While there can be many similarities between Indian and Czech apartments these days, especially thanks to Ikea, there are some differences I’ve noticed-
1. Security
The first thing anyone can see is that one needs to go through a gate to access the block(s) of flats in India. There is often some kind of security at the door- the fancier the apartments, the more high-end the security- cctv cameras, signing logs, and a watch-man. In the Czech Republic, there are no gates most of the time- the building is right there on the street with an access door. Ring the bell for someone to let you in. The main door is often left open, unmanned, during the summer and I worry about that sometimes as just about anyone can walk in.
2. Names and numbers
One of the biggest and most easily seen differences is that buildings in India have names whereas Czech ones are numbered. The block(s) of flats make up one building/society/colony. These blocks are numbered or alphabetized. Lastly, each flat is numbered too. So, the address is made up of the block and flat number, and name of the building. For eg, C-700, Sea Breeze. Czech addresses are written with the number of the apartment block and the flat number. Usually when people share their address, they just share the apartment block number.
3. Windows and ventilation
I noticed this when a Czech girl mentioned that when she visited India, people would ask her about whether Czech homes are well-ventilated or not. She found it a strange question (oh, so much more to say about Czechs finding foreign things “strange” 😉). From what I know, it’s a basic consideration for Indians but not that important to Czechs. Having said that, homes in the Cz need to be and are ventilated throughout the year too- it’s just not a primary concern.
Also, most bathrooms and toilets in apartment blocks are built with an electronic ventilation system rather than a window. Indian flats are built in a way that the bathroom/toilet have a slatted window and even a small exhaust fan. In the Czech Republic, windows are more common in bathrooms of family houses (what we Indians call bungalows) rather than apartment flats.
Lastly, windows in the Cz do not have grilles as they do in India. I really miss them here because they allow you to grow plants that really brighten up the face of the building. People can keep small pots on window ledges here, but it’s all highly regulated and strictly controlled. For instance, in my old dormitory building, we weren’t allowed to have any plants. Due to these regulations, most apartment blocks can look rather dead and empty. Usually, people have beautiful gardens in their family homes where they can grow whatever they want (again, with a few regulations).
4. Layout
This one was a rather unsanitary culture shock for me. A peculiar thing I have seen in some Czech house and office layouts is that the toilet is accessed through the kitchen. I’ve visited not only homes but also offices where you need to go through the kitchen/pantry to get to the toilet. Sometimes, the kitchen sits between the toilet and bathroom. Thanks to germs freely flowing right out of the toilet and into the kitchen, I would prefer some distance. I often find myself wondering if the layout was not designed in this way, but was tweaked for some reason. If you know a good way to bring up the question, “Hey, so why is your toilet next to your kitchen?” please let me know 😊
5. Construction
While the previous point was an unpleasant surprise, this one was a pleasant one. Many Czechs build their own homes. By homes, I mean family homes or bungalows in cities or villages. This usually does not happen in India as construction work is considered to be something to be handled by people trained for it. I’m not sure if a layperson can even get access to materials like cement, bricks, etc. in the quantities required. Like me, you might be wondering how people even know how to build a house. Luckily this question is not as awkward as the previous one I had, so I was able to ask it. The answer- it’s just something people pick up along the way because everyone knows someone who built their house and they helped pitch in. I can imagine it would be such a point of pride to live in a house that was a literal labour of love.
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