Tom Simmons' Portfolio Page
I teach 5th grade at The Exploris School in Raleigh, North Carolina. I am thrilled to be traveling to the Czech Republic and Prague this summer. I plan to explore the city and get a better understanding of how the people live and enjoy life in a city many consider one of the most beautiful in the world. I will miss my wife, daughter, and two dogs, Max and Louie.
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PROJECTS:
Taste of Daily Local Life
Adam was a young student completing his Masters degree in computer science who used experiences like this to subsidize the high cost of his rent. With a quick wit and a strong desire to share the history and culture of a place he has called home since his birth 25 years ago we set off. I knew instantly that this was going to be a unique experience. We veered from the throngs of people collecting on Wenceslas Square to a back alley walk through. Our world was suddenly transformed by Art Nouveau buildings and iconic art pieces by Czech artist, David Černý. Immediately, the suffocation of the Old Town slipped away as we explored hidden gardens worlds away from the people on the other side of a wall. We stepped into a church that took my breath away. Soaring ceilings that strained your neck to its outer possibility arose in the middle of a vibrant downtown. The altar was equally high and equally awe inspiring. The quiet and calm was in stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of tour groups outside being shuttled along by guides with flags and microphones. What was the world Adam had taken us to? Our introduction to Czech history and the hidden gems of the city center lent itself well as we boarded the subway to venture further out. When I say further out, I mean anywhere outside Prague 1, the heart and soul of Prague and the epicenter for the tourist industry. Our first stop was a traditional Czech delicatessen. A non-descript storefront led to a bustling store filled with locals eating open faced sandwiches. This place. Like many others in the city, would be one I would typically pass by without a thought. Today was different. Crisp pieces of fresh bread were the platform for a variety of salads and cured meats simply but deliciously paired together to form wonderful, light open faced sandwiches. Each bite was a glimpse into Czech history. Potato salad on one as a nod to Communist rule. A Parisian salad on another was a nod to the influences France and Paris in particular have had in shaping the culture of Prague. We washed it all down with Czech’s version of Coca Cola, something they made during the Communist rule to provide citizens with a dark colored soda. It was sweet but not too sweet. Herbs provided a unique taste which I would liken to a craft cocktail. It was delicious. Our next stop was a beer garden that doubled as a secret meeting place for resistant fighters and dissidents during several of the past occupations of Prauge, be it the Nazi’s or Russians. Again, the food was fresh, well prepared, and paired well with the Czech’s best known export, pilsner beer. The food and beer were simple. The location was lovely, with a cherry tree outside and a park across the street. It was, however, something I had passed by on many occasions. What made this place special? Was it the connection it had to the resistance of occupation? Was the beer fresher, something commonly said by locals. The answer was unclear but coming into focus. Leafy streets, quiet in the heat of the day, led us around a part of the city often forgotten by your typical tourist. Cafes and coffee shops littered the area. Bars were beginning to prepare for the onslaught of locals wanting to quench their thirst after a long day of work. And then we arrived. A store no bigger than the counter and wine behind the desk beckoned us in. Soon we were joining local Czech’s in enjoying a Moravian wine on the street. Served in plastic, liter bottles, this seemed like the real deal. A couple, well into their second or third liter of wine, played an aggressive game of cat and mouse. Men smoked and talked about the day. Families walked by with babies in strollers. People were living their lives in peace and harmony, a perfect balance of work and play. While I have only experienced Czech culture for the past week, something became clear as my ability to process became more fuzzy. Czech people and Prague in particular, are happy people. The love their city and their country. They are a private people. They guard their city and their country with fierce loyalty. They are, however, willing to allow you a glimpse into the nirvana they have found, if you are willing to work for it. Do yourself a favor and move beyond Prague 1. Take a risk and visit Prague 3 or even Prague 7. These are not unknown locales, but they do require effort. Skip Letna Beer Garden to see Prague from the opposite view at Riegrovy Sady. You will be rewarded with smoke clouds of marijuana, people laughing and talking, couples falling in love, and glimpse into the real work of the people of Prague. What I learned is the deeper you dig, the more you learn. The Czech people are happy to share themselves and their history, but they are guarded. How can blame them? They have been occupied several times in the past 75 years. But, with a little work, the hard facade of Czech people, like the nondescript places we explored will reveal a warm and caring people. |
Shooter Island
Walking onto Shooter Island is like stepping back in time. In a time when we are constantly bombarded with information and technology, the island provides an escape from our ever pressing daily demands. Situated in the Vltava River between Prague 5 and Prague 1, this bohemian outpost has something for everyone. First recorded in history during the 12th century, Shooter Island received its name in the 15th century, when the island was reserved as a place for shooters, hosting events and having a shooting range. The shooting range, which gave the island its name, was closed in 1888. In 1892, Prague City purchased the island. In 2007, the city began a major renovations on the island, which continues to this day. Currently the central and northern end of the island have been renovated, while work on the southern section is scheduled for the future. Reachable only by foot, this island fades into the background of the throngs of people visiting Old Town Prague. Its location requires each visitor to arrive by their own power, which eliminates many who would otherwise appreciate this wonderful space. Early mornings provide a respite from the city center. Perch yourself on one of the many benches and watch the city come to life. With unparalleled views of Old Town and none of the pushing and shoving, you can enjoy the beauty of one of the world’s most stunning cities. Enjoy the city views and its historic Charles Bridge and Prague Castle differently, from a distance. As a nod to its roots as a place for fun and dance, this bohemian enclave feels free and liberating. Chestnut trees provide shade for the myriad of benches lining the banks for the island, each with its own and uniquely, perfect vantage point of the city. A small beer garden and stage provide a chance to catch some music during the summer months, when the sun seems to stay in the sky forever. Two low ropes courses for kids between the ages of 3 and 15 make this a family friendly adventure locale. No need to worry about traffic; there are no motorized vehicles here. Parents can enjoy the island calmly as their children explore, play, and run around like kids, something all kids should do more often. During the day, you will find families, travelers in the know, and local workers all taking a break from the hustle and bustle of Prague. Come evening, the scene shifts to a more tranquil experience. Families and couples come to watch the sun drop behind Prague Castle and Charles Bridge. Old Town slowly lights itself on fire providing spectacular views from all parts of the island. A small coffee trailer has anchored itself in the central part of the island for anyone needing some caffeine. Their “restaurant” is a mix of old beds, various chairs, and a Tee Pee. A barge anchored to the island spins low-fi jazz tunes and sells adult beverages. IF you're hungry, grab a bite at several spots serving local and international menus with Old Town city lights as a backdrop. In a city and world that can often seem overwhelming, Shooter Island is the perfect oasis for the discerning traveler looking for a space to slow down and enjoy the magic of the city. It was a favorite spot of mine each time I visited. |
So You Want to Be a Master...
Wenceslas Square
During the mid 1300’s King Charles IV build the New Town of Prague. His plans included open areas for markets, one of which was Wenceslas Square. The square was used as the town horse market, with the southeastern end having a Horse Gate, one of the gates in the walls of New Town.
Anchored by The National Museum on one end, Wenceslas Square is now a hub of activity, with hotels, restaurants, and shops lining both sides. A statue of Saint Wenceslas stands in the shadows of the The National Museum and watches over the people of Prague. This statue, in its current place, was erected in 1912, when the government requested the street name be changed for a more noble one. Prior to that, a statue of Saint Wenceslas was near the Grand Hotel Europa.
It was in this square, in front of the Saint Wenceslas statue, that Alios Jirásek read the proclamation of independence of Czechoslovakia on October 28, 1918. The square is a constant reminder of the recent history of the country. Often a place of dissidence, the Nazi’s used the square to spread their propaganda. Here students and citizens protested during the Prague Uprising of 1945. On January 16, 1969, student Jan Palach set himself on fire in Wenceslas Square to protest the Warsaw Pact invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968.Again, during the Velvet Revolution of 1989, people used the square to demand change.
This square continues to be a space for social and political protests. As recent as June 2019, 150,000 Czech citizens marched and demonstrated against the current Prime Minister, Andrej Babiš. Additionally, there is another schedule protest against the Prime Minister in November, 2019.
Today, all this history is recorded and can be seen in and around the square. The top end of the square has a statue of Saint Wenceslas, who was killed by his brother in an effort to keep control of Bohemia. Below that is a vigil and plague recognizing the two students. Jan Palach and Jan Zajic, who self immolated themselves to protest the invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968. Beyond that benches etched with famous quotes provide visitors an opportunity to reflect on the complicated past of the Czech Republic while understanding the force and determination the people have in keeping their independence.
Anchored by The National Museum on one end, Wenceslas Square is now a hub of activity, with hotels, restaurants, and shops lining both sides. A statue of Saint Wenceslas stands in the shadows of the The National Museum and watches over the people of Prague. This statue, in its current place, was erected in 1912, when the government requested the street name be changed for a more noble one. Prior to that, a statue of Saint Wenceslas was near the Grand Hotel Europa.
It was in this square, in front of the Saint Wenceslas statue, that Alios Jirásek read the proclamation of independence of Czechoslovakia on October 28, 1918. The square is a constant reminder of the recent history of the country. Often a place of dissidence, the Nazi’s used the square to spread their propaganda. Here students and citizens protested during the Prague Uprising of 1945. On January 16, 1969, student Jan Palach set himself on fire in Wenceslas Square to protest the Warsaw Pact invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968.Again, during the Velvet Revolution of 1989, people used the square to demand change.
This square continues to be a space for social and political protests. As recent as June 2019, 150,000 Czech citizens marched and demonstrated against the current Prime Minister, Andrej Babiš. Additionally, there is another schedule protest against the Prime Minister in November, 2019.
Today, all this history is recorded and can be seen in and around the square. The top end of the square has a statue of Saint Wenceslas, who was killed by his brother in an effort to keep control of Bohemia. Below that is a vigil and plague recognizing the two students. Jan Palach and Jan Zajic, who self immolated themselves to protest the invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968. Beyond that benches etched with famous quotes provide visitors an opportunity to reflect on the complicated past of the Czech Republic while understanding the force and determination the people have in keeping their independence.
Art as a Form of Protest
The Beauty of Praha 7, A Neighborhood in Transition
Uniquely nestled between the Vltava River to the south and Letná Park to the west, Holešovice is a district just outside of the main tourist areas hitting its stride. Formerly the meat packing district of the city, Holešovice is now home to cozy cafes, hip, cutting edge restaurants, and a burgeoning art scene.
Anchored by a church that dates back to the early 1900’s, Holešovice is a neighborhood in flux. Quiet and subdued in contrast to the over packed and hectic Old Town, this district mixes both the common person from Prague and the person looking for adventure around each corner. Here, artists, construction workers, chefs, and young professionals mingle seamlessly and working in concert to create a vibrant yet calm neighborhood, a blend of the old guard and the new.
With a mix of traditional architecture and more recent nods to Communist occupation, the bulk of people live in apartments, with the downstairs often housing an up and coming supper club or pop up bar. As you move closer to Letná Park, it becomes clear the Soviet Union built many of the surrounding buildings. Nondescript, massive buildings sit vacant, windows blown out, a metaphor and reminder of the Communist rule that ended in the not to distant past.
Safe, clean, and inviting, Holešovice offers opportunities for those looking for something outside the box. Cutting edge museums, cult following sneaker head shops, and a laundry list of places to explore and enjoy. Sit on the street and enjoy a coffee or beer, watching the world and trams roll by. Have a pet, no worries. Your furry friend in welcome at most establishments.
Cobra was my choice of lunch spots. A short list of four entrees, all of which were meatless for meatless Monday, was intriguing. Lunch was in an old gambling establishment, where people pressed their luck on an array of slot machines. My cauliflower dish was outstanding and unexpected. I imagined myself in any major city the world over.
With Prague's version of Central Park a mere two tram stops from the hub of the district, the outdoor world awaits. Places to ride your bike, run, or just enjoy a quiet picnic abound. The park, seemingly reeling from the festivities of the weekend was empty. It was clear the park is often bumping with activities, human and animals alike.
With only a short time to explore, Holešovice encourages the discerning traveler to come back, look further, and push the boundaries of what we would normally do. It was a great place to toe-dip into the world of Prague outside the main tourist area and a place I plan to revisit, hoping to reveal even greater bounties than I did today.
Anchored by a church that dates back to the early 1900’s, Holešovice is a neighborhood in flux. Quiet and subdued in contrast to the over packed and hectic Old Town, this district mixes both the common person from Prague and the person looking for adventure around each corner. Here, artists, construction workers, chefs, and young professionals mingle seamlessly and working in concert to create a vibrant yet calm neighborhood, a blend of the old guard and the new.
With a mix of traditional architecture and more recent nods to Communist occupation, the bulk of people live in apartments, with the downstairs often housing an up and coming supper club or pop up bar. As you move closer to Letná Park, it becomes clear the Soviet Union built many of the surrounding buildings. Nondescript, massive buildings sit vacant, windows blown out, a metaphor and reminder of the Communist rule that ended in the not to distant past.
Safe, clean, and inviting, Holešovice offers opportunities for those looking for something outside the box. Cutting edge museums, cult following sneaker head shops, and a laundry list of places to explore and enjoy. Sit on the street and enjoy a coffee or beer, watching the world and trams roll by. Have a pet, no worries. Your furry friend in welcome at most establishments.
Cobra was my choice of lunch spots. A short list of four entrees, all of which were meatless for meatless Monday, was intriguing. Lunch was in an old gambling establishment, where people pressed their luck on an array of slot machines. My cauliflower dish was outstanding and unexpected. I imagined myself in any major city the world over.
With Prague's version of Central Park a mere two tram stops from the hub of the district, the outdoor world awaits. Places to ride your bike, run, or just enjoy a quiet picnic abound. The park, seemingly reeling from the festivities of the weekend was empty. It was clear the park is often bumping with activities, human and animals alike.
With only a short time to explore, Holešovice encourages the discerning traveler to come back, look further, and push the boundaries of what we would normally do. It was a great place to toe-dip into the world of Prague outside the main tourist area and a place I plan to revisit, hoping to reveal even greater bounties than I did today.
Museum Art Pieces as a Form of Resistance and Hope
A Reflection on the Czech Education System
Having taught both domestically and internationally, I found it interesting to see how some of the systemic issues facing the US educational system translate to the Czech Republic as well. In particular, the disparity in access and achievement between the Roma people and the rest of the population stood out. Similar to the challenges we face in the US with socioeconomically disadvantaged students, Roma children are faced with greater challenges than their peers. While the government has proposed educational reform around this issue, Roma children continue to suffer at the hands of a system designed to fail them.
Additionally, teacher recruitment and retention create an educational system that struggles to have the best and brightest from the Czech Republic enter the teaching profession. Low salaries contribute to this issue, but it seems like the Czech Republic has a similar challenge to the US: why teach when you can do something else and make a lot more money doing it? While teaching is a rewarding profession and one I plan to continue until I retire, the perception around teaching around the world needs to change. In countries with a strong collective mindset, teaching is valued and rewarded. The brightest and best are recruited to teach and are paid accordingly. This is true in most of Asia. The US and many European countries are more individualistic in nature, which leads to the most talented people choosing careers outside of education. The Czech Republic is no different.
While these issues are not surprising or alarming, it is always hard to be shown the truth about inequities in educational systems around the world. The haves continue to flourish while the have nots continue to be marginalized. The playing field is disproportionately set up to hinder the success of people of color and people who are outside the majority. And while most will argue that people are hoping to have equity in results, the truth is it is hard to have equity when large groups of people are receiving a lower standard of education.
Additionally, teacher recruitment and retention create an educational system that struggles to have the best and brightest from the Czech Republic enter the teaching profession. Low salaries contribute to this issue, but it seems like the Czech Republic has a similar challenge to the US: why teach when you can do something else and make a lot more money doing it? While teaching is a rewarding profession and one I plan to continue until I retire, the perception around teaching around the world needs to change. In countries with a strong collective mindset, teaching is valued and rewarded. The brightest and best are recruited to teach and are paid accordingly. This is true in most of Asia. The US and many European countries are more individualistic in nature, which leads to the most talented people choosing careers outside of education. The Czech Republic is no different.
While these issues are not surprising or alarming, it is always hard to be shown the truth about inequities in educational systems around the world. The haves continue to flourish while the have nots continue to be marginalized. The playing field is disproportionately set up to hinder the success of people of color and people who are outside the majority. And while most will argue that people are hoping to have equity in results, the truth is it is hard to have equity when large groups of people are receiving a lower standard of education.
Poems as a Way to Share Who We Are and What We Believe
We will be working with different cultural writing forms in Raleigh, and then you will choose one form to develop in Prague (e.g., a bio poem about a famous Czech layered over an image using Pixlr). Please include ALL of your writing here, including the test pieces from Raleigh and your original piece from Prague. Drag over relevant blocks and place below (e.g., an image block for a Pixlr image, an embed code block for a Prezi slideshow, etc.). Two image and one embed code block have already been placed below for you, but they can be deleted/changed as needed.
Czech Film Review
Set in World War II Prague , Anthropoid is a gripping tale of pride, loyalty, and resistance during the Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia. Based on a true story, the film explores the resistance of a small group of people as they attempt to assassinate the Reich's third highest ranking official, SS General Reinhard Heydrich, the person credited with creating the Nazi Germany's Final Solution.
Against all odds, this small group of rag tag resistance fighters work together to create an improbable and likely fatal plan to assassinate Heydrich. Using intricate systems of communication and covert meetings, the group takes ownership of their lives during a time when the Nazi's have taken everything from them.
The Nazis control every aspect of their lives: where they can go, who they can see, and where they live. What the Nazis can't control is the spirit of the Czech people and this small group of rag tag resistance fighters doing all they can to save their country.
Slow in parts, the film spends time developing the characters to help the audience fully understand the goal of their mission: kill Heydrich.
The cinematography of creative angles and perspective help the audience appreciate and empathize with the fighters. The audience can't help but wonder what will happen or who will prevail.
With the resistance achieve their goal? Will they survive? Are the Nazis to powerful and too many to conquer?
Do yourself a favor and find out the answer to these questions. You will find yourself doing research about this never-before-heard-of group of spirited fighters as soon as the credits begin to role. You will see how this group as representatives to so many groups resisting the injustice and unlawfulness of the powerful then and today.
Against all odds, this small group of rag tag resistance fighters work together to create an improbable and likely fatal plan to assassinate Heydrich. Using intricate systems of communication and covert meetings, the group takes ownership of their lives during a time when the Nazi's have taken everything from them.
The Nazis control every aspect of their lives: where they can go, who they can see, and where they live. What the Nazis can't control is the spirit of the Czech people and this small group of rag tag resistance fighters doing all they can to save their country.
Slow in parts, the film spends time developing the characters to help the audience fully understand the goal of their mission: kill Heydrich.
The cinematography of creative angles and perspective help the audience appreciate and empathize with the fighters. The audience can't help but wonder what will happen or who will prevail.
With the resistance achieve their goal? Will they survive? Are the Nazis to powerful and too many to conquer?
Do yourself a favor and find out the answer to these questions. You will find yourself doing research about this never-before-heard-of group of spirited fighters as soon as the credits begin to role. You will see how this group as representatives to so many groups resisting the injustice and unlawfulness of the powerful then and today.
The World of Milan Kundera
Milan Kundera's most famous work, The Unbearable Lightness of Being, is both a perplexing and simple book. Using a handful of characters and a dog, Kundera creates an engaging read that both challenges and pulls the reader into the world he has created. While books typically explore the duality of good versus evil, Kundera instead looks at the heaviness and lightness of life. This nod to the title allows him to explore his own philosophical ideals through characters engulfed in the intricacies of the Prague Spring.
While one may be disgusted by the choices of the characters, these characters are "real". They are flawed, make impulsive decisions, and are often at odds with the choices they make. Like us, they realize they only have one life to live and do their best to make it the best life possible. As is true in real life, intentions often fall short and perception matters. Wouldn't we all want to go through life having not made a single person unhappy or having only made the correct choices? Kundera's underlying philosophical approach to living impact all aspects of the book. When a character is light, they soon become heavy. It is a metaphor for our own lives. And while most will be upset by the moral choices made by Tomas, it is hard to see him as anything other than human, doing his best to be his best and failing often. It is this sense of curiosity and rubbernecking that keeps the reader engaged. It is impossible to turn away from it, even when the pages are so upsetting. It is a book that will get you thinking about so much more than what you read on the page. It is a book to discuss, debate, and question. It is a book that makes you think. In today's world, that is saying something! |