To celebrate our wonderful, unique and diverse membership, IWAP is profiling one member each month. We’re asking members the same questions that will hopefully let us – and you – get to know them better. Each month we will profile a different member, selected at random, with the answers they provided along with their photo. Nancy Matheny is May’s selection.
Where are you from?
I was born and raised in a small town in Massachusetts where I had spent my entire adult life before starting our expat life. My husband was offered a job in Basel, Switzerland right after my youngest left for college and for the first time I said ‘let’s do it’. He had been offered other jobs in the States over the years but I always vetoed them to provide our children with the same “stable” upbringing that I had had.
We moved to Basel January of 2013 and spent two years enjoying our first expat experience. I joined an international group similar to IWAP and a hiking group which helped me assimilate to my new life. In June of 2014, my husband was offered a new position in Prague that we both jumped at. We moved to Prague in December of 2014 and have loved living here.
What brought you to Prague?
My husband’s job brought us to Prague from Basel, Switzerland. We have lived in Prague for a little over two years and have loved the history, the culture and the people. I truly have loved the stories that the IWAP ladies have shared regarding their family history and connection to Prague. It has brought history to life for me.
What are your hobbies and interests?
I was always active as a child but fell in love with fitness while studying Nutrition at University. I have been teaching all types of fitness classes; step, aerobics, boot camps, muscle conditioning and my new love yoga for over thirty years. I have taken advantage of my spare time in Prague to do a 200-hour yoga teacher training program. I also love to walk so have enjoyed the Walking Group led by Carmen. It has been great to walk all over Prague and adjoining villages to see things I may not have found on my own.
I also love to read, ski and cook. I also love to meet new people and learn about other cultures.
What are your favorite things to do in Prague? What surprised you the most about Prague?
My favorite thing to do in Prague is to walk and explore new neighborhoods and parks. I have never used Google maps while living here instead I choose to discover new places simply by letting my feet take me there.
I have also loved the social aspect of Prague which I did not have in Basel. The women of IWAP love trying new cafes, restaurants and wine bars. They have all been so welcoming and I have loved being introduced to so many new places.
I was surprised that it was fairly easy to integrate here. English is spoken in so many places that I have never felt lonely here.
There are so many things to love here from the people, the parks, the history and culture I could go on and on.
What is your favorite aspect of being an IWAP member?
The best part of being an IWAP member are the other members! I have made lifelong friends within this group. You never have to explain yourself everyone understands your life and offers an encouraging word when needed.
I joined IWAP almost immediately after moving to Prague as I knew they would be my social network and help me to assimilate and that they did. I joined the Walking Group, Lunch Bunch, and the American women’s group. I also volunteered in the library, Social and Cultural Events Team and now filling in for Vlasta in the Health Enhancement Class.
I would encourage any woman I meet to join IWAP it has something for everyone.
What is your biggest goal for 2017?
My biggest goal for 2017 was to enroll in a 200-hour yoga teacher training program for which I can now say I have almost completed. I will now have to take what I have learned and share with others.
I will also need to set a new goal for myself so I can continue to grow as an individual. I would also like to dedicate some time to volunteering at an animal shelter.
Anything extra you would like to add?
I have loved the opportunities I have had to travel while living in Europe. I never expected after living my life in Massachusetts that I would be comfortable traveling to International airports on my own and having no fears doing so. I feel fortunate to have visited so many beautiful countries and having all the experiences I have had.
