Lenka, you are from the Czech Republic, how long did you live there and what was it like growing up?
Yes I grew up in a beautiful historical small country in the heart of Europe Czech republic. I lived there till I was about 18 years old when I started full on traveling for modelling while still finishing my bachelors degree from Josef Skvorecky University in Prague. Now it might seem that I left my country so young because I didn’t like it there but I was just always a free spirit who dreamed about travelling the world and I am a very proud Czech woman and I am always beyond happy to come back home. I was lucky to grow up in post communist era so my childhood growing up in Czech republic was filled with joy and great memories.
Can you tell us a happy childhood memory?
I have recently lost my dad who was my favourite human in the world. Every memory tied to him is a happy memory. But if I have to name one, it’s the one where we would go every year to my grandmother’s village for a Christmas tree. We would walk in deep snow in this picturesque beautiful woods for hours till we found the one special pine tree. My dad would cut it and put it on the top of a car and we would drive home while he was pretending to be the voice of a wind blazing by our car and I would have hours and hours long conversations with him. Those were the most precious moments I will cherish till the end of my life. My dad is gone too soon but instead of focusing on the loss I am thinking of how blessed I am to have such a wonderful father for so many years as not everyone is so lucky.
Your Country was known as Czechoslovakia until January 1st, 1993 when the country was peacefully divided into two independent states: Czech and Slovak Republics. What was the biggest difference that you noticed when the change happened?
Truthfully nothing really. The split was orchestrated by the Czech prime minister Vaclac Klaus and Slovak prime minister Vladimir Meciar. I dont think majority of Czech and Slovaks wanted to split. I love my Slovak brothers and sisters and when we meet abroad we are always acting like one nation.
The big change was mostly after the Velvet revolution in 1989 when the generation of our parents went in the streets and protested so long that we finally forced the Russian army to leave and by the help of my personal hero and our first Czech president Vaclav Havel we instigated a true democracy and freedom after 3 decades of occupation and oppression.
You currently live in Hua Hin, Thailand. How long have you lived in Thailand and what made you decide to relocate?
Well I first came to Thailand when I was only 20 years old as a model and I instantly felt in love with the country and its people. I was very blessed as I always worked really well here and made many commercials and was able to go to islands for months at a time for adventure. I than met my ex-husband and relocated to his home country USA. Specifically New York. It was exciting at the time but I always felt an empty space in my heart as I missed Thailand so much. So when a job offer came to come back to the “land of smiles” I packed my belongings and two days later I was on the plane back. Best decision of my life. This is my home for the past 5 years.
What do you like about Hua Hin?
Ah where do I begin? I love my sunrise runs at the 8 km long fine sand Hua Hin beach. I love hiking to the temple at Khao Takiap for its beautiful views. I always take my friends to visit the breathtaking Phraya Nakhon Cave. I love spending time at Cicada market for its great entertainment, food and handmade crafts and art. Truthfully the list goes on and on. What is there to not like about Hua Hin?
What are some of your favorite activities?
When I am at home in Huahin I love running. I run 10 km a day. It is my moving meditation. I love yoga and Muay Thai. I love to go once in a while to my temple and spend a couple of weeks there meditating. I am a huge animal lover so you will always find me saving some animal or feeding local dogs. I adore spending time with my partner and our dogs and my friends but my biggest passion was always travelling and getting to know other cultures and people from around the world. My newest endeavour is writing my first novel. Compilations of stories about the great adventures of my late father.
You recently won the Mrs. National Universe Pageant that was held in Bangkok. Why did you enter and what was one of your favorite memories from the pageant?
Yes. I am still pinching myself to make sure it wasn’t just a beautiful dream. I am thankful to our organiser Khun Tanya Siri Vijitsomphong for convincing me to join the contest and step outside my comfort zone. After my dads passing and years of Covid I kind of lost myself and thanks to Tanya and the entire organisation of Mrs. National Universe I was able to find the old confident self again. I went into it with a clear strategy: to be myself, work hard and give it my all.
Of course my favorite moment was when they called out “Czech Republic” as the winner. But the entire program leading to the finale was amazing. We were treated as Queens at Amari Watergate Bangkok with special Gala dinner and sashing ceremony. I was honoured to learn the craft of Thai royal flower decoration, cooking one of the best 100 risotto
in the world with Chef Marco from Prego Bangkok and I was absolutely amazed by the trip to the ancient city of Ayutthaya. The entire program was absolutely precise and I am forever thankful for this opportunity and also for finding new friends or as I say “new sisters” in my fellow contestants from around the world. I am very blessed to be a new member of the Mrs. National Universe family