Reflections at 5 months

As of the 16th, I have been living here in Prague for a full 5 months; ...so some comments on a few aspects of life here, that are common, natural and very European.

1) Breast Feeding infants: Women with babies will stop and breast feed their child at any time and in any place and it is accepted here, without looks or stares or someone judging them or someone thinking it is sexual or anything negative. It is natural and not out of place. In fact, there is a baby boom going on in the Czech Republic currently, and this is a routine occurrence. Whether it is in the Mall, or in a park, or in a train compartment where I was sitting on the train to Křivoklát last Sunday or next to me as I sat in an open green at the castle.

2) Taking a wee: and, it is not uncommon to see a parent help their toddler take a pee, whether it be a boy or a girl, usually into the road, or by a tree or anywhere in a park or along the sidewalk where a tree might be planted(every 20 feet or so in most places in Prague ). Another common occurrence here that does not raise even so much as an eyebrow. Natural perhaps, certainly of little real consequence; to do this or have the child not make it to a bathroom; then what?

3) Topless: and not just statues. And it was not uncommon to see topless bathers of all ages at some of the parks this past summer. From toddlers, to women who could be models, to women in their 70’s. No one bothered. No one looks. No one makes an issue of it. No one calls the police. Of course, not every women does this. And although not legal, as long as it appears that there is nothing untoward going on, it is accepted. And I would think most Children grow up, I am sure for the most part, not being bothered by nudity nor focused on it.

So Prague continues to be an interesting environment. Comfortable, as you have heard me say, and relaxed. I am sure it is not perfect, but life seems to go by unfettered by issues that would make headlines for months in the US.

It seems so silly now to think back on the huge issues the press, religious groups and people in general made when LaToya Jackson accidentally bared her breast at a superbowl half-time several years ago. Really, lets stop doing things that makes the rest of world laugh at us and just get real.

So some thoughts at 5 months; perhaps a bit different than other reflections, but I have wanted to write about these topics, topics which would bring the world to a halt in the US, or at least to the courts and where the press, and lawyers would have a "field day". ...Silly isn’t it. + 156