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Who runs the show: Tomas Turecek, Editor in Chief
Name of the game: National Geographic Cesko
When it all started: October 2002
Where it all happens: Prague, Czech Republic
Who makes it happen: Seven staff members, including the editor
What goes out: 70,000 copies a month
Upcoming GeoHappenings: "This month we're opening a photo exhibit in connection with the publication of the Czech-language edition of Through the Eyes of the Gods: An Aerial Vision of Africa. We're also hosting lectures for our readers about the construction of the first Czech polar station, located on Antarctica's James Ross Island."
What keeps everyone going: "Plenty of coffee helps, but hot chocolate is much more popular. I drink several cups of rooibos, redbush tea from South Africa. If we have a really tough deadline, I take one 'cigar for the winners' when we put the issue to bed. It's a nice ritual adopted from Special Forces."
Favorite end-of-the-workweek activities: "I enjoy cross-country skiing in the winter and walking through the small national parks around Prague in the summer. I recently got my scuba-diving license, so I'll be heading for the water."
Favorite office perk: "We're now offered the luxury of getting a massage right here at the office. When I sit at my computer for a long time, a massage is a great thing for stretching and relaxing my body."
What's great about the Czech Republic: "We're a small country, but we have a rich culture and history."
What's great about the Czech people: "We have a good sense of humor. Even as we suffered through the hard times of World War II, we were able to make jokes about everything."
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National Geographic publishes around the world, so who better to point you to the most unusual, unique, and sometimes irreverent cultural traditions in their countries than the editors of our international editions? Each month a real insider reveals five favorites in this series.
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"This year-round living museum in the North Moravian town of Roznov features a village of timbered buildings that mimic the Wallachian region's houses, churches, and inns of the 19th century. Costumed re-enactors and artisans exhibit traditional methods of farming, crafting, and performing domestic chores. Maintaining the small houses makes it easy for carpenters and shingle makers to show their handiwork. You can also sample traditional frgál tarts and slivovice, the region's most popular spirit. A number of celebrations are held at the museum, including the Folklore Summer Festival."
"For three days in mid-June, locals and guests can participate in this Renaissance festival in Cesky Krumlov, a beautiful South Bohemia town that has the second largest castle complex in the country. Visitors can go back to the medieval times of knights, noble ladies, jugglers, jousting competitions, troubadours, and street actors."
"This is the largest ancient castle complex in the world and the Czech Republic's number-one architectural and cultural jewel. It holds a permanent exhibit about our history, including art treasures, priceless documents, Christian relics, and relics of Bohemian kings. The castle complex—its earliest structures dating back to the late ninth century—is also home to the crown jewels. Visitors can explore its opulent gardens, built in 1535 for Ferdinand I. Emperor Rudolf II kept his private zoo in the Lion's Court. Tourists can also see the bronze Singing Fountain and the vivid colors of the azalea and tulip gardens. The Old Royal Palace, St. Vitus Cathedral, St. George's Basilica, the Imperial Stables, and the Royal Summer Palace are also open to guests. They can also witness the hourly Changing of the Guard. Some archaeological excavation sites are also accessible to the public."
"For outdoor lovers, biking through South Moravia's beautiful countryside is an enjoyable experience. But what makes it truly special is the somewhat new tradition of stopping for a bit of wine tasting at the centuries-old cellars along the way. It's a great way to cool down, relax, and meet the wonderful people in this well-known vineyard region."
"Vlcnov, a village in the eastern Czech Republic, is the best place to experience the Ride of Kings, a folk festival held each year during the last weekend in May. A young man who has been selected king and all the members of his court dress in traditional costumes and ride through the village in a celebration that includes music, folksinging, dancing, a traditional craft market, poetry, food, wine, and a procession of elaborate folk costumes. There are many versions of the history of this tradition, but one of the most popular says it dates back to the Bohemian-Hungarian War. In 1469 Jirí of Podebrady, King of Bohemia, defeated his son-in-law, Hungarian King Matthias Corvinus, who dressed in a woman's traditional costume and covered his face with ribbons to escape unnoticed to his residence in Trencín. His guards had to collect money from local serfs to feed him."
Richard Nebesky, Getty Images (left); Yuri Dojc, Getty Images (center); James P. Blair (right)
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