At a new address / Meng-du
OK
Czech Nature Impressed Me. People Live Closer to It
Meng arrived in the Czech Republic from China six months ago with her daughter, who was seven months old at the time. She works in product strategy at the carmaker. “I fell in love with the canteen in the LKK building, the Škoda Space app and the flexibility that suits me as a parent of a young child.”
At a new address
Meng Du
Head of GSP-1 – Product Strategy ICE & Regions
Raising children
Czech children seem closer to nature. Overall, I feel there is a supportive environment for mothers and parents. This includes longer parental leave and even small things in everyday life.
I go to regular Pilates classes where I can take my daughter with me. That’s lovely.
What surprised me in the Czech Republic
Beautiful nature. I recently went skiing in Ještěd. The resort isn’t big, but thanks to the nice snow conditions and surroundings, it really impressed me.
I see a clear difference in the winter weather. In Beijing, the winter is cold but dry. Here, the humidity is sometimes high.
I appreciate the open and positive attitude among Czech people. When a problem arises, it’s often discussed and people look for a solution. They don’t just say no. I experience this most at work where people offer solutions, not just criticism.
What food do I miss the most?
I was pleasantly surprised by how many Chinese and Asian dishes there are here, from hotpot to truly regional specialities. However, I miss home-cooked meals, like my mom’s spring rolls. That’s why cooking has become my weekend hobby.
In Prague, I like pistachio croissants. They’re not a typical Czech specialty, but you can find them in many cafés.
Differences in driving and transport
People in China tend to drive more slowly and over shorter distances. I noticed that it’s common here to drive across Europe for a business trip or vacation. That’s not common in China.
We also travel a lot in China. However, for trips longer than 200 km, we use high-speed trains.
Life with a Labrador in Prague and Beijing
The Czech Republic is a very dog-friendly country. You can take your dog to almost any café or restaurant. The Chinese also love dogs, but having a larger breed in a city like Beijing comes with many complications.
Once, I parked my car, went out to walk my dog, and later couldn’t find my way back. A passer-by who didn’t even speak English helped me thanks to the translation app on his phone. That really touched me.