Nove Mesto Pod Smrkem

What an achievement, we made it to the top of the Smrk! This mountain is the highest in the Jizera region of Czech Republic, and stands at 1,124 metres. Near to the small town of Nove Mesto Pod Smrkem, it lies on the border with Poland and from the summit it is possible to see three countires in one place, the other being Germany. It was an amazing feeling to be up there, and as we were there on the day of the traditional annual hike, we were even rewarded by our efforts with a pivo and klobasa. It was the perfect way to say goodbye and farewell to two of the French volunteers who are here in this picture, as it was the final weekend of their EVS and we went to celebrate with them.

 

Bambiriada May 2012

This is the biggest action for children in the Czech Republic and takes place annually all over the country, with music, dancing, theatre, activities and crafts it is a great day out for families. OKO took part in the event organised here in Rychnov, and the volunteers prepared the really popular activity to make juggling balls out of balloons and rice, as well as thread and bracelet making and paper crafts. This was a great opportunity to work outdoors with the public, get hands on with a variety of youngsters of different ages and backgrounds, and gain experience of working in a busy and changeable environment.

It was a really enjoyable couple of days and a good experience in informal education. It was possible to informally promote OKO's activities to parents and children and make an impression on the public by presenting the organisation in a different way, to give people new ideas and show the kids how to create toys from different materials.

Happy birthday Anni!

This will be a birthday I will never forget, for the first time in my life I was not in my country for it, and for the first time I was in Germany! Since I live here with a lovely German girl I had big expectations from this trip, and I was not dissapointed. I absolutely fell in love with Berlin, for its culture, its atmosphere and its incredible history, I could of spent much more time there than we had, because it is so massive. I hope to go there again someday, and with the great friends I have made here in Czech Republic I imagine that I will, perhaps for new years eve?!

A Holiday in Wales

I was lucky enough to visit Wales during April, and just as the sun was beginning to get warm and summer was arriving in Czech Republic, you bet the weather was typically awful back home! Here are a couple of photos so you have an idea. I had hoped to go to the beach, and perhaps have a BBQ down the beach, instead we had our winter clothes and rain coats out. It was of course still great, and a lot of fun to be there. I got to see my family, friends and of course my cheeky pup Maisy!

Intercultural Evening

On April 19^th OKO held its annual Intercultural Evening in Rychnov with presentations from Wales, France, Germany and Spain. The volunteers produced a demonstration from each of their countries presenting posters, information, and of course traditional foods to sample.

There was a great turnout with many people coming to discover something new about our cultures, and everyone enjoyed the food; Spain’s sangria was a particular favourite followed closely by Wales’ welshcakes and typical British chicken, leek and mushroom pie!

We really enjoyed the event, and it was a lovely opportunity to share our countries’ traditions in a different context; and as the presentations varied from the entertaining to the informative there was plenty to learn and think about.

To see some photos from the evening, just click on the “Events” tab above.