Thursday, December 18, 2008

My Communist Backyard



The nice thing about these giant courtyards surrounded by panalaky is that a Mom on the 10th floor can send her children out to play and be able to see where they are on the playground from her window the entire time.

The menacing part about living in these apartments during Communist times is that there was usually one family in each building who had to sign off on a resident getting a plum job. Their job was to keep an eye on you. Czechs say you couldn't afford to be anything but ultrapolite to them at all times. Those days are over.
I've heard more positive than negative stories about growing up in panelaky. Older Czechs valued the ability to run free
like kids did in my generation in America.
They think their grandchildren's lives are overscheduled now.


Living here does not have the feeling of living
in a housing project in America

(even if it can sometimes look like it).
The people are middle-class. It feels incredibly safe.
They fix up their apartments on the inside

and with the great light from the big windows

it can be spacious city living.

From this spot it's just 20 minutes to downtown by metro-
something any Chicagoan would envy
Tennis and basketball courts

Graffiti is a plague all over Prague.


This same style of monorail kept me occupied
for hours when I was a kid in America



All they need is some homeowner association dues, some paint,
a band, and you've got yourself a summer dance party.

Bring your own paddle and ball

There are often the tiniest of businesses on the ground floor.
I've seen manicurists, ski supplies, and convenience stores.
It makes it pretty handy to fetch a liter of milk.

I'm not sure what these are for - clotheslines, perhaps?
Ahh, People after my own heart -they can create beauty anywhere.
And in the winter, no less!

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1 comment:

Mariecel said...

My hubby grew up in the DDR, and recognises a lot in your pictures. Here (in Germany) those buildings are called Plattenbauten (plate constructions).

The row of metal frames in the ground were indeed frames to support clothing lines, as clothes driers were unheard of in the east, in general.

Your "communist backyard", however, has gotten a MASSIVE makeover, since the westernization of CR. Except for the ping-pong table, they playground is outfitted solely with western playground equipment. Even the ping-pong table has a nice, western table-top.

I think the graffiti is a Europe-wide problem. I was surprised by it on my first visit here as well. =)

 
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