PRAGUE LIFE: Spend less and have a better quality of life!

[@renatavintrova3759]

Moc děkuji za skvělé srovnání. Syn se mi vrací z USA po pěti letech a spolu s nim snoubenka. Prahu si vybrali pro společný život. Vaše videa jí moc pomáhají.

[@DreamPrague]

Tohle je skvěle! Děkuji!

[@seanhochman]

I've been living in Prague for over 5 years and every day feels like a vacation compared to living in the US :)

[@moretttti]

I've been in the Czech Republic for 38 years and it's worse here compared to the concentration camp

[@martaptackova5010]

@@moretttti poor you!

[@MichelleVisageOnlyFans]

@@moretttti 38 years in a concentration camp? Wow, what a tough cookie you must be!

[@keenmate9719]

@@moretttti perhaps, you are locked in one of our prisons :-) that would explain a lot

[@dudoklasovity2093]

I've been living in LA for almost 5 years and every day feels like hell compared to living in Prague, so I concur!

[@jasekjaan]

Je super, že musí přijít někdo z druhé strany světa, aby čechům říkal, jak se tu máme dobře. To potřebujeme, jako prase drbání :) S tím cestováním máš naprostou pravdu. Mně taky až cestování otevřelo oči v tom, že není samozřejmé to, že můžeš na dovolenou, nebo to, že když potřebuješ lékařské ošetření, tak ho dostaneš, nebo že když chceš jít na univerzitu, tak můžeš, nebo že když je v jízdním řádu, že autobus jede v 11:20 z místa A, tak v tom čase opravdu z toho místa pojede, nebo že když chceš najít práci, tak nějakou vždycky najdeš. A spousta dalších drobností, které považujeme za naprosto normální, ale ve spoustě zemí naprosto normální vůbec není. Já vím, že to bude působit, jako captain obvious příspěvek, ale stejně jsem si nemohl pomoct :)

[@KVEmer-is9il]

Připomeňme ještě absenci zemětřesení, tornád a hurikánů. Zelenou krajinu skoro bez práce. Pitnou chutnou vodu skoro zadarmo. A ke zdravotnictví nejen ošetření, ale i pošahaně drahé operace a léčby (na záchranu života svého staršího mláděte bych nevydělala za celý život ... a v ČR jsem dokonce mohla být a ním - sice nuzně, ale v ceně toho, že jsem Češka).

[@jasekjaan]

@@KVEmer-is9il já jsem jakože o těch tornádech nečetl a vy jste o nich jakože vůbec nepsala ;)

[@pjaro77]

@@KVEmer-is9il O tornáde ste radšej nemal písať, tým ste zavolal čerta.

[@miguelangelsandoval9850]

Dear Jen, Your videos are our inspiration to move to Prague in a few years from now. We hope we'll bump into you on our way to the beer garden in Prague, one day. Thank you again for everything! ❤️

[@DreamPrague]

That would be great!

[@carthtc3429]

About the "Czech way of travelling" - it originated a long time ago, after the boundaries opened after 1989, because the salary gap was MUCH worse back then. The prices everywhere else were so much higher that it was a necessity to bring supplies from home, otherwise you couldn't go on vacation at all. Everything was like 20x more expensive to us so a tent in a campsite was the only lodging option and even a stupid ice cream on the beach was a luxury you could afford only once throughout the vacation and only a single portion for the whole family... :)

[@pozitroncz8679]

I read somewhere in 1990 the salaries in Austria was 40 times bigger (absolute number) than in Czechoslovakia. Also the purchasing power in Austria was five times stronger than in Czechoslovakia. That was result of 40 years of building communism.

[@AB8511]

@@pozitroncz8679 And you must take into the account that in 1960s the living standard in Austria and Czechoslovakia was pretty much the same. Once I heard about the economic study (sadly i did not downloaded it), that Czechoslovakia was together with some Latin American countries like Venezuela and Argentina one of the biggest economic "losers" of 20th century (considering like wasted economic potential because of communism). Because before WWII Czechoslovakia was relatively rich and developed country (maybe not on the level of Britain, Germany or France but not much behind). And when we speak about Czechoslovakia of that period we talk mainly about Czechia - Slovakia was rural backwater, and Carpathian Ruthenia was like an internal colony...

[@DreamPrague]

That makes sense…Although it must have been difficult then, it’s not a bad way to travel…frugality is a good habit to have.

[@hanadockalova2870]

​@@AB8511 Yeah, I agree. This was teaching us our teacher in school . We had great economy and infrastructure... also i read somewhere, that the 60's were still good for us, because were mostly working people that were grown in democratic country, but the 70's and 80's were worst (for economy, culture, mentality etc...) bcs of people that graduated in communism school system, so they were afected. also it was the normalization season (after Prague Spring), when communism started to be again really cruel... It's so sad :(

[@Pato203X]

@@AB8511 As someone from the "backwater" part of Czechoslovakia, I'd say it's a fair assessment. That's just what you get from being (mis)managed by Hungarians for a thousand years.

[@radkajanotova4895]

I think Czech people just value their free time and love having several short holidays during the year. Doesn’t matter if it is abroad or in Czech Republic. We just keep planning holidays, long weekends, skiing trips, cycling trips etc... and just having fun

[@beth12svist]

Or just going to visit a chateau or go to a forest on a weekend. I think that probably also plays a huge role in the mindset here - you don't have to plan a whole vacation to go to interesting and nice places because they are quite at hand. I recently came up with a short hiking route for Saturday on Friday evening, it was eleven minutes by bus, and it was like being in a different world, complete with strawberries and cherries picked from the side of the path. Now it would be further away to get away from Prague, but you can still very easily plan a day trip without spending too much money and get a full experience out of it.

[@radkajanotova4895]

@@beth12svist very true. This week we did just one day trips to the north part of Czech republic and it was amazing. We picked the places where we can take our dog with us and we had such a great time

[@chrisdunn1155]

So true. I sold my house in the UK (and my car because I knew I wouldn't need it). Bought a flat in Prague and my standard of living went sky high - I earn a lot less money but seem to have a lot more to spend. Mostly though, I have soooooooo much more time!

[@DreamPrague]

So cool! I’m glad I’m not the only foreigner to feel this way!

[@janab6660]

That’s very interesting. I was struggling so much financially after I bought my flat in Prague that I moved to London so I could pay rent here and my Czech mortgage.

[@janprazak2808]

@@janab6660 Not a bad plan. Just bring your frugal way of life there(where possible), make some money. Pay the mortgage in Prague and then live like a king/queen. : )

[@tetst_54546]

@@janab6660 Now sell your flat in Prague, buy one in Newcastle upon Tyne and forget about London. You will have much easier life. ;-)

[@janab6660]

@@tetst_54546 ha thanks. Not sure if living with Geordies is easier 😂

[@sotous830cz]

12:15 také trolejbusem, vlakem na území Prahy, lanovkou a lodí

[@lukasloukota8352]

Jéé děkuji, na takové srovnání jsem se těšil, moc hezké video :-)

[@DreamPrague]

Jsem ráda že se ti to libi!

[@ElstromM]

@@DreamPrague Už je z teba správny český držgroš (držgrešle, scrooge) :)

@@ElstromM Uz vie, ze aj za malo penazi moze byt vela muziky. :-)

[@ElstromF]

@ Hm, ako pochvalu som to nemyslel. Mne ten český spôsob "1 pečeňová paštéta a 23 rožkov pre 4 člennú rodinu" neimponuje.

[@Garis53]

What a nice way to say we are poor but still can enjoy our time with what we have :-) Edit: that sounds way meaner than it I meant, sorry

[@DreamPrague]

Yeah I’m sure I’m poor by LA standards, ale je mi to jedno.

[@irenabartova4549]

@@DreamPrague spíš myslí,že Češi jsou celkově pořád chudí,na to že pořád dreme jako blbci a je to třicet let od revoluce, pořád si dáváme bacha na to,kolik utratime na dovce,a to nad námi Chorvati ohrnuji nos,ale kdyby Češi nepřijeli tak jsou v prd...

[@christinapoppin]

@@irenabartova4549 Stačí se podívat když začala pandemie jak Chorvati brečeli že Češi nikde

[@Jakubaakk]

@@irenabartova4549 záleží na oboru...

[@seamusp5991]

How lucky to discover your channel - this is a treasure trove! :)

[@DreamPrague]

Hi Seamus! Glad you found it. Enjoy and stick around!

[@seamusp5991]

I’m not going anywhere. Well, maybe Praha. Lol. I’ve been thinking about where to retire in about 5 years. I think Czechia is among the main contenders - can I say pretty much anything in terms of work to get the zivno (even if I just intend to chill)?

[@jammmy30]

@@DreamPrague could you please-please-please make a review of Czechs language summer school? Thanks ahead

[@lettuce5201]

I completely agree with how you described the way czechs travel. Me, my family and friends go to italy almost every year and i can tell you all that we've never stayed in a hotel. It's always a smaller house in those cute little italian streets, surrounded by natives. We bring our own food but we buy local products too. We also don't go to the same place every year, only if we really like the place

[@DreamPrague]

And that sounds like a dream vacation to me! Although in Italy, I'm eating alll the local food. :)

[@beth12svist]

We repeatedly visited the Baltic countries in a similar way. One memorable time, in my student days, I spent three weeks in Estonia and Latvia. Part of the time I was helping at a summer camp so that came with accommodation and I only had to pay for the food, part of the time I stayed with my sister who lived in Latvia at the time, part of the time stayed in a nice small hostel, I think only two or three nights out of the three weeks were in an actual hotel. One of the best vacations I've ever had.

[@MrOrgtr]

Thanks for confirming what I always thought. I’ll see you in Prague soon.

[@kinguitar1987]

I just move to Prague from Brazil. I'm learning a lot from your channel. I would love to meet you and your husband on the streets someday.

[@StarvingMarving]

Thanks Jen! This is exactly the video I needed right now. My wife is originally from CZ and we're thinking of moving from Australia to CZ, but of course money is always a concern. Your video really puts things into perspective. If I knew for sure it was the right long term decision I would totally sell-up here in Australia and just move, but we'll probably try renting for a year or so first. Thanks for an excellent channel. I love your videos and insight into life in the Czech Republic.

[@Alex-df4lt]

If you can land a job at an international company, you should be fine.

[@RadomilBenes]

Díky, tohle video tady chybělo. A opět jsem moc rád, že žiji v České republice :-) Neumím si představit, že bych jednoduše nemohl zajít s kamarády kdykoliv na pivo, nemít placenou dovolenou a 90% mého života by zabralo vydělávání peněz, žití na dluh (kreditky) a porovnávání se se sousedem, kdo z nás má lepší auto. I když... tohle nemám v povaze. Je mi jedno, jaké auto má soused, to moje mě taky doveze, kam potřebuji a stejně nejradši jezdím na kole. I na ty dovolené :-)

[@viksa1868]

Je to trochu mimo téma, ale když už jste to zmínil: Nemít placenou dovolenou je "denní chléb" každého podnikatele, živnostníka nebo 'freelancerera'. V době, kdy pracujete, vyděláváte nejen na tu dovolenou, ale také na ten "plat", který vám jako zaměstnanci přijde, i když jste na dovolené...

[@RadomilBenes]

@@viksa1868 Ano, souhlas. Ale ti podnikatelé si to zvolili dobrovolně. Je to cena za to, že nemají nad sebou šéfy a dělají na sebe. Proto nejsem podnikatel, resp. podnikám na IČO jen jako vedlejšák, na tohle bych neměl "koule".

[@VladimirZivkovic970]

Jenže ten americký způsob života nám cpou a když se to (nedej bůh) stane i u nás tak “zápádací” odejdou dal na východ ….

[@dudoklasovity2093]

Mate 100% pravdu- zil jsem 10 let v Praze ted 5 rokem v Los Angeles a ta kvalita zivota (zvlast pro mne jako vasniveho cyklisty) je neporovnatelna! Tady se vsichni jenom zenou za imidzem a $$$ a vubec ale vubec netusi ze zivot je opravdu o necem jinem… Bohuzel amerika svuj lifestyle se snazi prosazovat pres Hollywood a culture export i u nas…

[@janawaw8293]

Výborné rozhodnutí Jen. Také jsem si našla zaměstnání kde sice vydělávám méně, ale opravdu mám konečně čas a ten je k nezaplacení, protože energie mi již dost chyběla. Hodně mi pomáhá, že pracuji sama a nemusím se nechávat rušit okolím - arogantní a nepříjemné kolegyně apod. Doporučuji všem svůj život zpomalit a nakupovat tak jak zmiňuješ s rozmyslem :-) Děkuji za inspirativní video a přeji krásné letní dny.

[@hanafris3449]

Nadherné video! Díky moc za ně! To srovnání je úžasné a my si tu často ani neuvědomujeme jaké máme štěstí, že tu žijeme a nevážíme si toho. Tohle video bych doporučila pustit všem remcalům Čechům nadávajícím skoro na všechno tady. 👏👏👏👍

[@veny9213]

Kdyby jsme nenadávali, tak máme prd :)

[@pjaro77]

@@veny9213 Na tom něco je pravdy.

[@martinnovak8104]

Moc hezký a pravdivý rozbor.Umíme žít.Jen,s tím běháním maratonů jsi mi překvapila,všechna čest.A teď jdu s přáteli na pivo.

[@Geker3]

If your friend lives 5 km away in CZ than it's a nice walk for saturday afternoon. Especially out of Prague. And it will take you the same time as in LA by car.

[@DreamPrague]

It's really true. Have you ever seen the movie "LA Story" with Steve Martin? It's from the 80's but it's a parody of LA and rings true to this day. I recommend it. :)

[@Geker3]

@@DreamPrague I have not, thank you for tip movie to watch. Btw.: I can imagine having a friend 5 km away by air distance but having to drive for 45 min. to him because he lives on the other side of a freeway and I need to drive 15 km to neerrest crossing to pass the freeway.

[@Geker3]

@@mikulda2 I can see myself doing exactly this for the beer more likely than for a friend :D

[@gaszton42]

@@DreamPrague L.A. Story is from 1991, thanks for recommendation, i downloaded today.

[@DreamPrague]

@@gaszton42 I think you’ll enjoy it!

[@josefchodounsky8173]

Jé, to je skvělé vidět, že i další lidi umí měřit kvalitu života podle využití svého volného času :-) Já říkám, že nejen prací je člověk živ. Prodělal jsem podobnou proměnu v názoru. Když jsem začínal jezdit s tramvají, tak jsem bral každý přesčas, miloval jsem lovení každé minuty navíc, a předháněli jsme se mezi sebou, kdo má víc! Ale pak jsem procitl. Proč bych to měl dělat? K čemu je mi konec směny ve 2 ráno před volnem, když pak to volno nijak nevyužiju. A tak už se nikam nehoním, v klidu si odpracuji, co mi zadají a mám daleko lepší pocit nejen z té práce, ale i z volného času, který trávím na venkově v přírodě. Díky za tohle video, Jen. Je úžasné :-)

[@DreamPrague]

Jsem ráda, že se vám to libilo!

[@pjaro77]

Ja som ani nikdy nezačal hrať ten životný "rat race" - kto bude mať viacej majetku, väčší dom, drahšie auto, kto si vezme krajšiu ženu, kto pôjde na viac exotických dovoleniek ... Nemám o to záujem.

[@antonbecher9637]

Jen opět skvělé video! Život je krátký, tak si ho užívej! Peníze nejsou podmínkou! ❤️

[@polodana13]

We did the same with my husband after many years spending every shekel in Tel Aviv. Now we live in Brno and we have more time for our family and less stress. We thought we will be able to save money for buying an apartment which covid totally messed up but still we are very happy here.

[@rozaliemunkova6490]

Super video. Mám spolužáka který byl neštastný v ČR a ted žije 12 let v Houstonu a neměnil by. Při studiu mi vždy připadal, jako by se omylem narodil v Čechách, ale duší byl Američan. Možná, že v tvém případě je to naopak.

[@stepandusek202]

I really hope I'll bump into you somewhere around town because I still can't believe you're real.

[@DreamPrague]

🥸

[@toruvalejo6152]

I am afraid it will not happen - I tried to bump into Jen or Honza (or Tobík) several times arround Jiřák, Mírák or in Riegerák and no luck... She must be just a dream(Prague)! :D

[@JanPavlikdr]

Yes, I was thinking the same: it’s my dream to come back from “dream” country to real dream country and bump in Jen and Jan from dream Prague! 😉

[@shoobadoobacz]

Super pohled na věc. Díky. 👍

[@kristynaberankova2703]

I remember a friend telling me that she had visited a family friend in the suburbs of Los Angeles. She asked her where some "center" of the suburb was. The hostess told her that it was about three kilometers (she probably told her in miles :-) but it was not far), that there was a square, shops, a cinema ... So my friend went to see it. Along the way, she found that there were no sidewalks in many places at all, and four cars (one of which was a police car) stopped by her at that short time and the drivers ask if she is in trouble and need help. Because she was walking. Strange....

[@caroline4323]

Hehe.. :)). To musí být hrozně nepříjemné bydlet někde, kde se dá pohybovat jen autem..

[@lenkachylikova5194]

To říkal i můj táta, když byl před lety pracovně na Floridě. Šli si jen něco koupit do obchodu, který byl cca kilometr od jejich ubytování. Žádný chodník, takže šli po krajnici, řidiči zpomalovali, aby si prohlédli ty cvoky, co jdou po svých.

[@beth12svist]

Father described New York City as a European city inside the US - because there's public transportation and people walk.

[@Nejedlej07]

16:12 That's why I love it here that much. You just bump into your friend on your walk from work, agree on one or two beers... then realizing what you did at 7am when you're leaving the pub and waving goodbye to the twelve people you had a great night with, not regretting a single second.

[@helenaneprasova653]

That was explained beautifully ❤️🙏 thank you :)

[@lukaspecenka9299]

Thanks for this video Jen ! I have been to lot of places including LA, and its very hard to explain to other people in CZ the way of living here is something what cant be measured by money. Cold beer & sausage, friends around...this is almost for free... and the value of momentum is much higher than posh restaurant with view. Hard to explain to others who still aim for more money based life. People expect more money=more life, but surprisingly its exactly as you have described in video :) thanks ! ;)

[@DreamPrague]

Glad you agree Lukáš!

[@bigsam72]

Ja jsem byl v Miami, na Bahamach a musim rict ze kdyz tam je clovek na par dni tak OK, ale predstava ze tam ziju, tak by mi asi slezly nehty u nohou ;-). A kdyz koukam na yt na videa od Sopora jak lidi zijou v CA a nemyslim tim ty hoody co ukazuje ale ty "lepsi" ctvrti a udivuje svoje pubescentni divactvo precpoctama cen nemovitosti z USD na CZK, tak se jen smeju. To je tak nechutne konzumni styl zivota ze bych nemenil ani za zlaty prase. Sice skripu zubama v CZE u kazdejch voleb ale to uz bych chtel asi moc kdyby tu lidi meli rozum.

[@sada1504]

I've been considering a move to Czechia sometime in the next few months, and this video is really pushing me towards that. Thank you!

[@Alex-df4lt]

Where are you living now?

[@sada1504]

USA. Hopefully some of the red tape clears out toward the fall, travel right now is a pain

[@elmono3939]

O my, retail therapy and Third Street Promanade - great combination ! Thank you for giving me idea for the upcoming weekend !

[@annapohludka82]

Líbí se mi tvůj nový evropský mindset! ❤️Moc povedené video.

[@galporgy]

I’ve been living this life in the US for the past twenty years. I’ve succeeded in gaining autonomy over my time, but not in fostering the kind of social connections you describe because no one else is in my position. Everyone I know either doesn’t earn enough, works multiple jobs to make ends meet, and has no free time or earns plenty, works in a highly demanding job, and has no free time. Optimizing for time over money has to be socio-cultural, not merely an individual, choice, otherwise it can get a bit lonely!

[@jirijetel3624]

Super pěkné video. Teď všichni muzi v USA budou chtít se sem přestěhovat, 😆😎 aby manželky zbytečně neutraceli za lístky do fitka a jiné důležité věci a přijedou na dobré 🍻. Když jsem žil v Praze, tak jsem taky nepotřeboval auto. Teď v malém městě je auto potřeba. Na malém městě poznám i sousedy. V Praze jsem je pořádně neznal. Ale hezké srovnání 👍👏

[@DreamPrague]

Máš oprávdu, nepoznáme sousedy, bohužel.

[@jirijetel3624]

Taky, když člověk cestuje a chce poznávat jiné prostředí a kulturu, tak by měl trochu splynout s prostředím. Nejíst jen fish and chips... jíst a ochutnávat místní jídlo a pochutiny. V hotelu určitě bude chutnat mezinatodni kuchyně, ale opravdu zajít do nějaké uličky a tam si něco dát.. člověk narazí na spoustu zážitků a vjemů. Které třeba v McDonald's nepotká. Ať je to Praha, New York nebo Hanoi

[@cestmirberka6994]

jak kde, na malém městě. Některá jsou dost "kompaktní" - já náš Ostrov ( KV) přejdu z jednoho konce na druhý za 10-15 minut.

[@marecekjan]

Na tohle si každý musí přijít sám...většinou to jde ruku v ruce s věkem...ale rozhodně s Tebou souhlasím 😉👌

[@praguetourguide_elis]

Dear Jan, thank you very much for this. I am Czech but studied in US. I loved your country but I so much prefer our way of life. Thank you for describing the differences so well.

[@dbkreling2]

Fantastic reflection, thanks for that.

[@DreamPrague]

You’re welcome, Daniel 🤓

[@tomaszaruba4201]

It is always funny when an American finds our train&bus system to be excellent or similar, just because - wow, look - there is one. :) Jen, you should definitely visit Switzerland (without the car) one day. Compared to what they have, our public transport is just a shame...

[@dunnst]

20 days of paid vacation is mandatory by the government, but most companies (almost all I worked in) offer extra 5, which brings you to 25 days. You shold also consider state holydays, we have 13 I believe, but some of them usualy hit the weekend, so lets sum it to 10 for working days, which brings your total days of paid vacation to 35.

[@milanzadrazil9500]

Yeah...And if you are self-employed And there are millions of people like that, you have no paid Holiday at all. You Are welcome!

[@KVEmer-is9il]

@@milanzadrazil9500 I am a generous self-employer and I give myself some 40 days of paid vacation a year. B))

[@SuperPasiaczek]

I think it's a great example of measuring how rich you really are - it isn't about making so much money, it is about how much money you can afford to spend on things you actually like after paying for all that's necessary for living.

[@ZealousChuck]

Nice one keep it up🔥🔥 I like how you care more about the quality of your life than about money👍

[@janlerl7076]

Hi Jen, thank you very much for this kind of video :) I am glad you are feeling better here in CZ ... I almost feel sorry for the Americans, living in such conditions - working for work, where is the life in that?

[@DreamPrague]

It’s hard to break the mentality…I was a workaholic still for the first few years I lived here!

[@janlerl7076]

@@DreamPrague Yeah I understand, we all want to be successful and work hard, but as you said - free time is very valuable too and life should be lived not worked :)

[@raduna2106]

Live in California past 7,5 year and will sign everything you said with my blood 😁😁 So true!!

[@DreamPrague]

🤣🤣

[@TheElafis]

Bylo by fajn, udělat i obrácené video. Věci, které se naopak zhoršili oproti LA, Chápu, že to určitě nebude lehké, ale to by bylo opravdu zajímavé. Toto video bylo fajn (jako většina), ale ted nevím jak to napsat abych neurazil a nevypadalo to, že se mi nelíbilo. Jsou v tom věci, které jsem už slyšel i u jiných Američanů žijích v evropě, že tady se více dbá na volný čas místo vydělávání peněz :)

[@zdatel1]

Super video. Je vidět, že věci, které bereme jako samozřejmé, pro někoho odjinud samozřejmé být vůbec nemusí....

[@dirkschwartz1689]

Great video again, Jen, thanks! A couple of observations from a German point of view. Mind you, I have never been to the U.S. myself, so any of the following remarks in the U.S. is based on 2nd hand information: In Germany, we have a mandatory minimum paid vacation of 20 days = 4 weeks with most companies offering 6 weeks, sometimes with an added bonus called "Urlaubsgeld" (vacation money), but the latter varies significantly. The most popular vacation place for Germans is: Germany! Closely followed by the mediterranean island of Mallorca. I have read that Detroit seems to have a decent transportation system today with a good and not too expensive bus system, a tram line (ok, only servicing the main avenue in the city centre) and a "people mover" monorail servicing a circle around the financial centre. It's reported to be safe (as far as this can go in Motor City, ahem), partly because there is dedicated security staff. The system does not seem to appeal to most Cizitens, though, even if it could save the average commuter from the suburbs around 10,000 USD a year compared to a car - just for gas! It still has a stigma for being dirty and dangerous. The information Detroit Transportation publishes to promote their system is - mind boggling. There is a 5 min. video on "How to buy a ticket using cash bills, coins and credit cards". Buying a bus ticket needs to be explained to grown up Americans? Comparing public transportation in the U.S. and the Czech Republic, or anywhere in Europe for that matter, is a bit stretched, though. The distances are really different. What is correct though is the question of how to go about it: I have read that Amtrak, although owned by the Federal Government, is supposed to turn a profit like every other company. Most European countries have long recognised though that public transportation is 1) not profitable in and of itself and 2) is a vital responsibility of the state and should be paid by or at least subsidised by tax money. In the U.S., it seems to me that this is immediately thought of as "socialist" and rejected at once. (The term "social" as opposed to "socialist" does not seem to be part of the American English vocabulary.) Lastly: I rarely see Americans comment here. How comes? ;)

[@dagmarmatejkova5917]

It is nice that you are saying "we" have great public transportation:-), it is so cute. Welcome among us - Czech people. Jen, I am not certain if anyone would call our country Czechia, even, I know, it is correct. It was invented few Years ago, no one wanted it, however, it should be used. I personally would not use it as it sounds really strange. However, you are doing great job and I am happy that you feel comfortable here! D.

[@beth12svist]

I do use it, in English. I didn't like it at first, in large part also because it had this weird group of rabid supporters online who would butt into any conversation to "correct" people long before it was official, without paying any attention to the context. Bordering on trolls, basically. But it's grown on me. It is useful for referring to the country (and culture) as such at any point in history, and because I'm interested in history and often find myself discussing it...

[@mdouglas64]

I am honestly using it all the time in English. It is shorter, faster to say. Like Česko. But I didn't like it in the begining either.

[@JanHurych]

Well, there is the other side of the coin. Me and my friend were traveling to Wales. We have arrived in London and we had one day to spend there and we wanted to see some of the more popular places. When we saw, how much the metro costs (it was like 7 pounds for one trip and back then one pound was 40 crowns) we decided to combine bus and walking. My feet never hurt so bad and we barely made it through one museum, Tower and Tower bridge.... everything was so expansive and so far away we couldn't enjoy ourselves. There is this ship anchored by the Tower bridge we really wanted to visit, but it was 25 pounds for the tour (it was 1000 crowns back in the day and I used to be working McDonalds part-time which gave me like 500 crowns for one shift). Yea.... we never went in. :-(

[@CookingwithYarda]

Well, London is very expensive indeed. Trust me, I've been living here for ages.

[@DreamPrague]

Yes, it's not doable in some big cities. I wanted to walk through Paris like we do in Prague and I had blisters on both of my feet. I guess it just depends what you skimp on, and what you save on.

[@Meg_A_Byte]

London is literally the most expensive place in Europe (maybe Paris is comparable?), so that's not really surprising. One day for a whole city is about 30 days less than you actually need.

[@AB8511]

I am Slovakian and for us this is funny side of Czech national character. I mean there is nothing wrong to be frugal and financially prudent, but on the other hand in our opinion sometimes Czechs consider price tag a bit too much. Slovakians in such situation would probably say i do not give **** about the money, especially when it is not ruinous amount - i mean yes it is relatively expensive in comparison, but i am here so i will spend it...

[@vaclav_fejt]

Once, I was travelling with my friends to Scotland - the cheap way. Flight from Brno to London Stansted, then a Megabus from London Victoria to Perth. When we arrived at Stansted, we wanted to walk, which turned out to be 45 km. We joked about saving the 9 quid for a bus and actually walking - "We'll show the limeys what's a true Czech 'socka'!" - and then we took the bus.

[@johnytwo]

Yeah, we still enjoy the old way of life here in Czech Rep. I feel sorry for people and kids living in big cities, driving everywhere all the time.

[@petrnekolny881]

Great video again. I can remember going to Scotland with my brother in the early 90s. A pint there would cost like ten times the Czech price but we´d still have a couple in each pub. I guess we´re quite lucky now to be able to travel Europe, knowing ok, the north-west is expensive while the south-east is more than reasonable. Yet, we just never restrict ourselves to say not staying at a nice hotel or having a meal or going to a museum when on vacation. And, yeah, travelling around Czechia by public transportation is so supereasy and convenient, the trains+buses do get you everywhere you need. Anyway, hoping to bump into you any time soon! 👍 ❤️

[@pavelhanus6473]

Opět jedno krásné srovnávací video :-)

[@virginiapradocakesandmore1687]

Hi, me and my family will moving to Prague in August 5, we rented a flat in Mala Strana, next to Charles Bridge😍 thanks for all information you provide 😍😍😍 make our life easy 😍😍 I from Brazil but I lived in USA since 1996, my children born here. My first language is Português, I speak Spanish too, now time for learn more English 😀 and Czech. How much is English and Czech school? ( best price), thanks !

[@richardtomecek338]

Člověk se nesmí stát otrokem peněz, práce a čehokoliv, Život nám byl dán proto abychom žili a to plně se vším všudy. Ve Vašem věku jsem ještě tolik rozumu neměl, ale ženy bývají většinou rozumnější. Ať se Vám u nás daří co nejlépe.

[@ArepasforDinner]

Indeed social life is so much better in Prague than in US (Miami was my city and was the same)

[@VladimirZivkovic970]

Great video, Great comparison. American (or LA) style incl. to make money from everything start also in Prague and CZ last 30 year’s. Hope that this behaviour will stop and understandings that all is not on money will win.

[@PetrFaltus1]

Interesting idea... Great video... 👍👌💡💰🌞😉 Zajímavá myšlenka... Skvělé video... 👍👌💡💰🌞😉

[@janhavlis]

i live in CZ my entire life, except for 2 yrs in germany, half of it in the biggest czech village (brno) and half of in smallish village of 600 people. i wholeheartedly agree with what you say about our life style, just with one comment, it is difficult in a small village without a car (we have one) , but you need no latest SUV model ;-) being teacher i have the luxury of long leave (but quite necessary to recuperate :) and we also spend few days here and few day there. i am glad you like it here ;-)

[@tsalsama]

I've seen this video several times and I just love it. I think the differences you are talking about needs to be reminded to Czechs too as we are slowly turning into Americans - the more time in work, the more money, the more... ? ... well... I don't know, never got that part... Work-life balance is important and it's definitely easier to maintain it there.

[@michalnovotny3199]

Hello Jen, I follow you channel since you have an interview with Michal Sopor and I like your channel to see outsider perspective on ourselvers. I have the same values - quality time is more than money

[@abirwait5636]

Great as always! Listening to you, oh boy, how glad I am that instead of waiting 3 months for USA we chose 7 days to land in Canada :-)

[@DreamPrague]

Enjoy! It’s a great country!

[@michalsmrha1661]

Hello sweetie, you bring us a lot of positive thinking. Thank you so much dear.

[@janhank2302]

Ahoj,rád tě vidím,i slyším.Moc pěkné video,srovnání dvou světů.V AMERICE máte levný benzín,ale asi je tam drahé pojištění že?,tak zvané povinné ručení.Super,natáčej dál,ať jsme si jako národy blíž.

[@tetst_54546]

V Americe je pojištění jistě levnější a lepší, než v ČR. Je to tam cenově a platově super, jen je velký problém zdravotnictví, kriminalita a změna klimatu.

[@nevynejkluk8593]

Zase ta pěkná žena co to pěkně řekla 😘

[@michalduska9770]

Dear Jen, It’s great to have back your unbreakable US spirit.

[@DreamPrague]

Thats Nice to hear!

[@eliskakordulova]

And for a Prague citizen "spend less and have a better quality of life" means move to Moravia 😁

[@MarvinCZ]

That's not surprising, considering half of them came from Moravia to begin with 😁

[@praguetruebelievers9832]

Nicely done Jenn! If you are ever in Letna join us long time Letnoids for some Pivos at either Fraktal (mostly there) or Vegtral (also there). We meet there from about 4:00 til close every day rain or shine.

[@DreamPrague]

Letnoids!!! Love it. I enjoy Fraktal when I’m in the hood!

[@slouberiee]

Most Czechs have 5 weeks of paid vacation (state employees have it by default, private employers offer the 5th week as a benefit).

[@pavlakellerova9751]

Ahoj. Vždyť tohle všechno máme v naší státní hymně. Je jedna z mála, která není bojovná, výhružná, není plná pýchy. Taky proto ji Češi zvolili za hymnu, i když to byla obyčejná písnička slepého houslisty Mareše z divadelní hry Fidlovačka (aneb žádný hněv a žádná rvačka). Líbezná hudba, krásných 5 slok o české nátuře..😊😊

[@adelantemk]

Jen, it is funny cause the number of part-time jobs is way higher compare to full-time jobs (with benefits). I have that experience. 1000s of companies would be offering strictly only part-time jobs so they could save money on their employees and paying proper wages, benefits, overtime, bank holidays, vacation time and sick days. But yes, the better quality of life and being able to enjoy life even on 401K money only is the massive reason why are we returning to Prague already next year.

[@miguelangelsandoval9850]

PS My wife just saw your video and she wants to move to Prague now. She doesn't want to wait anymore. She's ready to get rid of everything and sell everything and move to Prague right now... 😂

[@christinapoppin]

We look forward to welcoming you

[@CookingwithYarda]

Great video !! Thanks for sharing ;-)

[@DreamPrague]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mufrodrigo]

Je hezký uprostřed toho nadávání na všechno zkouknout video, kde se dozvíme o pozitivech života tady. Ale ta "kůže líná" v titulkách mně fakt pobavila :D

[@alexandrnikiti5895]

Your experience in Prague is very interesting. I am actually thinking about visiting my friend in LA and stay there for few month to feel the difference. I have been in LA when I was studying in Oklahoma state university and was a member of men's tennis team so I travelled a lot. But unfortunately we didn't have much time to explore different places in U.S as we had always go back to campus in shortest amount of time because of school. And honestly Stillwater in Oklahoma was not the best representative sample of the U.S. 😂

[@SamB2112]

Exactly. This is precisely why I didn't feel like moving from Prague to SF with my Californian girlfriend 24 years ago. ;-)

[@js-pb2kf]

Another excellent video. Thank you. I love that necklace! Is it one of your designs?

[@DorrySkog]

I have to say I really enjoy your comparation videos. And I have no idea how are people able to live in LA, because the way you described it it sounds like it's incredibly stressful. Also I have a question for you. If you couldn't live in Prague, what other Czech city would you choose to live in?

[@DreamPrague]

Honestly Brno! It’s what we’d call a college town. Lots of life, students, etc.

[@Deni-mt9bj]

@@DreamPrague Then you should see Olomouc, it's nicer in my opinion and you can get everywhere easily on foot.

[@vaclavblazek]

Packed car to the brim going to Croatia? C’mon. They are empty compared to the following. Lemme introduce you a typical Tunisian working in IT or FR going home by a ferry: imagine a car (with IT/FR license plate) stuffed to the brim with assorted stuff, barely leaving any space for the driver. And then another crapload of stuff on the roof, sometimes doubling its height. I’ve even seen a van with huge pile of stuff on its roof held in place with straps wound all around the van body (under its belly). Now imagine whole pier full of such cars waiting for boarding. Czechs travel lightweight :)

[@lubosseifert3565]

About visit to London. When you in London, buy one day travel card, it’s way cheaper than buying single trips. Another think all museums admission is free. So go to British Museum, also museum of science, nature and history. Yes some attractions you have to pay (London eye, Tower bridge etc). London is still cheaper than Paris and if you plan ahead you don’t need to break a bank.

[@Annaconda1984]

Congrats on not being a consumer and on your shift in values 😊

[@yamirkaibarra5415]

I am totally agree with you and I am live in Florida. Wishing one day can leave in Europe

[@bohuslavkanovsky4345]

Jen je uzasna, je velmi humble a opravdu noblesni. 15 let jsem zil v USA a doufam ze Jen si u nas uziva stejne jako jsem si ja mohl uzivat v USA. Z me zkusenosti si myslim ze tam byl zivot mnohem jednodussi a moznosti obrovske. Socialni zivot - porch culture, nenucene americke party kde ani nevite u koho jste (nikdo vam nic nevnucuje, vse je vase vcetne lednicky) a vseho je nadbytek, ta bezbreha americka pohostinost je neco co u nas vubec neexistuje. Kulturni vyziti - americani jsou showmeni, staci jen zvednout zadek od TV a ve vetsich mestech mate nekonecny vyber akci vseho druhu. Dovolena - ano, tu vam v USA nikdo neplanuje, ale je zcela bezne si vzit neplacene volno, takze nakonec clovek muze mit mnohem vic dovolene nez u nas, je to individualni rozhodnuti. Priroda a obrovske prostory se vubec nedaji porovnavat. Doprava - ano, je individualni, a je levna. Auta i benzin stoji polovinu v porovnani s CR. Rizeni je v USA velmi jednoduche a pohodlne. Zdravotnictvi - kdyz jsem dostal kylu, hned jsem mel nabidku od peti nemocnic kam jit druhy den na operaci, v nemocnici jsem mel pocit ze jsem v krasnem luxusnim hotelu, vlastne jsem si tam vubec neuvedomil ze jsem v nemocnici (uplny opak nasich studenych neintimnich nemocnic). A jelikoz jsem mel od zamestnavatele dobre pojisteni jako ma 70% pracujicich americanu, neplatil jsem ani penny. Ano, Evropa je stara dama, CR je jeden velky krasny park, historie zde na cloveka dycha. A vlastne i konzumem se velmi rychle priblizujeme USA, ikdyz si to uplne neuvedomujeme. Prece jenom mne ale prijde ze Jen je dost pozitivne optimisticka vuci CR, popripade je za tim velky nadhled a slusnost kterou amricani vetsinou maji (ikdyz u nas je popularni rikat opak). Myslim ze porovnavat USA a Evropu neni mozne. Mne se nejvic libi prirovnani ze USA je dzungle a Evropa je ZOO. Kde se zije lip? Nevim proc porad mame potrebu se porovnavat, asi proto ze realitu tusime, jen se chceme presvedcit o opaku. Kazdopadne Jen je skvela a jeji pozitivni pohled na svet je presne to co zde moc nezname a co nam stale chybi. Videl jsem vsechny jeji videa a dozvedel jsem se nove veci. Jen, dik!! A jeste otazka pro rozumbrady cechy, kdo z Vas vi hlavni mesto ctyricetimilionove Californie? Nebo Aljasky ktera je 20x vetsi nez CR? Nebo Texasu, Michiganu...? Kdo zna staty Azie, Afriky, Jizni Ameriky a jejich hlavni mesta? Kdo vyjmenuje 10 cinskych mest ktere maji vic obyvatel nez CR a povetsinou jsou i mnohem starsi nez CR? Takze az se budete divit ze nekdo mimo EU nezna CR, uvedomte si ze my jsme taky docela locals. A ta nase 'uprimnost' je taky dost jen falesna prejudice kterou si omlouvame nasi tradicni nasranost. Howgh!

[@martindrab4298]

Thank you for the video. Yeah, doing some other things apart from just working is key. I know quite a lot of people (me included) who are not working full-time but just about 0.75-0.8 because they wish to have more time for their hobbies etc... and their salary for the shortened working week is still good enough. As for the car culture in the U.S., it keeps me wondering how people who either cannot afford, or cannot have a car (e.g. because of their health disability) can live in places where public transportation is kinda non-existent (as you keep saying).

[@PROSKOVJAK]

I am really happy for you and I love your videos!

[@fishefoods5705]

I have live and grew up in Raleigh NC I lived in LA for a year or so and I went to Prague. Comparing the price of eating out and hotels of Prague to la is such a big difference. The food prices in Prague we're much more like in Raleigh but still I would say Prague had cheaper restaurants and beer. Hotels were about the same as NC but I found better rates in Prague. LA is crazy to get a hotel in. You know more about the rest of cost of living which is nice. You didn't cover gambling in Prague I don't think you gamble but I extended my stay in Prague by weeks solely based on what I was earning in the casinos. Really enjoyed Prague and it was an easy place to travel on a budget.

[@hunterxr4]

Really really enjoying your video's!!

[@ZemplinTemplar]

Another excellent video. I like how you've structured your comparison. :-) Good work. :-)

[@luboslier347]

Yeah good old 2019! I had about 10 vacations too right up to the pandemic: Andalusia, Tuscany, Ireland, Denmark, Crete, Dalmatia, Pomerania, Sweden,.. Btw you forgot to mention the cheap flights of low cost and super low cost airlines...

[@kasuha]

I find this being kind of lesson how Czechs are making a virtue from being poor. There's also this saying that there's no difference between Czech and Canadian lumberjack, both can afford a weekend in Prague for their weekly salary. But to be honest, long time ago I also discovered that I value my free time over getting more money. It's up to everyone to find a healthy balance between the two.

[@altarxxl]

tak to sedi. jeste dodam ze rizek na cestu a par konzerv a jede se , tak jsme projeli Svedsko za tri tydny a byla to parada ale priznam ze bylo i par restauraci dik super video

[@MarvinCZ]

Now imagine us, a group of Czechs used to walk everywhere coming to the San Francisco Bay area. We did end up walking to a lot of places anyway but first we had to significantly adjust our mental scale for what we saw on a map: Everything was two or three times larger and further away than we thought from looking at a map.

[@ihlan1]

Yeah, that scale is really different. I remember my first business trip to the US. My boss suggested to visit Niagara Falls. I asked whether it's not too far ?! He replied: it's only 6 hours by car ! :-D

[@mbtnacademy8635]

There's just much better life balance in Europe, generally. I gladly gave up the car as well - and don't miss it at all. What marathons / half marathons were your favorites? We're both "runners" and that sounds like a great plan for some long weekends!

[@stanislavbandur7355]

try to explain that to guy from Shanghai with mortgage (I tried to), super 100% agree.

[@davidjuranek9323]

"I've bumped into bunch of friends and went to beergarder" Welcome to the village...every garden here is beer one ^_^

[@Desperoro]

This video is so nice and I can agree. The only thing I like in USA is quite cheap street food and lots of street food. In Prague there are too, but they are quite expensive or very bad quality. But Europes superpower are Trains and Ryanair :) Also you can go to the nature right after work and to different places. Around big cities in US is so far to get anywhere that you cant do that during evening. Even in Vancouver, CA where I spend some time was that difficult because long distances. (not mentioning without car)

[@DreamPrague]

When I flew into Ruzyne 9 years ago, I was shocked that there was so much greenery right outside the city. In LA it's nothing but buildings and boulevards for the last 25 minutes of the flight into LAX!

[@Desperoro]

@@DreamPrague LA is very special worldwide. Not much can compare (NYC and some Asian metropolis). But in that green there are villages, some churches, castles, viewpoints. You can still explore. In USA-CA even in green areas? Town .... 1 hour of nothing or wildness... something

[@peterkratoska3681]

Back in the 90s I spent a year working in Tokyo and just by walking to the station and there to work and back it was typically an hour of walking each day, and it was the best thing for me. I slimmed down but unfortunately found those lbs again after moving back to Canada where I pretty much needed a car to get anywhere. I really like the 10min walkable neighbourhood concept as each train station is surrounded by pretty much all the shops and services one needs. That of course as you say, is unlikely in the US except the big cities like NY and Chicago and I also think there is the American love for cars etc but then of course it adds to the obesity and health issues. I'm reminded of Bill Bryson's Walk in the Woods (on hiking the Appalachian trail) where he calculates that in one week he walks more than the typical American would in a year. At one point he walks into a town trying to find an sporting goods store to get some mosquito repellent and someone tells him its a 15 min walk, is he sure he doesn't need a ride? Yes to the cheaper lifestyle of getting together with friends. It's also nice to see the growing trend of people getting together to play board games and card games. Now that the pandemic is easing off, my wife and I look forward to getting together with friends to play music (as we are into trad- folk music, eg trad Irish, Quebecois, or American old time) zoom music sessions did not really cut it. Also perhaps going to plays and concerts. I think it's also more common in Europe (and perhaps NY or Montreal etc) for folks to just drop in un-announced. I've had some friends who did that here in Vancouver but it was more unusual here - typicaly you would have to pre-arrange set aside time for it etc.) Anyway, enjoy your videos and glad you are enjoying a better lifestyle.

[@DreamPrague]

I love bill Bryson! I’ve read that book 2-3 times.

[@Edisson.]

Ahoj, jako vždy - úžasná 👍

[@Krwekrw]

You should have mentioned that year long ticket for public transport is for 50 cents per day... and you can use cable car too! :-D

[@jakubhanc]

můj otec pracuje pro České dráhy a díky tomu má zaměstnanecké slevy na jízdenky do zahraničí. Když jsem byl mladší, jezdili jsme každý rok vlakem do Itálie a spali jsme jen ve vlacích, na nádraží nebo dokonce v městském parku. Žádný stan, jen spacáky a celta. Jednou jsme spali v Pise v parku vedle Šikmé věže a bohužel ve 3 ráno se park uzavíral, což jsme nevěděli, takže nás policie vyhodila. Dorazili jsme vždycky do nějakého města podnikly 1 až 2 celodenní výlety a zase jeli někam dál. Vždy jsme jezdili z Vídně do Říma přes noc, takže když už jsem tam byl asi po osmé už jsem prostě věděl kam chci jít a co chci zase vidět :D Nejlepší zkušenosti mého života.

[@rogerriehl1612]

It's all about adding life to your days.