The Ghosts of Czech Border Fortifications

In the interwar period, Czechoslovakia expanded its powerful network of fortifications along the border with Germany. Today we look at the ghosts of Czech border fortifications captured by Czech photographer Roman Kubeček. Work on the fortifications began in 1935 because of fears of a German invasion at the border (number 1545 kilometers). The huge project aimed to...

LIFESTYLE

February 25, 2016

The International Order of St. Hubertus

Who would have thought that The International Order of St. Hubertus was Czech? When Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia died at the Cibolo Creek Ranch in Texas, the Huffington Post called called “the International Order of St. Hubertus, an Austrian society that dates back to the 1600s.” Correction… It is a Bohemian society, one founded in what is...

History, NOSTALGIA

February 15, 2016

Prague Locations Then and Now

Our images of Prague locations then and now highlights the beautiful city of Prague which has withstood much time. Many parts have grown and changed and much of it has remained the same. Today I am sharing some old black and white historical photographs with current ones to show how some things change while others remain the...

LIFESTYLE

January 19, 2016

66 Tanks Crossing the Nusle Valley

Nuselský most (Nusle Bridge) is a massive concrete construction that spans over the entire neighborhood and hovers an incredible 140 feet over the streets below. Today we share 66 tanks crossing the Nusle Valley. First, let’s look across Nusle Valley several decades before the construction of the bridge… The photo above was taken in 1927....

LIFESTYLE

November 13, 2015

Bohemian Jewelry Fashion Show 1964

On February 7th in 1964, a chic fashion luncheon was held showing off the latest styles in bijouterie. Modern jewelry, brooches, bangles, beads and other ladies ornamentation was shown, both on trays, displays and on models at this Bohemian Jewelry Fashion Show. Bohemia has always played a very important role in the history of costume jewelry. It was in...

LIFESTYLE

November 8, 2015

Czech Puppets from the 1960s

Remember the wonder of puppets? Hand puppets or marionettes, Czech children have a long history of loving to watch puppet shows. Below are several various photographs of Czech puppets from the 1960s of all types and shapes at an exhibition which took place in Prague on April 16, 1964. There are sweet little townspeople puppets. Lovely...

LIFESTYLE

Josef-Koudelka-Prague-Invasion-Tres-Bohemes

November 5, 2015

The Prague Invasion of 1968

Josef Koudelka returned home from Romania in the August of 1968, a mere two days before the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia. As the military forces of the Warsaw Pact invaded the city of Prague and the tanks rolled in, Koudelka took to the streets, where he recorded the historical event with his camera. His photographs...

History, NOSTALGIA

October 31, 2015

An Apocalyptic Castle in the Czech Republic

At one time, resting like a gem in a crown, Zámek Jezeří (Castle Jezeří) distinctively rested on a hill once densely populated with a wide myriad of flora. Shaped in a prominent ‘H’, you can see two watch towers on either side. It was once the home of Bohemian Nobles and was considered one of...

LIFESTYLE

October 28, 2015

My Czech Wooden Picture Cubes

Who else grew up playing with Czech wooden picture cubes? I confess, my wooden picture cubes were the best. I mean, the best of the best. As a child I remember playing with these wooden blocks almost every day. I never used them just as the puzzle that they were. I used them to build castles and towers, villages...

LIFESTYLE

October 26, 2015

A Look Back at Czechoslovakia Before World War I

Today I wanted to share a look back at Czechoslovakia before World War I. The first image I want to share is this map. When the Czech Republic was first put on a map, it was placed there as Czechoslovakia. The Bohemian Kingdom officially ceased to exist in 1918 by transformation into Czechoslovakia. No one...

History, NOSTALGIA

Tomas-Garryk-Masaryk-Czech-President-Prague-TresBohemes

October 22, 2015

Tomas G. Masaryk on Wireless Technology in 1929

It’s amazing to be able to watch a rare film of Tomas G. Masaryk, the Father of Czechoslovakia, speaking English for “Fox Movietone News” on November 29, 1929. But perhaps more amazing is what he actually SAYS in the clip. “If I observe the inventiveness of our modern scientists, I sometimes fancy a much greater invention,...

Bohemians, History, PEOPLE

October 21, 2015

Prague Castle Guards

When in the Czech Republic, you surely visit Prague. When you visit Prague, you surely go to the Prague Castle and when at the castle, you surely see the Prague Castle Guards. Ah, what a sight they are. We think they are all so handsome! Oh my goodness! We enjoyed the sights. We enjoyed them...

Bohemians, Men, PEOPLE

October 20, 2015

Guess the #1 Beer Drinking Nation In the World

The Czechs are the #1 beer drinking nation in the world, consuming the most beer per capita in the world (160 liters or 43 gallons). They have been drinking beer since at least 900 A.D. Can this be healthy? I have a memory of both my mother and my grandmother telling me to drink a...

Beer, LIFESTYLE

October 14, 2015

Touring the Coast In My 1954 Hudson Italia

Today I find myself touring the coast in my 1954 Hudson Italia. Many people don’t know this car’s slightly Bohemian connection or history (which I share here). But first, just take a look at this baby! I love the sporty egg-crate grille. I love the distinctive triangle-peaked front bumper. I love the and fender-top air intakes! You...

PLACES, Retro Chic, Traveling in Style

Bohemian-Beer-History-Pilsen-Czech-Republic-Photo-18

October 12, 2015

Bohemian Beer Back in the Day

Bohemian beer back in the day was based on craftsmanship, skill, hard labor and teamwork. In the town of Plzen in 1842, Josef Groll was the brewmaster who made the first ever batch of what became known as Pilsner Urquell. In their 172+ years of brewing, there have been a total of 16 brewmasters working in Plzen to date....

Beer, Bohemians, LIFESTYLE

Havel-and-Clinton-Czech-Pub-Drinking-Beer

October 8, 2015

Presidents, Politics & Pubs

Václav Havel, former president of the Czech Republic, liked to take visiting politicians to Prague pubs. This is for the obvious reason that a known Prague specialty is without a doubt the local pubs, taverns, taprooms and beer-drinking establishments of all kinds. Of course, there is no better place for the meeting of presidents, politics &...

Beer, Bohemians, LIFESTYLE