Czechs are less restless than us

Why did you come to Pilsen?

I was invited to the COMTES company, to the local scientific team, specifically to the COMEX project, which deals with the unique properties of steel. I was here for the first time during the summer of 2019, the second time from mid-2020 to mid-2021. So now I am here for the third time and I will spend about half a year here.

You are a physics professor. What exactly is the content of your job?

I focus on the microstructure of steel, X-ray diffraction, neutron diffraction, and other physical properties.

You are originally from Ukraine. How did you get along with the Czechs? Are we similar?

We are similar, I´d even say we are very similar. Only the Czechs seem less restless than us. This was the case before, but in the context of the current situation, it is even more visible.

And what about the Czech language? Do you understand? And are you able to communicate in Czech?

Czech is very similar to Ukrainian. I have mastered expressions that are close to my native language, such as good day or wait. So on a basic level, I agree and I think I'm improving. But many Czechs in the generation around forty speak English very well, so I definitely don't have problems with communication.

What do you think makes the Pilsen region promising?

In my opinion, it´s a great combination of industry, education, and tourist destinations. I really like it here.

On the whole, how do you, as a person, live here?

During the week I am in Dobřany and on the weekend I go to Pilsen. And I like both cities—especially the historical center of Pilsen. In addition, there are not too many people here - despite how big Pilsen is.

How do you spend your free time, and what places do you like?

I like walking around Dobřany and the surrounding area. I especially liked Martinská stěn here. In Pilsen, I like to walk through the historical center again.

And what about Czech cuisine? What food do you like?

Even Czech food is quite similar to ours. But I find your drinks attractive. Mainly kofola. And of course Czech beer, especially Prazdroj.

On the contrary, what are you missing in Pilsen or the Pilsen Region? What would you change or improve here?

I can't really think of anything. Perhaps the only thing: although there are a lot of shops, restaurants, and cafes, many of them are closed on the weekend. Here in Ukraine, everywhere is open on the weekend, while in Ukraine they are open at this time.

If some of your friends from Ukraine asked you: I have an offer to go to work or study to Pilsen. Should I accept it? What would you answer him?

I would say: yes. Especially if he should go to study or cooperate with the University of West Bohemia. I have some contacts here, so I know that this school is very close to European standards and that it offers a very good education.