Ahoj, Monday! 5 tips for surviving the week ahead in Czechia

Today, Monday, Jan. 20, sees the swearing-in ceremony of U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance. The inauguration will attract significant media attention in Czechia, with all major national broadcasters—Czech Television, Prima, and Nova—providing live coverage from Monday afternoon. The official ceremony will take place from 6 p.m. Prague time at the White House in Washington, D.C.

Opening this week on Jan. 21, Isaac's Barbecue, a new joint by chef Isaac Starobin of Dirty Dog Barbeque, a favorite at Manifesto Market Anděl, in the heart of New Town will challenge any superficial conceptions of American cuisine. Tuck into lamb birria tacos, gochujang bbq pork bao buns, and smoked brisket sliders, all washed down with signature cocktails and local microbrews.

Today at 5:30 p.m., the Take Action Together group is hosting a discussion for those "concerned about what's going to happen in the U.S. after inauguration." The meeting takes place at Globe Bookstore and Cafe at 5:30 p.m.

For those seeking solace and solidarity later in the week, a beginner-friendly embroidery workshop in Prague on Friday will teach participants how to embroider on paper and create handcrafted Valentine-inspired cards. Led by a local artist the English-friendly session covers five basic stitches and design techniques.

The Apprentice is a 2024 biographical film that examines Donald Trump's career as a real estate businessman in New York City in the 1970s and 1980s. The president-elect has described it as "defamatory, politically disgusting hatchet job" intended to harm his 2024 presidential campaign." Looks like it didn't work. Multiple showings are at Kino Atlas this week.

For a dose of political reality and historic perspective on the other side of the pond, catch the films nominated for this year's Czech Lion awards, announced last week. Several of the titles nominated for the highest film awards in the land have screenings this week. See our list of cinemas with English-friendly screenings here.

School Open Door Days in Czechia are officially underway for 2025. While registering for the next academic year typically doesn't take place until early spring, now is the time to start considering your options. Over the next several weeks, schools will be welcoming prospective students and their families to tour their campuses, explore and sit in on classes. You can see a list of English-language and/or bilingual preschools, grammar schools, and universities hosting open days here.