year costs of public tramsport are 20,0 bilion CZK year (440 billions USD). So, it is quite impossible to operate metro till 1 AM. We are sorry.

[@katerinasofie6879]

Thank you so much for this “insider” info and the good news!

[@skeletonkeysprague21]

Amazing info about the Prague metro system and I totally understand now why it works the way it does. Thanks for your comment!

[@hafrang5613]

Very interesting inside information on one of (if not) the best public transit system in the world. Thank you Martin for taking the time and effort!

[@roman_birdie_songwriter]

As a Czech I really appreciate this inside info. Had no idea about these things :D I thought that the workers just sleep overnight :D

[@dougzitek2358]

I like this comment it’s so full of really good information

[@webds]

Being in Prague is surreal. Like being in a fairy tale place. It's magical and was my favorite place of all when I was in Europe. And that had much to do with the people I encountered and those who helped me so selflessly. I am enjoying your videos. Glad iI can experience it again. Thank you !

[@skeletonkeysprague21]

Thanks for watching, I’m glad I can help bring back that special Prague feeling for you :)

[@balfiman]

I spent hours in mystical are on the Charles bridge admiring the absolutely perfect aesthetic and peaceful environment completely absent from any kind of modern or unpleasant sound or sight.

[@alesio1971]

Super video, díky za skvělou propagaci České republiky.

[@skeletonkeysprague21]

Díky za komentář!

[@pavelsulc2617]

It's nice to see that you think about your surroundings and try to look under the surface. And maybe we Czechs will realize it better when a foreigner tells us how beautiful our country is and quite possibly we don't realize it and we don't appreciate it. Prague is undoubtedly beautiful and inspiring especially for someone who feels architecture, but the countryside also has its huge charm. Hills and valleys, houses with red tiled roofs on green slopes, dirt roads disappearing on the horizon. Sometimes I go only a few kilometers from the house and spend many minutes absorbing the beauty from a place where there is a nice view. One thing I love about our little country is that it only takes a few hours to get anywhere.

[@skeletonkeysprague21]

Thanks for the kind words. I’m glad I can help Czech people put their own country in perspective a bit. It always helps to see things from a slightly different angle. :)

[@caroline4323]

You do get used to the beauty of it, not seeing it anymore. Lived in Prague for 20 years, especially last 10 years you kind of learn to avoid the city centre, millions of tourists and all the souvenir shops, not one, but 20 of them selling the same rubbish as in any touristy town, the plates and cups just say Prague instead of Venice, it does make you feel angry and sick. And once in a while, going to náplavka, seeing the beautiful line of houses along the river, people sitting there, you go, wow, still beautiful. Or looking out of the tram window going across the river early in the morning, and there it is, the old train bridge, Vysehrad in the backgroung and mist above the river, and half asleep you need to admit- that is really pretty, I should go out more :).

[@Pidalin]

It was like that in the past, but in last few years, things are really changing and I don't think it's only because of covid, it's mainly because of Prague is leaded by pirate party now, they think more about how Prague looks like when you want just walk around. Previous governments were mostly right wing and they cared only about cars.

[@caroline4323]

@@Pidalin Yep. Only tourists even in large numbers that is not the problem. But I do feel ashamed when I see all the scam, kitsch and so much of it.

[@Pidalin]

@@caroline4323 Yes, there is still plenty of kitch and scam, but I remember how it looked like 20 years ago and it's really really big improvement since that time.

[@caroline4323]

@@Pidalin Před 20ti lety si myslim, že to bylo lepší. Já byla v centru naposled někdy před třemi lety a přišlo mi to opravdu neskutečně hrozné. Hlavně cesta z Václaváku na Staromák. Ty suvenýrový obchudky jeden vedle druhýho. Tam počítám i pralinky bůhvíodkud atd. No, snad to zacnou trochu vic hlidat..

[@Pidalin]

@@caroline4323 Před 20 lety to fakt lepší nebylo, všude samej rusák, bábuškashop a špína, dneska je v centru aspoň čisto a opravený baráky. V devadesátkách se uklízelo tak že nametli bordel ke krajinici, dneska vypadá město fakt mnohem líp a většina těch ohavnejch míst už je dávno zrekonstruovaná. Jedno z posledních takovejch hnusnejch míst je průchod vedle karlova mostu když se jde po karlově mostě směrem ke staromáku ale hned za mostem se zahne do prava před přechodem, tam je hnusnej průchod s těma matryoshkama a vypadá to tam fakt jak v devadesátkách, jinak si myslim že se to fakt výrazně zlepšilo. A turistů bylo jak sraček už tenkrát, to neni nic novýho, ale řekl bych že se zlepšila kvalita těch turistů, před 15, 20 lety tady bylo tak levno že k nám jezili všichni hlavně chlastat, dneska bych řekl že sem typickej turista fakt jede třeba za památkama a tak.

[@OrechTV]

THAT Ř ... wow .. better than most Slovaks :D ... keep it up. Great video :)

[@skeletonkeysprague21]

I really appreciate that! Working on it, and sometimes it's better, sometimes worse :)

[@h9z9r9]

You must be the most articulate person on KZbin. Great stuff 👌

[@vladimiremerichsmejkal5525]

Excellent, thoughtful, eloquently presented and somewhat heartwarming for me. A Czech by birth who grew up in Southern Bohemia, studied law in Prague (Charles U.) and have lived in western Canada for the last 55 years. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the video, your interesting observations about Prague's architecture and your appreciation of intricacies of the Czech language. Thank you...

[@rickstreet6288]

I was in the Czech Republic shortly after the wall came down. I was doing the US trade and evolving agencies first chemical project. The excitement of the check people was intoxicating. The one thing I told him was I hope you get capitalism With a soul.I truly love the country. And I’m glad that you discovered it is beautiful as I did.

[@skeletonkeysprague21]

Must have been amazing to be here at that time. I’m jealous.

[@petr416]

Man, You have had the privilege to hit the best time of our history, the 90` where the absolute freedom of anything! I was growing up in this time and I got used to it, but the present time make me cry ... by by my beloved freedom🤐

[@ex0stasis72]

It's so cool seeing some of the same type of landscape here as I remember when I played the Kingdom Come: Deliverance game. It seems so peaceful there.

[@rudolfkasanpawiro644]

Wow! Beautiful! Everywhere is clean ,no garbage scattered on the fields and roadside!

[@andrejmandak9968]

wellp, he deleted my comment regarding MUH raycism

[@skeletonkeysprague21]

I never delete any comments. Sometimes KZbin automatically deletes or hides comments if certain sensitive words/phrases are used. I have no control over this and I'm usually not aware of it. Sorry if your comment was deleted, but try posting it again with slightly different wording, and it might go through. Cheers.

[@andrejmandak9968]

@@skeletonkeysprague21 ok thx

[@Haevar]

Thank you for this video, I was so glad you mentioned exactly those things you did, so nice to hear.

[@ThomasKrul]

When we visited the Czech Republic the fall before Covid, we visited both Adrsprach and Southern Moravia and the truisms you mentioned about the natural landscape totally rang true to me. Adrsprach is incredible, looking like a combination of Game of Thrones fantasy and Pandora from the movie Avatar, and Moravia has these beautiful rolling hills that are so reminiscent of Tuscany (but, as you pointed out, greener) that the call it "the Italy of Central Europe" or something like that. It's interesting to note that the mountains and valleys look - like you said - comforting because - unlike the gorgeous mountains in Switzerland - you look at them and you know you could easily walk over them to the other side: it's not imposing or dangerous-looking.

[@barborajezkova8393]

I really appreciate your effort to learn the Czech language. I'm not saying that Czech is a super beautiful language or anything, but immigrants who not only ignore the language but also hate on it are extremely arrogant... Learning the language should be the basis of your respect towards your host country. The country is hosting you, learn the bloody language or leave. You've spotted very well that each person has a very individual way of speaking as a way of expressing their personality!

[@dudoklasovity2093]

7:53 lol I like how you registered the ladies visually and tried to delay finishing the sentence because it was not appropriate for that moment…but it came out well😂 I like the way you express yourself, very eloquently it must be fun to be around you. Nice video!👍 btw your ‘gargoyle’ metaphor about czech language was beautiful

[@sugi99]

It's amazing how someone who end up here by accident fell in love with my country. And likes same things. With one exception! Foreigners in Prague!!! Don't get me wrong. I also enjoy conversations with people from around the world. Many of my friends arent Czech. What I don't like is that hearing czech language is becoming more rare every year. Yeah thats turists you might say. (BTW. there was far too many of them before the plague) But I don't think so. Most of foreigners I know don't know any czech even if they are here more than five years. And they don't want to because they don't need to. To me it looks like we slowly loosing main city. I just can't picture german guy who don't know any english moving to America. Geting a good job with a decent salary and enjoing same amount of respect as foreigners in here.

[@skeletonkeysprague21]

I also wish that expats would make more of an effort to learn Czech. I’m a hypocrite, obviously, because I still don’t speak it well or regularly, but at least I have the decency to be ashamed and the intention to fix it 😆 However, I think that the international status of English means that the immigrant-in-the-USA analogy is not quite applicable. Many expats in non-English speaking countries feel, quite justifiably, that English alone is enough to get by. Nonetheless, I totally agree that if someone commits to a long-term residency in the Czech Republic, they should learn to speak Czech both out of respect for the locals and as a matter of social necessity. Over time, most global capitals will become increasingly international and thus increasingly English-dominated, but it’s still important for expats to do their part in preserving the local language and culture. They can always switch back to English whenever they want/need to!

[@sugi99]

@@skeletonkeysprague21 What I was trying to say is that I wish there was more demand on forigners to speak czech. I don't want Prague to become english-dominated. We almost lost our language once already. I think it would be sad to loose it for good this time. When we fought for it so hard two hundred years ago.

[@MrToradragon]

@@skeletonkeysprague21 Your pronunciation and accent is better than that of many natives, at least in those few words you have used in your videos. IMHO another important thing about foreigners and learning Czech is whether they are here just for short time like year or so (it seems like short term contracts are increasingly a norm here), or whether they plan to stay here fro long(er). I think it is completely understandable that they are not willing to learn language to some great extend when they will leave in few months. But it sure could be interesting topic for some research paper. Or maybe we can get that data from Ministry of Interior, they should have info about foreigners working and living in CZ. Or maybe it can be obtained from ministry of labour and social affairs (that one run by "Venezuela" Maláčová)

[@OrechTV]

Regarding metro closing during the night. It is closed from midnight to 5 am everyday (including weekends but they were thinking about non-stop fridays and saturdays), anyway. Since it is cheap and for working class, if you have drinks and partying, take night bus. Yes it is less confortable, takes a bit longer but you get there and it is way cheaper than metro (useless empty space with not much people). Those money is better spent for more buses to some remote areas of prague than to make it better for tourists. Prague subsidises it heavily (including Czech state government), they wanna be as efficient with money + providing for people living there, not tourists. And then again, bus is way cheaper since 10% of people who regularly travel by public transit actuallz use night transit. Metro is too expensive for just the convinience that just outsiders would use most of the time. It is city's government self-protection since those people residing in Prague are their voters :D and it is their money

[@andrehaugen227]

I enjoy your videos very much! I was an expat in Prague myself and I miss it! You cover very interesting topics!

[@Tangocita444]

As a fellow Coloradan and someone that is married to a man from Plzen, I agree with your assessments of the Czech Republic wholeheartedly. My husband and I live in Seattle now, but are planning to move to Czech in a few years. I can't wait to get out of the US due to the political climate and live a slower-paced life in the CR. We might have to reduce our standard of living slightly but that's easily accepted for a much, much better quality of living. I love the Czechs, but definitely do not share the love of the language - yet. I have been learning for almost 2 years with a tutor and am still barely above an A1 level. I am not immersed in the language so I think that's slowing things down for me. I hope to have a love for it some day vs. the frustration it causes me now, though I don't think it sounds harsh or uninviting. It has some very difficult concepts that my American-English brain is not grasping easily - because words are my job - I'm a professional proofreader and the grammatical nuances of Czech is really quite confusing, but I'm sure the issues are all on my part. :) Thank you so much for your lovely content. I would love it if you and @DreamPrague would get together and make a video at some point and compare notes!

[@jayczech78]

You definitely have more understanding of my country than vast majority of people living here, I used to be one of these vast majority of people, then I mooved to United States and realized what a beautiful place my country is

[@zenstdy]

Having lived most of my life just outside of Atlanta, I found the climate a bit challenging when I first moved here. But after a few years, I grew to appreciate experiencing four seasons (in Atlanta we only really have two). I’ve been here ten years now and I love it more year after year. And no, I still can’t speak Czech very well.

[@skeletonkeysprague21]

I’m spoiled by Front Range (Colorado) weather, which is some of the best in the world when it comes to sunshine, so the weather here is a struggle for me. But I enjoy the summers and I’m learning to enjoy the winters as well 😆

[@eversunnyguy]

Your commentary was very interesting,,,,more than Mundane things like beer, food. etc - Love from Texas.

[@Wysch]

tl;dr Foreigners' channels about Czech republic should be watched not only by expats or tourists but by more Czechs to give them a different point of view. I truly appreciate you talking about Prague and Czech republic the way you do. KZbin algorithm tends to surprise me pleasantly from time to time :) In my opinion what Czech people, and not only Czech people but people generally across the nations, lack is the perspective. I've met Americans who were saying they would love to live in Europe. I've met Europeans who were saying they would love to live in the US. Czech people of my generation had dreams of leaving the country and living abroad. I've had the opportunity to live abroad and visit some countries, even the US. It's completely different to live somewhere and to visit that place as a tourist - living somewhere gives a different perspective. I personally believe the Czech republic is one of the best places to live in. And yet people around me still keep saying this and that country is better and why did you leave that country to come back to this shithole and "I would never leave that country to go back and live in the CZ" is one of the most common things I hear. I will gladly tell them about your channel because I have a feeling your perspective could open some of my friends' eyes. Thank you for that :)

[@ivogianfranco1633]

Very nice video, you're doing a good job :) You really seem like a smart, educated and open-minded guy with a good sense of humor.

[@skeletonkeysprague21]

Thank you so much 😊

[@knudknudsen3989]

Hello "Skeleton". You forgot to drink a beer, just on the other side from the monastery. The Strahov SV Norbert brewery. The Best (unfiltred) IPA in Prague. My favorite place in Prague. Hope next time (10th time) will come soon.

[@davidbohem6524]

Hi mate,thanks for this nice video.I'm originally from Prague,but living abroad more then 15years,last 10years in Thailand with my Thai wife and son.Yeah,the true is that as longer I'm out from here,more and more beauty of this city I see😆😆.And it's nice that so many xpats is moving to here!!Prague was always cosmopolitan and always will be😆😆And trust me man,Thai language was foe me the same hell,like Czech for you first five years haha

[@skeletonkeysprague21]

Nice, how’s living in Thailand? Southeast Asia is another place I’ve always wanted to visit or live.

[@KristinaUSA-x5n]

My cousins live in Prague and my family fought the Nazis in the Resistance and was last in Prague in May 1992 when I was 16 on exchange to Germany.

[@happydays1607]

and the streets seems very clean , no rubbish like here in London and area ..

[@tomripleyful]

One thing I like about living in Prague is that I can take a train to Beroun and go for a short hike somewhere along this train route. This is the nicest area in a close vicinity of Prague in my opinion. Notable places to visit there - Karlštejn, Svatý Jan pod Skalou, center of Beroun, Nižbor castle, Křivoklát.

[@cvoque]

Very kind review of Czechia and Prague. Wish you all the best!

[@skeletonkeysprague21]

Thank you, best wishes to you as well!

[@tvrana]

Usually (before covid) the metro runs from 5 am to 12 pm.

[@skeletonkeysprague21]

I'm a night owl, so even midnight seems early to me, but I understand that they need some time to do maintenance on the metro lines and stations.

[@davidsochor4743]

Hey, super video again! Hope you're planinng to visit more czech towns with your camera. :)

[@skeletonkeysprague21]

I'll visit every single one if I can! :))

[@irenatriskova3938]

Looking forward to it 😃

[@emmwhite3945]

Hi. You have to compare the salary in Czech to USA , than we can compare fairly… salaries are way below , way below to earnings in other countries, EU as well for Czech people it is very expensive to live anywhere in this country…. I was born in Prague, living in 🇨🇦, when visiting there,for us it is a very reasonable visit… good luck and thank you for your lovely work and nice words about my lovely “home”….Thank you ❣️🇨🇦

[@MrToradragon]

I think the metro is a covid thing, but I can see reason why they would close it so soon when Prague is basically pub of Europe. ;) About Czech "wilderness" is basically overgrown garden, most of the land was deforested and turned to arable land from some 17-18th century well into the 19th and only then modern machinery, steam engines and fertilizers allowed for area of forests to grow. And during that time wood was important construction material so what seems like a forest is often just wood plantation. True wilderness only remained at topmost parts of border mountains, but, as I have mentioned, during 19th century wood was expensive and much needed resource in construction so those forests were cut as well. Wolves and bears were all hunted down long long ago. So there is no danger by the predators. As well high number of villages and towns meant even back then that most of the landscape was in such distance from homes that people still cared about their surroundings. About harmlessness of mosquitoes, we already have West Nile virus here.

[@skeletonkeysprague21]

That's an interesting point about the "wilderness." It explains why it feels so comfortable and benign, because it's not really wilderness at all. Thank you :)

[@stevecooper4757]

Really enjoyed your video. Prague is my favourite city in Europe maybe the world. Keep the videos coming im hoping we can travel again soon and i can enjoy all Prague has to offer

[@skeletonkeysprague21]

Glad you enjoyed it...hope you can make it back here sometime soon! It’s even better than it used to be.

[@MammothDzn]

GIVE US A MAP OF YOUR WALKs!! Thanks. I live in Prague for several years and i still have things to discover!

[@irena4545]

Thanks for a great video, it's truly heart-warming to hear a foreigner appreciate our country so much. Your pronunciation is really good, better than many others that I have heard, as your vowels and consonants sound more Czech than English/American! - If I may nitpick, though: that syllabic "l" in Vltava doesn't sound quite right, you're inserting a vowel before it. Also, you shortened the unstressed "á" in Malá Strana, it should remain long as length and word stress are not interconnected in Czech. Ticks are really a problem - not just the Lyme disease but also tick-borne encephalitis, so definitely use a repellent spray before you venture into the countryside. And if you want some more plant names, just say the word ;-)

[@Gangster88232]

Main station park aka "Sherwood" is good place to sleep when you drunk. Just dont have anything on you. There is no coincidence, there is gun shop just on the opposite side of Sherwood.

[@johnmannp7158]

These videos are awesome!

[@skeletonkeysprague21]

Thanks so much!

[@ellensoto2770]

Thanks

[@Bal1]

bit of fun fact, Petrin tower is higher than the Eiffel tower :D Eiffel tower is 33m above sea level and is 320m = 353m Petrin tower is 324m above sea level and is 65m = 389m

[@skeletonkeysprague21]

It is somehow very Czech to build a miniature Eiffel Tower on a hill and still be proud that it’s taller than the original 😂

[@Bal1]

@@skeletonkeysprague21 be happy from the little things :D

[@tuzkovabaterka1177]

Jsem rád že se ti u nás líbí :) a přeju ti dalších x spokojených let v Čr 😌🤝

[@LelouchLamperouge235]

i agree that metro should run until later hours at least on friday and saturday if possible

[@skeletonkeysprague21]

Somebody gets me :))

[@jarkakazda4419]

Love your videos.

[@pavelsmahel8000]

You doing a great job 👍🏻

[@bitkarek]

1. fun fact - Petřín is in the same hight above sea level as Eifel Tower .) (Ive been told so at least) 2. metro used to run long pre covid... not by much tho... like 0:30 last train 3. czech language is pretty modern slavic language that incorporated a lot of german and english which is good for you :) 4. our mother nature is giving usually. Nothing is gonna eat you while you sleep in the forrest. I think you nailed it. All true. Some other expat youtubers dont get things right sometimes, or sometimes often :)

[@skeletonkeysprague21]

Thank you for the nice feedback and the cool facts :)

[@keenmate9719]

FINALLY!!! Dude, I was waiting for days, don't do that to me!

[@skeletonkeysprague21]

LOL, sorry man, maybe I'll try to upload twice weekly from now on ;)

[@keenmate9719]

@@skeletonkeysprague21 Nono, don't push it. Let's keep it rather steady stream of quite (UPDATE: I gave it some more thought and the quality is actully pretty high) high quality videos than a sprint of mediocre videos that burn you out. Btw. I think the thing about czech architecture is that it looks cute or cozy, i'm looking for the right word, it's not there to stun you but to make you feel home and safe if you know what I mean. All those rounded shapes, huge walls, nothing too fancy.

[@skeletonkeysprague21]

@@keenmate9719 I appreciate that you think the videos are high-quality. I have no talent for video editing or animation or anything fancy like that, and my budget for software and gear is very limited right now, so I'm doing the best I can with one camera, built-in microphone, and free editing software. Glad to hear it comes off OK for the viewer.

[@keenmate9719]

@@skeletonkeysprague21 I think none of that is important in your case. For me you are more like Shawshank Redemption than Captain Marvel type of guy. All you, and mean you specifically, need is just a camera and your style. Yes, I'm a simp. :-D :-D

[@keenmate9719]

@@skeletonkeysprague21 Btw I have uploaded a video for you from Hradec nad Moravici, I think you would love it, it's a castle where Beethoven spend some time and it's really lovely and not that far from Svitavy. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpPQqKJuZ6h6nKM

[@putlerkaputt9201]

youtube recommended this video after watching Expedia video on Prague, great insight brotha

[@yarredthomsson3945]

Great video! As you said it, it's a video about great things in Prague, not another video about things like beer is cheap and people party a lot. I love your videos, giving me joy as local. Just why do you nammed your channel Skeleton Keys?

[@skeletonkeysprague21]

I really appreciate that! Glad you're enjoying the videos. A skeleton key is a key that has been modified to be able to open a wide variety of locks. I like the symbolism of this idea...it connects to the adaptability and universality that I've always tried to develop in myself, and also suggests that certain ideas or cognitive tools or approaches to life might be able to unlock a wide variety of experiences and connections. And the image of a skeleton key is very appropriate to the medieval aesthetic of Prague, so it seems to fit. I can imagine the "Skeleton Keys" brand eventually branching out to other locations, though.

[@yarredthomsson3945]

@@skeletonkeysprague21 oh! Thats great! I never heart this. Good luck!

[@jaredxtian1]

you are in strahov monastery. visit the library there.

[@sickening31]

I was travelling through Colorado springs a few years ago and yes most of the area looks brown/grey (late march) but I love Gardens of God. There are some waterfalls nearby that we missed as we were going towards Great Sand Dunes, and also Pike's Peak is famous nearby - not talking about western part rocky mountains and ski resort...

[@skeletonkeysprague21]

It’s cool to hear a Czech person talk about all of these places I know so well :) I’m glad you got to see the Great Sand Dunes, this is one of my favorite summer camping spots from many childhood trips.

[@sickening31]

@@skeletonkeysprague21 Slovak living long time in UK, was my travel dream to get to US as so many different envinroments in quite small area - Denver to LA. stopped in many national parks and state parks along...

[@katerinasofie6879]

Proud of you, miláčku 🤍🤍

[@skeletonkeysprague21]

Díky miláčku 😘

[@Dream-bebe]

You and your videos are gorgeous ❤😊!

[@msniper3907]

Nice video !👍🏻Hello from Czech guy recently in Colorado doing some hikes around Dillon-Breckenridge Area ✌🏻😊

[@Dami603]

Lovely.

[@skeletonkeysprague21]

Thank you so much :)

[@LEPRASE]

Great points. I came to appreciate Prague as a city only after I traveled half the Europe :D.

[@skeletonkeysprague21]

I have seen only a few cities in Europe, and they all have their special appeal, but Prague is undoubtedly the most livable of all the European cities I’ve visited.

[@trenkys9327]

Vltava gives you a bit of a problem pronouncing 😄. But other than that, Petřín, Vyšehrad and other names and phrases, you are really nailing it man! Great job with our crazy language 👍!

[@skeletonkeysprague21]

Yep, I can’t seem to get that “Vl” sound right 😆

[@stanleycz5106]

Can you please tell me how much is good tip in Prague , and how people usually tipping ?

[@johnyrone1]

český jazyk je jediná cesta jak porozumět českému člověku. NICE VIDEO,Thanks

[@skeletonkeysprague21]

Přesně tak, je to pravda. Děkuji moc za komentář :)

[@happydays1607]

Have you seen the big exhibition of Art Noveau artist Alphons Mucha??

[@seanhochman]

I agree with almost all of this except the point on groceries. I find the cost and quality to be cheaper in better in the US than here. It is my only gripe with CZ generally. all said tho, its a small issue in the grand scheme of things

[@vlentner657]

Very nice video,thank you!!

[@skeletonkeysprague21]

Thank you!

[@rommelluna2951]

Are you still there,man? Im planning to settle there once pandemic is over because im having my PhD in the University of New York .

[@chillifarmer8402]

Super video :) jen tak dál

[@skeletonkeysprague21]

Díky :))

[@smurfex8010]

Great video.

[@conceptalfa]

I've been in all of those places you've shown in this video and unfortunately camera doesn't do it justice, they're sooooo much more beautiful in reality, at least summer times I guess....

[@skeletonkeysprague21]

You're totally right. It's so stunning in person, but at the least the camera can hint at the full beauty and make people want to come see it for themselves.

[@conceptalfa]

@@skeletonkeysprague21 yepp, they definately should......!!!

[@moucha8461]

Why do you live in Prague and how long do you plan to stay there?

[@skeletonkeysprague21]

Hey there, if you go to my channel, the video called “Why Prague?” tells the story of how I ended up here. I’ve been here about a year and a half and I have no plans to leave anytime soon.

[@travelsuperyoutubechannel9474]

Wow top

[@Aluzcz]

You are joking, again. The cost of living is not something what you don't calculate based the cost of living in Colorado springs but based on the AVG salary or your salary. Cost of living in Prague is way, way high in Czech republics as the AVG salary is I believe around 30k CZK(before taxes) which is about 25 after tax and the AVG flat rent in Prague is about 20k. So AVG person have only 5k CZK for a month to survive on. Some say that Prague is the cheapest suburb of London, from that price perspective yes, with a London salary. That I'm still talking about AVG salary, someone working in supermarket get around 20k and there is a ZERO chance to live some comfortable life in Prague for such person, either they have to commute or live with someone or in groups. Many couples stay together just as they dont have enough money to separate and have each own place. That's the reality bro.... Living got really shitty after all the expats moved to Prague and especially after the Airbnb and the whole real estate market speculation, flats and houses are super expensive and this virus is spreading around Prague as someone with even a decent salary don't want to live in Prague anymore, the benefits are there only for young people but for someone on 30s you just want to escape all that bad air, pollution, noise and dust everywhere, its just overpriced. Metro is for locals to get to work and so on, tourst can take taxi/uber. No need to run empty trains over night. Uber is cheap to be honest, no need to use freaking metro. Used that last time during night when i was 17 or so... Living outside of Prague and commuting become standard for people who can still afford to live in Prague but dont see the value, the city is starting to become tourist and hipster skanzen. With our shitlord mayor landing the way, closing roads, parking and pushing people to ride on stupid bikes. With the rest, you are point on Prague/CZ is very safe as its a monoculture not a multicultural marxist shithole, public transport is great as people were poor in the past and commies needed to make it super efficient as not many people could afford cars, not the new green commies are pushing everyone who have a car to use it again, so yes the public transport is great but not due to the current administrations but as it was put together very well by commies - hate them but for big infrastructure projects totalities just do better than democracy.

[@skeletonkeysprague21]

Hi, thanks for your kind words and for the invitation. I'd love to visit your village...do you have instagram? That's probably the best way to get in touch with me.

[@tanaliskova7937]

Great video ! Good job :)

[@skeletonkeysprague21]

Thank you!

[@stevo728822]

I'm sure the Czech Republic is green. But if you want to see bright emerald green....go visit Ireland.

[@skeletonkeysprague21]

As a guy with about 99.9 percent Irish lineage, a trip to the motherland is definitely on my to-do list 😁

[@Turtle1631991]

You speak of Czech language like a poet. As a native speaker I was really touched actually.

[@becherbecher]

I wish I had your skill in presenting and formulating ideas, so that they appear simple despite they are not. Thanks for promoting our culture.

[@skeletonkeysprague21]

Thanks for the lovely compliment :)

[@Syddalucida]

As English-writer and Czech-journalist I have to say the way you spoke about the language almost made me tear up a little bit. It was very emotional for me to hear it compared to a piece of ornate architecture. And that Czech can be extremely expressive and deeply personal. It pleasantly surprised me because you managed to find the words for a concept I myself even as a Czech was not quite able to formulate!

[@skeletonkeysprague21]

I’m very glad to hear that my description resonated with you...I struggled myself to find the words to express how I feel about the language. Thank you :)

[@stepangolis2879]

It´s great ho have people like you in here. I´m glad this place is enjoyable for you! :- )

[@skeletonkeysprague21]

Thank you, it's great to be here!

[@LadislavMaterna2]

Hi, as you said for somebody is hard to learn czech, but if you are able to speak czech, than also people from Slovak republik will understand you, and maybe big part of Polish citizens as well. So czech language is a gate to 10 + 5 + 40 = 55 millions of europeans enhabitants and to their cultural heritage.

[@skeletonkeysprague21]

That's an encouraging way to think about it. I also think that, as a native English speaker, learning one Slavic language makes learning all the other languages with Slavic roots easier as well. Even if the languages aren't that similar, you still have more of a foundation to build from.

[@spacedog_80]

@@skeletonkeysprague21 If you speak Czech you will certainly understand Slovakian 99% and Poles 80%, especially those from the south of the country along the border with the Czech Republic. If you travel to the Balkans such as Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro you will understand signs on buildings and shops but much less spoken words 40-50%. Russian, Ukrainian, Bulgarian are the least understandable Slavic languages for Czechs and you will have hard time to understand anything at all.

[@carthtc3429]

Just to add about the Czech "wilderness" - there are almost no really remote areas, the landscape is widely populated, in most areas you can't go a few miles without running into at least a small village. :) Plus almost no venomous fauna or flora, there is just one single venomous type of a snake, very rare, most people never see it throughout their whole lives. And even that one is not exactly life-threatening. :)

[@skeletonkeysprague21]

I didn't know these things before I made this video, but it really helps explain why the Czech countryside feels so safe and welcoming. Thanks :)

[@MrMajsterixx]

just t ad to the info , the snake is called zmyje and they are small snakes which are venomous but they can only deliver 1/3 of the deadly dose for healthy adult. so yea dont play with them but the posibility of dying is rly small

[@VaregianEisselor]

@@MrMajsterixx Just to clarify for the international viewers, zmije is a type of european viper.

[@vladimirhercik4464]

@@skeletonkeysprague21 ...our wilderness is not dangerous, but we have here venomous plants and mushrooms. f.e.: Tis, durman, mochomurky,....

[@SunRabbit]

It's one of the most densely populated countries on Earth, actually. Consider that Australia has a land area exactly 100 times that of Czech Republic, with only ~twice the population.

Of course your praise is easy on the ears, but also very thoughtful I think. Also your Czech pronunciation seems to indeed be better than most I've heard. It shows that you must have given it serious effort. Overall your vids are very nice to watch.

[@skeletonkeysprague21]

Thank you so much, I appreciate the encouragement on both counts. :)

[@roman_birdie_songwriter]

the reason for the metro closed overnight is, that when Czech people go party, they finish at 5am so they can easily use the metro again ;-) :D

[@skeletonkeysprague21]

Haha good point. I just need to party harder and go the distance 😂

[@vlentner657]

Realy,nothing in between ,some long wait !!

[@AndrewJohnson-oy8oj]

This is the kind of creative thinking and adaptability I've come to expect from the Czech people.

[@jamiewoodcock9765]

Prague has been my favorite European city for a long time and I spent alot of time learning about the historical buildings and the 1000 years old architecture and neverending things that will continue to make you say wow look at this look at that ,this country is special in many ways a living fairy tale and I'm proud to say that I'm Czechoslovakian my grandparents came to the United states from Cz and I love my heritage ❤💯👍🙂

[@kikivondugong1306]

Czech/German Prague born here🙋🏼‍♀️ When I moved to Stockholm, Praguers were envious because here Sweden has a reputation of being a haven. But I gotta tell you, Stockholm is nice but only for a weekend or so but Prague? There's always something to do here or go to, walk around for hours and see beautiful architecture. What I also missed in Stockholm, was big parks or green in general. There is no park like Stromovka or Hvězda, where you have a feeling of being in nature. I missed beer gardens (even though I don't drink beer) but it's nice to sit outside with friends and share a long bench with other people and network over a drink. But yeah, in Sweden, you're not allowed to drink alcohol outside. That's another thing that stressed me as a Czech person in Sweden... All these weird, strict rules. I always only heard "That's illegal in Sweden or we don't do that in Sweden" to things that are completely normal here. And don't get me started on the health care in Sweden🙄 So yeah, after three years in Stockholm, I couldn't wait to move back to Prague and am happily married to the city again.

[@skeletonkeysprague21]

I’ve heard similar things about many Scandinavian cities. I think Prague has a relaxed, open, organic feel that is hard to replicate elsewhere in Europe. Of course it has its problems and deficiencies as well, but the tradeoffs are usually worth it in my opinion.

[@1337Ox]

KZbin just randomly recommended me one of your videos, I really enjoyed it, and since then I am hooked! Also I am stunned by your pronunciation! Very enjoyable videos, keep it up! Díky

[@skeletonkeysprague21]

Thank you so much, I'm glad you're enjoying the videos!

[@dancamp3227]

Moving to Prague in about four weeks or so. Still working through what we are finding is an extremely complicated work visa process. But looking forward to it. Your videos have definitely helped a fellow Colorado resident get in the right headspace. Thanks!

[@skeletonkeysprague21]

Glad to hear that! Hit me up when you get into town and I'll be happy to show you around a bit.

[@mikesmith2875]

Let me see if I can help you out. Been here over a year and the BS you have to go through to DO ANYTHING is extraordinary! Find yourself a company that handles this Bureaucracy BS and let them deal with it. Of course as with anything in life it is all about the money! I personally do not like it here but I have a contract and as soon as that is over I am out of here! Sorry, my opinion.

[@m1kus960]

Hi, why do you want to move from the US to the Czech Republic? I know that many people dream of moving to the US and say that the US is much better than the Czech Republic, I also thought about moving to the US, but I decided to stay in the Czech Republic because over the past 2 years the Czech Republic has seen the largest number of Ukrainians per capita, despite the fact that Europe and America were open to Ukrainians, but they chose the Czech Republic anyway

[@guzmaekstroem]

An american presents his positive view of a Country, yet what you also see is insightful and thought provoking presentation of one hell of human being from US. PS: The metro thing is a covid-related. Usually it runs until 01:00 as I remember, but I might be wrong, can't remember before covid anymore. Thanks for the vijeo and keep them coming :)

[@skeletonkeysprague21]

Thanks for the wonderful compliment :)

[@cinskybuhsrandy5099]

You can expect a lot of invitations to hiking trips, rafting etc. from now on. You will be super popular among your friends. The reason - there are certain individuals who get picked by mosquitos and ticks and everyone else is left alone... It seems you are one of these individuals...

[@skeletonkeysprague21]

I've been lucky not to have any ticks so far (fingers crossed), but the mosquitoes love me.

[@vlastimilzlamal2982]

​@@skeletonkeysprague21 good enough, we reserve you on... :D

[@flaspank9467]

nosquitos are very friendly and inclusive! they love everyone from my experience

[@HeLLFireRCZ]

@@skeletonkeysprague21 Might be your blood type. I'm A- and mosquitoes REALLY love me, too. :D

[@alloy14]

@@skeletonkeysprague21 It´s easy, buy anti mosq.bracelet or some of drops of tea tree oil on wrists and behind ears and knees. It works.

[@jakubkovac346]

Your Czech pronunciation is amazing :D

[@skeletonkeysprague21]

It’s so nice to hear that! Thank you. I’ve worked hard on it and I still have a long way to go.

[@Pidalin]

Yes, it was really good.

[@eriklangr9876]

I also think that your czech pronunciation is good... my pronunciation of English is much worse😅🤷‍♀️

[@elssir1537]

You catched my eye few days ago and I gotta admit you are a really nice and respectful soul. The things you said about the lanquage would sure made its creators proud as you managed to describe it in a poetic way which is the main purpose of the lanquage itself. Also your Czech sounds really natural and soft to the ear. You for sure got some Czechness in you. You sure you don't have some herritage? Overall thank you for your beautiful words and I hope our (yours as well) land will bring you much more joy and love you showed to have for her.

[@skeletonkeysprague21]

Thank you for your very kind and thoughtful words. I'm pretty sure my heritage is like 99% Irish, but there's some "non-specific central European" in there that could very well be Bohemian. :)

[@verasykorova9559]

I could write the comment only in English, but you will understand the Czech part too: Především díky za velmi hezké video, ze kterého je vidět radost z toho, že tu žijete, že jste se stal částí naší země. Takoví jako vy budou vždy vítáni, a to bez ohledu na to, z které země přicházejí nebo jaká je barva jejich kůže.

[@jenniferduclett749]

How refreshing to run across your video. As a Californian, I appreciate your ability to speak for over 20 minutes without an “um” or “uh” between every other word. I am also intrigued by your comparison of the city’s Gothic architecture with the Czech language. Thought-provoking! I will have a short, first, visit next month and am really looking forward to it now. Thanks for that, and keep up the great work!

[@dougzitek2358]

I agree with this perspective he mentioned. after two weeks in Prague the architecture, art , language meets everything he said. In the back of my mind I thought much the same and the video easily filled all the space between conscious thought and gut feelings

[@kristynahyblova7096]

I like how you describe the Czech language. Learning it as a child I thought "what kind of masochist invented this?!" but as I get older I appreciate the beauty and structure of it. The sounds and rhythms easily lend themselves to that melancholy yet mythical feeling that you hear in old Czech poems and fairytales which makes it even more beautiful to me. Anyways, your pronunciation of places seems very good. Keep up the good work!

[@katerinalojikova]

yes, definitely thought-provoking. It is always fascinating to see one's home through somebody else's eyes. I will never look at the cathedral in the same way, what a comparison!

[@skeletonkeysprague21]

Thank you!

[@ivanka991]

The way you describe embracing a new language in your life is just beautiful....Im from Slovakia but currently live in WA state....never have I heard anybody from US to be so well spoken. Thank you, you got yourself a new subscriber.

[@skeletonkeysprague21]

Thank you for the very kind compliment, cheers :)

[@banagher81]

Have you met Jen from Dream Prague yet ? It´d be nice to see both of you together..Btw ur making great vids, keep it up - im subscribing you right now. Greetings from Litoměřice.

[@crow__bar]

Heya, great video as always! To add to your point about the metro closing early, normally it operates between 5am and midnight, but it started closing at 10pm last year because of covid. Thankfully it is set to run until midnight again from July 15th. And yes, it is annoying having to call a taxi or to take the night tram after you're done partying at 3am, but at the very least you still have the night trams. I've been to many cities in Europe where a) the public transport sucked and b) just didn't operate at night at all. So I still like that you have the ability to travel around at night, even if it's at the cost of longer waits.

[@skeletonkeysprague21]

Maybe I'm biased because I'm a night owl and I like to stay up late, but I think it would be greatly appreciated if they extended the metro hours just until 1 am. Yes, night buses and trams are a good alternative, but I've been to cities where the metro operates 24 hours a day and it's just so convenient and contributes greatly to enjoyment of the nightlife.

[@DedekMartin]

The best proof of how hard the Czech language is is the fact that at least 20% (and that might even be an optimistic guess)of our population is unable to use proper grammar 😀

[@Cuwubiq]

correction, he probably meant while writing. yep, czech grammar's not the easiest and actually, unnecessarily hard.. bflmpsvz, ůú.. totally for nothing.. it doesn't have any perks. remove that yi stuff and we're fine lol.

[@skeletonkeysprague21]

I've heard this many times, but most natives seem to pretty effortlessly navigate the complex cases, genders, verb tenses, etc., at least in everyday speech. Maybe in writing it's a bit different. :)

[@daliborbartos1396]

about languges......the first czekoslovakian prezident said once....HOW MANY LANGUAGES YOU KNOW SO MANY TIMES YOU ARE A HUMAN BEING..........but is means you must become a member of that other language human group, you must feel there problems and you must think as they do........

[@ProxyQt]

Oh man, what a beautiful way of looking at and describing Prague / Czech Republic, the culture and your overall experience living here! Honestly, you mention having more perspective on your own origins and culture because of living here, but I also feel the same way after watching these kinds videos from expats. I think we all kind of take things for granted and rarely look at our own culture(s) objectively with a "clear unbiased lens", so hearing your take on everything is extremely refreshing and humbling. Thanks a lot for sharing and I hope you keep these coming. :)

[@Archemik99]

Bro, I just compared prices here and in couple of cities in the UK ( London, and Aberdeen where I live ) and Prague looks sooo inexpensive. I'll definitely visit/move there sometime early next year. I'm still researching and trying to decide between Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungry but so far Czech Republic is winning and I'm 90% this will be my next stop.