Nela Zupka (9) travels to Karlovice in the Czech Republic every other summer to enjoy a nice vacation abroad and to see her family and friends.

“One of the biggest differences between Czech and America is the people,” Zupka said. “Their manners and the way they treat each other is very different.”

Zupka believes that Czech citizens in Karlovice show more hospitality and kindness than in the United States because it’s a small village and nearly everybody knows each other at least a little. The atmosphere is just one of the many aspects of Karlovice she enjoys.

“One of the best parts of the trip is the food. Almost every meal I eat there is home cooked by my grandma,” Zupka said.

Zupka goes on to say that the restaurants seem to have more nutritional value and taste way better. She also explains that even the food cooked in their schools is all fresh and healthy.

“Me and my sister, Emma, went to the school there for a few days to just try it out,” Zupka said, “and it was really different, but we met some good friends there.”

During their visits, Zupka and her family go hiking a lot in Czech near her grandma’s house.

“My favorite thing to do in Czech is just walk around,” Zupka said. “The scenery is beautiful and it’s good exercise.”

Although actually being there is nice, Zupka says traveling can be a bore and a big inconvenience.

“What sucks is the trip there,” Zupka said. “It’s a 24-hour plane ride and since COVID, we’ve had to wear masks.”

Zupka said that other than wearing masks and getting tested for COVID, there haven’t been any other international travel restrictions. She also said that traveling complications won’t stop her from traveling, and she’s still planning on going next summer and lots more in the future.

“When I’m old and retired, I would like to live in Czech,” Zupka said.

Thought she will continue to visit family in Karlovice, Zupka said that she wants to spend most of her life in America for her friends and family.

“Coming to Czech reminds me of my culture,” Zupka said, “and that it’s a part of me even if I live in America.”