My American Roots in Prague

When I travel, I generally don’t get homesick. The beauty of WhatsApp and social media allows me to stay connected and engage with my tribe in real-time. Sure, I will crave a burger or some American-style cookies, but I otherwise immerse in the place where I am. However, I do get a warm jolt of familiarity and comfort, even pride, when I encounter reminders of home while on the road.

Mr. President?

While hurrying to catch a train at Prague’s main station, I stopped in my tracks. A likeness of U.S. President Woodrow Wilson was emblazoned on the wall. Huh? What? Without going into his politics, which include positives such as establishing child labor laws and atrocities such as actively re-segregating the federal government, Wilson was a big supporter of Czechoslovak independence back in 1918. The station had been named in his honor in 1919, until the Communist regime changed it to Prague Main Station in 1948. In 1990, forty-two years later, Wilson’s name was reinstated in honor of a diplomatic visit from President George H. W. Bush.

Bud vs. Bud?

St. Louis is the place I call home, and it is also home to Budweiser beer, or so I thought. In my youth, so ubiquitous was the Budweiser logo that I probably saw it as frequently as the Coca-Cola logo. However, Budweiser, the King of Beers (it says so on the can!), has a crown that sits just a little crooked. Imagine my surprise to learn that the company has been embroiled in a century-plus turf war with Budvar, a Czech beer brand. In short, the two companies are fighting over who has rights to the name Budweiser, country by country. Back and forth and round and round they have gone since 1906. The statement This Bud’s for you has a whole new meaning for this St. Louisan.

Beauty Maintenance

My hair. We fight daily and it usually wins. Oh, the products it requires. I got on the plane to Croatia with nearly 10 pounds of hair products. I also dye my hair. I knew that a time would come when my roots would need a retouch and would need to enlist the expertise of a stylist. That time came in Prague. Enter Martha.

In this foreign city, far from home, I was a little nervous about my hair appointment. After walking in the door, I was put at ease the second I saw a display case that was reminiscent of the Black hair care aisle at Target. Martha’s cheery salon, Martha’s Inspiration, with its orange walls was exactly like the ones I had known. When I met her in person, a hug with a squeeze, not a handshake, was the appropriate greeting. It was as if she was the mature older cousin getting me ready for a school dance.

Look, I am traveling with one big suitcase and a backpack. I wear the same outfits over and over. They are made of wrinkle-free fabric, are quick to dry and are neutral in color. If I am going to dress practical, I want to at least have some fun with my hair! Soo, I went from dark brown to copper and got a blowout!

Home Away From Home

An American President, a hometownish beer and a Black hair salon. Unexpected reminders of home — in Prague. This Budvar’s for you, dear readers!