Jeremy Hodges Portfolio
Hello! I am a 9th grade World History teacher at East Wake High School in Wendell North Carolina. I graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in 2014 with a degree in Political Science and Peace War and Defense and a minor in Anthropology. In 2016 I completed my master's degree in teaching from NCSU. I am a HUGE nerd who sees traveling the world as a way to experience the history that I teach. What is history but context for the present? When not teaching I enjoy traveling with my wife Rachel, playing video games, watching period dramas, reading political philosophy, and eating. I am very excited to travel to Czechia and learn! |
Cultural Connections Project 1: Global Collaborative Project (Video Synopsis)
|
|
Cultural Connections Project 2: Scripted Duologue Based on Meetup Group or AirBnb City Experience (GoAnimate)
|
|
Cultural Connections Project 3: Experience-Based Travel Writing Based on Meetup Group or AirBnb City Experience (Post on Travel Blog)
The Velvet Revolution Walking Tour
Let me guess. You are a socially conscious person that with a profound desire to learn history and about other cultures. Rain doesn't scare you and neither does exercise. Experiences aren't just about making memories but learning new things. If I just described you and you are traveling to Prague you need to sign up for the Velvet Revolution Walking Tour right now.
The Tour is ran by a non-profit based in Czech Republic that advocates for and memorializes political prisoners. The tour guide I had, Dan, is a student at Charles University that studies history with a concentration in late antiquity especially the early Roman Catholic Church. Dan is incredibly knowledgeable. Of the half-dozen tours I completed in Prague Dan was absolutely the most knowledgeable, professional, and customer service oriented. The Tour follows the same walk that Charles University Students took on the Velvet Revolution protests. As you follow their path you learn about Prague and Czech history with an emphasis on the Velvet Revolution.
From the beginning I knew I was on a tour like no other. Right before the tour began unexpected rain began pouring on the city of PRague. Perched under a tree I kept safe but the entire group knew that those of us without adequate gear were in trouble. Dan had a plan. Only a couple minutes into the tour Dan stopped at a shop and bought all of us without rain gear an umbrella. I was very impressed. He assured us that, though we wouldn’t follow the exact same path as the student because of the rain we would follow along close by. Clearly a Prague navigational expert Dan wizzed us from covering to covering citing facts and information all along the way. Eventually Dan looked at us and said, “guys we are about to go off script a bit to avoid the rain but you will get your money’s worth. If you don’t feel you have please let me know and I will make sure you are refunded.” No one asked for a refund. As the rain grew harder Dan guided us into an elaborate Catholic Church. A stop totally off script. He paid for our admission and gave us a tour. You could tell his professional learning had taken over. Dan walked us through the church and answered our many questions.
After a few minutes and just in time the rain stopped. Dan assured us we were blessed by the Virgin Mary. Dan then took us through the Vysehrad Cemetery beside the church where many Czech greats and heroes are buried. He showed us the grave of Karel Macha, a 19th century Czech Poet which the students marched to and then took us out of the cemetery to St. Wenceslas Square where the students completed the march and began their protest. He told us more about the protests, showed and explained the memorial, and then we went on our way.
The Velvet Revolution Tour was a truly impressive historical and political tour Of the Czech Republic that was an ideal example of experiential education. I highly recommend this tour to anyone with an interest in politics and history.
Let me guess. You are a socially conscious person that with a profound desire to learn history and about other cultures. Rain doesn't scare you and neither does exercise. Experiences aren't just about making memories but learning new things. If I just described you and you are traveling to Prague you need to sign up for the Velvet Revolution Walking Tour right now.
The Tour is ran by a non-profit based in Czech Republic that advocates for and memorializes political prisoners. The tour guide I had, Dan, is a student at Charles University that studies history with a concentration in late antiquity especially the early Roman Catholic Church. Dan is incredibly knowledgeable. Of the half-dozen tours I completed in Prague Dan was absolutely the most knowledgeable, professional, and customer service oriented. The Tour follows the same walk that Charles University Students took on the Velvet Revolution protests. As you follow their path you learn about Prague and Czech history with an emphasis on the Velvet Revolution.
From the beginning I knew I was on a tour like no other. Right before the tour began unexpected rain began pouring on the city of PRague. Perched under a tree I kept safe but the entire group knew that those of us without adequate gear were in trouble. Dan had a plan. Only a couple minutes into the tour Dan stopped at a shop and bought all of us without rain gear an umbrella. I was very impressed. He assured us that, though we wouldn’t follow the exact same path as the student because of the rain we would follow along close by. Clearly a Prague navigational expert Dan wizzed us from covering to covering citing facts and information all along the way. Eventually Dan looked at us and said, “guys we are about to go off script a bit to avoid the rain but you will get your money’s worth. If you don’t feel you have please let me know and I will make sure you are refunded.” No one asked for a refund. As the rain grew harder Dan guided us into an elaborate Catholic Church. A stop totally off script. He paid for our admission and gave us a tour. You could tell his professional learning had taken over. Dan walked us through the church and answered our many questions.
After a few minutes and just in time the rain stopped. Dan assured us we were blessed by the Virgin Mary. Dan then took us through the Vysehrad Cemetery beside the church where many Czech greats and heroes are buried. He showed us the grave of Karel Macha, a 19th century Czech Poet which the students marched to and then took us out of the cemetery to St. Wenceslas Square where the students completed the march and began their protest. He told us more about the protests, showed and explained the memorial, and then we went on our way.
The Velvet Revolution Tour was a truly impressive historical and political tour Of the Czech Republic that was an ideal example of experiential education. I highly recommend this tour to anyone with an interest in politics and history.
Cultural Collections Project 1: Mapping Culture (Google Maps)
|
|
Cultural Collections Project 2: Timelining Culture (MyHistro)
|
|
Cultural Collections Project 3: Curating Cultural Objects (Voicethread)
|
|
Cultural Reflections Project 1: The Last Word, Czech education articles
The Last Word discussion format was a really useful way to discuss and analyze a series of complicated texts. The format had us pick quotes we found interesting and then share them with our small group. As a small group we went around the circle and tried to guess why that quote was chosen and generally discussed the quote. The beauty of this format is that is allowed us to talk about things we individually found interesting, it allowed us to break down the texts, and finally we got to know each other better by guessing and explaining why we picked the quote we did.
The texts, paired with our Czech guest, were very insightful into the Czech education system. The texts themselves gave us hard data over time that explained how the Czech education system has changed since the collapse of communism. Paired with our Czech guest we were able to understand the education pipeline that students took from entry to university. Of particular note is Czechia's very high graduation rate yet low number of advanced degrees. It was also particularly interesting to learn about the exclusion of the Roma, a minority population that seems to be largely ignored by the Czech population and government.
A burning question I have which I have not been able to answer is what has been the impact of the EU and the Schengen Area on Czech education. Have young Czechs taken advantage of their rights to live and learn anywhere in Europe? What are the long term impacts on Czech education, especially secondary education?
The Last Word discussion format was a really useful way to discuss and analyze a series of complicated texts. The format had us pick quotes we found interesting and then share them with our small group. As a small group we went around the circle and tried to guess why that quote was chosen and generally discussed the quote. The beauty of this format is that is allowed us to talk about things we individually found interesting, it allowed us to break down the texts, and finally we got to know each other better by guessing and explaining why we picked the quote we did.
The texts, paired with our Czech guest, were very insightful into the Czech education system. The texts themselves gave us hard data over time that explained how the Czech education system has changed since the collapse of communism. Paired with our Czech guest we were able to understand the education pipeline that students took from entry to university. Of particular note is Czechia's very high graduation rate yet low number of advanced degrees. It was also particularly interesting to learn about the exclusion of the Roma, a minority population that seems to be largely ignored by the Czech population and government.
A burning question I have which I have not been able to answer is what has been the impact of the EU and the Schengen Area on Czech education. Have young Czechs taken advantage of their rights to live and learn anywhere in Europe? What are the long term impacts on Czech education, especially secondary education?
Cultural Reflections Project 2: Czech Book Club
Summer Meditations was an enjoyable read that depicts the way a moral leader transitions an economy from a state dominated authoritarian one to a capitalist market economy. Havel is successful but with some limitations. Havel paints Czechoslovakia as a broken country negatively influenced by Communism and ripe for positive change. While arguing for the beauty of nationality and countries he, at the same time, attempts to keep Slovakia and Czechia united. In this he fails. Czechoslovakia ultimately separates into two different yet similar countries.
Havel strongly contrasts with Machiavelli. Unlike Machiavelli who argues the ends justifies the means Havel celebrates morality and the consequences of positive action. In Havel's view positive means create good ends. In a generation of 24/7 news, scandals, and House of Cards Havel offers a breath of fresh air for politics. Maybe the good guys can win. Maybe all we have to do is the right thing. Instead of voting for the lesser of evils.
While a profoundly positive book we must remember that this is a text where we learn about Havel from Havel. I strongly encourage anyone who reads this book to trust but verify the source. Seek outside information in order to find the truth. Havel is a politician and when he wrote this book he was running for reelection.
Ultimately this text is a good representation of a country undergoing the democratic transition after the collapse of the USSR. It offers a form of positive politics. Politics where everyone gains and no one loses. While this might sound like a fairy tale this is one that Havel successfully sells. You leave this book believing in it and him.
Summer Meditations was an enjoyable read that depicts the way a moral leader transitions an economy from a state dominated authoritarian one to a capitalist market economy. Havel is successful but with some limitations. Havel paints Czechoslovakia as a broken country negatively influenced by Communism and ripe for positive change. While arguing for the beauty of nationality and countries he, at the same time, attempts to keep Slovakia and Czechia united. In this he fails. Czechoslovakia ultimately separates into two different yet similar countries.
Havel strongly contrasts with Machiavelli. Unlike Machiavelli who argues the ends justifies the means Havel celebrates morality and the consequences of positive action. In Havel's view positive means create good ends. In a generation of 24/7 news, scandals, and House of Cards Havel offers a breath of fresh air for politics. Maybe the good guys can win. Maybe all we have to do is the right thing. Instead of voting for the lesser of evils.
While a profoundly positive book we must remember that this is a text where we learn about Havel from Havel. I strongly encourage anyone who reads this book to trust but verify the source. Seek outside information in order to find the truth. Havel is a politician and when he wrote this book he was running for reelection.
Ultimately this text is a good representation of a country undergoing the democratic transition after the collapse of the USSR. It offers a form of positive politics. Politics where everyone gains and no one loses. While this might sound like a fairy tale this is one that Havel successfully sells. You leave this book believing in it and him.
Cultural Reflections Project 3: Czech Film Club
Anthropoid was an action packed film about the assassination of Reinhard Heydrich by Czech rebels in Prague on June 4th 1942. Two soldiers, Jozef and Jan, are parachuted into Czechoslovakia by the British Government with the mission of killing Heydrich, the current "acting Protector" of Czechoslovakia under Nazi occupation. This mission was envisioned and launched by the remaining Czechoslovakian Government that had escaped to England. The idea behind the mission was that Czechoslovakian citizens, by killing Heydrich, would prove that they could be valuable allies against the Nazis.
After a somewhat slow build up the movie culminated with the shooting of Heydrich and escape to a local church. The church scene was very long, reminiscent of the actual six hour long church siege. Ultimately this mission was successful but at high cost. Not only did Jozef and Jan die at the end of the movie but many other Czechoslovakians were also killed as Nazi retaliation. Many Czechs pride themselves on the assassination of Heydrich after the fact but this pride was paid for in Czechoslovakian blood.
The movie received little attention or recognition in the United States. This is probably due to the very small Czech population ~.6%. In Eastern Europe the movie was highly celebrated though it never made money. Ultimately, Anthropoid is worth a watch by anyone who loves learning about World War II, Czech Culture, or period dramas. Overall I rank this movie highly underrated.
Anthropoid was an action packed film about the assassination of Reinhard Heydrich by Czech rebels in Prague on June 4th 1942. Two soldiers, Jozef and Jan, are parachuted into Czechoslovakia by the British Government with the mission of killing Heydrich, the current "acting Protector" of Czechoslovakia under Nazi occupation. This mission was envisioned and launched by the remaining Czechoslovakian Government that had escaped to England. The idea behind the mission was that Czechoslovakian citizens, by killing Heydrich, would prove that they could be valuable allies against the Nazis.
After a somewhat slow build up the movie culminated with the shooting of Heydrich and escape to a local church. The church scene was very long, reminiscent of the actual six hour long church siege. Ultimately this mission was successful but at high cost. Not only did Jozef and Jan die at the end of the movie but many other Czechoslovakians were also killed as Nazi retaliation. Many Czechs pride themselves on the assassination of Heydrich after the fact but this pride was paid for in Czechoslovakian blood.
The movie received little attention or recognition in the United States. This is probably due to the very small Czech population ~.6%. In Eastern Europe the movie was highly celebrated though it never made money. Ultimately, Anthropoid is worth a watch by anyone who loves learning about World War II, Czech Culture, or period dramas. Overall I rank this movie highly underrated.
Cultural Reflections Project 5: Urban Neighborhood Analysis (from Field Research)
I decided to visit Zizkov a neighborhood described as “less affluent” and almost hipsterish by various travel websites. From the beginning it was clear that this neighborhood is largely residential and that it is dominated by the TV Tower which can be seen from the entirety of Zizkov. Everywhere I saw locals sitting in public spaces and relaxing. Many were accompanied by young children, pets, food, and drink. There were many parks and green spaces throughout the neighborhood and it was evident that designers tried to incorporate trees in most designs. These spaces were largely clean, incorporated colorful and wonderful smelling flowers.
In one image below you can see how vines have almost taken over the entirety of one balcony and that the building itself is framed by trees. In another image you can see one of the holes of the mini golf course that surrounds the TV Tower which stands prominently in Zizkov. Throughout the images below you see how people partake in both green spaces and public spaces of which there are many throughout Zizkov.
Interestingly, at times, design seemed to contradict or at the very least strongly contrast. In one image below you can see in the foreground a stadium light beside a couple dumpsters and porta johns. In the background you can see two very old buildings. The old and exquisite buildings of the background strongly contrast with the modern almost construction like atmosphere of the foreground. This seemed to be very representative of the entirety of Zizkov but mostly as I walked further away from the TV tower. Finally the Zizkov is notable for its three cemeteries. Both the Old and New Jewish Cemetery as well as the Olsany Cemetery. The Old Jewish Cemetery was in a poor state and was apparently damaged in the construction of the TV tower. The Olsany Cemetery was very much meant to be enjoyed by people. Its walkways were spacious, mostly taken care of, and large.
I decided to visit Zizkov a neighborhood described as “less affluent” and almost hipsterish by various travel websites. From the beginning it was clear that this neighborhood is largely residential and that it is dominated by the TV Tower which can be seen from the entirety of Zizkov. Everywhere I saw locals sitting in public spaces and relaxing. Many were accompanied by young children, pets, food, and drink. There were many parks and green spaces throughout the neighborhood and it was evident that designers tried to incorporate trees in most designs. These spaces were largely clean, incorporated colorful and wonderful smelling flowers.
In one image below you can see how vines have almost taken over the entirety of one balcony and that the building itself is framed by trees. In another image you can see one of the holes of the mini golf course that surrounds the TV Tower which stands prominently in Zizkov. Throughout the images below you see how people partake in both green spaces and public spaces of which there are many throughout Zizkov.
Interestingly, at times, design seemed to contradict or at the very least strongly contrast. In one image below you can see in the foreground a stadium light beside a couple dumpsters and porta johns. In the background you can see two very old buildings. The old and exquisite buildings of the background strongly contrast with the modern almost construction like atmosphere of the foreground. This seemed to be very representative of the entirety of Zizkov but mostly as I walked further away from the TV tower. Finally the Zizkov is notable for its three cemeteries. Both the Old and New Jewish Cemetery as well as the Olsany Cemetery. The Old Jewish Cemetery was in a poor state and was apparently damaged in the construction of the TV tower. The Olsany Cemetery was very much meant to be enjoyed by people. Its walkways were spacious, mostly taken care of, and large.
Cultural Reflections Project 6: Czech Education Analysis (from Field Research)
The piece “Curled Up” by Rudolf Nemec at the Kampa Museum in Prague was particularly moving. In the piece we see a person of nondescript gender curled up in a ball. Around this person we see tons of lines, images, and artifacts. These designs seem to be attacking and overwhelming the person. The piece was created in 1974 and is part of the exhibition “I don’t understand even Nietzsche.” To me the person represents Czech Society. The lines, designs, and artifacts represent the oppression of communism attacking that society. I draw this conclusion due to the historical context of the 1970s in the Czech Republic which had been recently invaded by the Warsaw Pact during the Prague Spring.
The name of the exhibition is particularly important here. Nietzsche was overwhelmed by the power of religion and believed it prevented people from becoming their perfect selves. He argued that human beings should create a new morality similar to that of the ancients that empowers life instead of death because religion and heaven was not real. There are strong contrasts between Nietzsche's philosophy and “Curled Up.” If we believe that the lines represent communism as mentioned previously then we can see communism as the state religion attacking the society and preventing the creation of the new morality, the celebration of life, and the creation of the ubermensch. Communism's complete displacement of religion lends credence to this idea. As you walk through the exhibition and years move forward we see Nemec’s works radically change. His 1980s works introduce color and by the 1990s his works are happy, enthusiastic, and at times three dimensional. It seems that as communism collapses and is replaced by capitalism, democracy, and freedom Nemec sees this realization of a new morality, a new way of doing things, and the creation of the ubermensch.
The piece “Curled Up” by Rudolf Nemec at the Kampa Museum in Prague was particularly moving. In the piece we see a person of nondescript gender curled up in a ball. Around this person we see tons of lines, images, and artifacts. These designs seem to be attacking and overwhelming the person. The piece was created in 1974 and is part of the exhibition “I don’t understand even Nietzsche.” To me the person represents Czech Society. The lines, designs, and artifacts represent the oppression of communism attacking that society. I draw this conclusion due to the historical context of the 1970s in the Czech Republic which had been recently invaded by the Warsaw Pact during the Prague Spring.
The name of the exhibition is particularly important here. Nietzsche was overwhelmed by the power of religion and believed it prevented people from becoming their perfect selves. He argued that human beings should create a new morality similar to that of the ancients that empowers life instead of death because religion and heaven was not real. There are strong contrasts between Nietzsche's philosophy and “Curled Up.” If we believe that the lines represent communism as mentioned previously then we can see communism as the state religion attacking the society and preventing the creation of the new morality, the celebration of life, and the creation of the ubermensch. Communism's complete displacement of religion lends credence to this idea. As you walk through the exhibition and years move forward we see Nemec’s works radically change. His 1980s works introduce color and by the 1990s his works are happy, enthusiastic, and at times three dimensional. It seems that as communism collapses and is replaced by capitalism, democracy, and freedom Nemec sees this realization of a new morality, a new way of doing things, and the creation of the ubermensch.
Cultural Reflections Project 7: Czech Literature Analysis (from Field Research)
The Boy Who Cried Wolf Meets Kafka
There once was a boy whose job it was to watch a flock of sheep and keep it safe from wolves. The boy had no idea why he was chosen for the job. He was not tall or strong. He did not have a loud voice and was easily distracted. One day he was sitting in the meadow and a sheep approached him.
“What are you doing here asked the sheep?”
The boy was astounded the sheep could talk and delighted to have a distraction.
The boy responded, “I am here to protect you from wolves!” replied the boy.
“I am not afraid of a wolf” responded the sheep. “I am afraid of you, a man, you are much more dangerous than a sheep.”
The boy was curious. Wolves have sharp teeth, quick legs, and travel in packs.
“What makes you scared of me?” asked the boy.
“You are man” replied the sheep. “You pretend to care for us; you pet us, feed us, and protect us but sometimes you take us or our children. You butcher us. You gnaw on our bones. You think we do not know but we do. You are worse than the wolf. At least the wolf’s intentions are honest. Men are liars. They are nothing more than wolves in sheep’s clothing.”
The boy could not deny what he had heard and yet he was dumbstruck. Was he a predator with his soft hands and squishy belly? What could this mean. The boys eyes went red. It was like he understood life for the first time. He bent down on all fours.
“I am a wolf” yelled the boy. “I am a wolf and it is my job to kill and eat not watch over and protect.” “I am a wolf!” yelled the boy at the top of his lungs. The talking sheep ran away from the horrible screams but one of his friends did not.
Another boy from the village nearby heard the boy’s screaming and came running.
“What has happened to you?” asked the second boy. “Why are you on all fours and why is there blood in your mouth?
The boy began to growl at the second boy. Sheep's blood poured out of his mouth where he had attacked the second sheep and began to consume it raw. He told the second boy what the sheep had told him. The second boy nodded as he listened. “We are predators?” the second boy asked the first.
“We are worse than predators we are liars replied the first boy.”
The second boy got on all fours and began to howl. After a time the second boy began to eat from the carcass of the sheep just as the first boy had done.
“We are wolves!” yelled the boys. “It is our job to kill and eat not watch and protect.” “We are wolves! Yelled the boys at the top of their lungs.
A girl from the village heard the boys screaming and came running.
“What has happened to you? Asked the second girl. “Why are you on all fours and why is there blood in your mouth?
The boys began to growl at the girl. Sheep's blood poured out of their mouths. The first boy told the girl what the sheep had told him. The girl nodded as she listened. “We are predators?” the girl asked the first boy. “We are worse than predators we are liars replied the first boy.”
The talking sheep watched the three humans from behind a tree. He had laughed as the first boy convinced the boy and girl that they were wolves but was frightened when they first killed and then ate the other sheep raw.
He approached the other sheep who were walking around the meadow. “The humans have gone mad.” Said the sheep. “They believe themselves to be wolves and have eaten one of us alive. We must do something.”
The sheep begin baaing. Louder and louder they baad. Nearby a pack of wolves heard the baaing and began to get hungry.
The sheep saw the pack of wolves coming to the meadow. The decided to hide in the meadow and watch.
The wolves approached the three children curiously. “What are you doing” asked the alpha wolf of the children. “Why are you on all fours and covered in sheep blood?”
“We are wolves just like you!” screamed the children. “We are predators. We kill and we eat!”
The alpha wolf replied, “You are a liar. You call us here with your baaing and then pretend to be wolves. My pack is hungry and you waste precious time. You will be our dinner.”
As the alpha bit deeply into the second boy it was then that the first by realized he had been played by the sheep. Hearing the children’s screams adults from the village came running and armed with spears attacked the wolves. In the forest nearby the sheep laughed as they saw their two great enemies slaughter each other.
Moral: Do not let others tell you who you are. Do not lie but be honest with yourself and then no one can trick you.
The Boy Who Cried Wolf Meets Kafka
There once was a boy whose job it was to watch a flock of sheep and keep it safe from wolves. The boy had no idea why he was chosen for the job. He was not tall or strong. He did not have a loud voice and was easily distracted. One day he was sitting in the meadow and a sheep approached him.
“What are you doing here asked the sheep?”
The boy was astounded the sheep could talk and delighted to have a distraction.
The boy responded, “I am here to protect you from wolves!” replied the boy.
“I am not afraid of a wolf” responded the sheep. “I am afraid of you, a man, you are much more dangerous than a sheep.”
The boy was curious. Wolves have sharp teeth, quick legs, and travel in packs.
“What makes you scared of me?” asked the boy.
“You are man” replied the sheep. “You pretend to care for us; you pet us, feed us, and protect us but sometimes you take us or our children. You butcher us. You gnaw on our bones. You think we do not know but we do. You are worse than the wolf. At least the wolf’s intentions are honest. Men are liars. They are nothing more than wolves in sheep’s clothing.”
The boy could not deny what he had heard and yet he was dumbstruck. Was he a predator with his soft hands and squishy belly? What could this mean. The boys eyes went red. It was like he understood life for the first time. He bent down on all fours.
“I am a wolf” yelled the boy. “I am a wolf and it is my job to kill and eat not watch over and protect.” “I am a wolf!” yelled the boy at the top of his lungs. The talking sheep ran away from the horrible screams but one of his friends did not.
Another boy from the village nearby heard the boy’s screaming and came running.
“What has happened to you?” asked the second boy. “Why are you on all fours and why is there blood in your mouth?
The boy began to growl at the second boy. Sheep's blood poured out of his mouth where he had attacked the second sheep and began to consume it raw. He told the second boy what the sheep had told him. The second boy nodded as he listened. “We are predators?” the second boy asked the first.
“We are worse than predators we are liars replied the first boy.”
The second boy got on all fours and began to howl. After a time the second boy began to eat from the carcass of the sheep just as the first boy had done.
“We are wolves!” yelled the boys. “It is our job to kill and eat not watch and protect.” “We are wolves! Yelled the boys at the top of their lungs.
A girl from the village heard the boys screaming and came running.
“What has happened to you? Asked the second girl. “Why are you on all fours and why is there blood in your mouth?
The boys began to growl at the girl. Sheep's blood poured out of their mouths. The first boy told the girl what the sheep had told him. The girl nodded as she listened. “We are predators?” the girl asked the first boy. “We are worse than predators we are liars replied the first boy.”
The talking sheep watched the three humans from behind a tree. He had laughed as the first boy convinced the boy and girl that they were wolves but was frightened when they first killed and then ate the other sheep raw.
He approached the other sheep who were walking around the meadow. “The humans have gone mad.” Said the sheep. “They believe themselves to be wolves and have eaten one of us alive. We must do something.”
The sheep begin baaing. Louder and louder they baad. Nearby a pack of wolves heard the baaing and began to get hungry.
The sheep saw the pack of wolves coming to the meadow. The decided to hide in the meadow and watch.
The wolves approached the three children curiously. “What are you doing” asked the alpha wolf of the children. “Why are you on all fours and covered in sheep blood?”
“We are wolves just like you!” screamed the children. “We are predators. We kill and we eat!”
The alpha wolf replied, “You are a liar. You call us here with your baaing and then pretend to be wolves. My pack is hungry and you waste precious time. You will be our dinner.”
As the alpha bit deeply into the second boy it was then that the first by realized he had been played by the sheep. Hearing the children’s screams adults from the village came running and armed with spears attacked the wolves. In the forest nearby the sheep laughed as they saw their two great enemies slaughter each other.
Moral: Do not let others tell you who you are. Do not lie but be honest with yourself and then no one can trick you.
Cultural Reflections Project 8: Czech Art/Visual Analysis (from Field Research)
Post your analyses here...
Post your analyses here...
Cultural Reflections Project 9: Czech Site Analysis, Site-Based Travel Writing (Post on Travel Blog)
Czechs take to the Skies: The Prague Aviation Museum
Have you ever dreamed about flying through the clouds at mach 3? Have you wondered what it feels like to pull negative Gs? Do you find your pocket filled with only lint? The Prague Aviation Museum is the place for you! Filled with aircraft flown by the Czech Air Force from the birth of aviation to the collapse of communism and totally free of charge the Prague Aviation Museum is an excellent adventure for people willing to leave the beaten path.
The Prague Aviation Museum is approximately 30 minutes from Prague 1 and can be difficult for the novice traveller to locate and find. The most direct route it is to take B yellow line metro and get off at Ceskomoravska. From there you hop on bus line 375. There is about 8 stops until you get off at Letecke muzeum. The bus will NOT stop on its own and you must push the stop button if you want to get off in front of the museum.
You will know as soon as you are there as you see hangar after hangar of old aircraft. Walk through the main gate and walk into the building to the left which is the information center. You may find that the person at the desk does not speak english. No matter, my experience was that he was nice enough to find me someone who did and who gave me a map. If you have no such luck there is a large map that details the hangars just above the information center.
The museum is divided into a number of hangars each organized by time period. I immediately moved to the right and enjoyed the World War I and II hangars. Both hangars were manned by local Czech experts that were happy to answer all of my questions in good english. One even told me that a new exhibit on simulators had recently opened that was not included on the map. Note as you go in the hangars there is a sign listing a number of rules and potential consequences. I noticed a notable ban on photography though the hand full of people (myself included) in the museum took plenty of pictures and no one seemed to mind.
The World War II hangar was particularly interesting as it documented the history of the Czech Air Force from conception to exile in World War II. I don’t want to give away too much but know that Czech pilots continued to fly and fight Nazi Germany long after Czechoslovakia was annexed. Make sure you take a look at the messerschmitt 262 (right) in the front right of the hangar. This is one of the first jet fighters invented by Nazi Germany and this particular jet continued service in the Czech Air Force after World War II.
Just above the information center and to the left is an enormous hangar with mostly Soviet Aircraft. All of the Aircraft are signed with basic information in both english and czech. I found this hangar a bit overwhelming. The star of the show was the space orbiter near the exit. Try not to miss it!
Once you leave the large hangar to the left is four rows of soviet era Czech Aircraft and especially helicopters. If you’ve ever watched an 80s war movie you will particularly enjoy the hind helicopters (right) on display. Once you’ve visited the hinds you are pretty much done! Take a glance in the gift shop. There is some pretty exciting Czech aviation items you can purchase that you will not find anywhere else. Both of the people working in the shop spoke excellent english. Beside the gift shop is a small concession stand where you can refuel and recharge with a nice pilsner.
For the grand price of zero crowns this museum is truly underrated. Relive a childhood dream or inspire new ones in your children by visiting the Prague Aviation Museum and taking a walk through Czech aviation history.