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. Cheryl Caspe is June’s selection.
Where are you from?
My husband and I live in Prague for 3 months out of the year so far, twice a year, in the Spring and in the Fall, for 6 weeks each time. We live the rest of the time in Santa Cruz, CA, a relatively small town 80 miles south of San Francisco. We’ve lived there for the past 45 years. I was born in Los Angeles, and we lived there for about 2 years when we were first married. I also spent 5 years living in Berkeley, CA while attending the University of California. We were in the Peace Corps for a year in Lesotho, Africa.
What brought you to Prague?
We started coming to Prague in the summer of 2002 after our son Brian moved here. He met and married a Czech woman. They have two sons ages 5 & 3/4 (every 1/4 matters when you are that age!!) and 9. They have made their home here in the same flat (remodeled of course!) where Brian’s wife and her mother grew up.
What are your hobbies and interests?
I read a lot, walk, swim, do TaiChiChih and pilates. We travel. I also do volunteer work now that I’m retired. I was a creative dance and music teacher for 35 years at Santa Cruz Montessori School in Aptos, CA.
What are your favorite things to do in Prague? What surprised you the most about Prague?
I love walking in the city. It’s wonderful how easy it is to get around on public transport. I love to walk in Stromovka. I love being close to my son and his family for the time we are here. The city is filled with friendly people, and it feels very safe. I was surprised that I run into so many people I know here. Even though there are a million+ people here, it feels like a small town in some ways.
What is your favorite aspect of being an IWAP member?
I became a member after my son suggested that it might be a wonderful way for me to spend my days here now that the children are in school all day during the week. I’m very new to it, but the ladies have been warm and welcoming even though they won’t see me for months at a time. The range of the activities is amazing. The ladies are interesting with many varied talents. I went to a new group this visit, the English chat group.
What is your biggest goal for 2018?
My biggest goal for the rest of my life is to live each day as it comes and appreciate what it has to bring.
Anything extra you would like to add?
I have shared the IWAP experience with many of my friends in the US. They all wish they could be a part of something like it!! We are so lucky to have this organization in Prague. Thank you All for making it the great organization that it is!!!!
