Homeward Bound

I'm homeward bound. I'm sitting in the Minneapolis airport waiting for my connecting flight, feeling like I've been flying for days. Which I have.

Yesterday I left the Czech Republic to return to London. I lucked out and Mark's morning class was cancelled so he drove me into Prague which got me an extra hour of sleep, and an extra hour of chit chat with Nichol. I hope that he, Radka and the Baby (when he arrives) get to Manitoba next summer so I can return some of the hospitality they served me this past week.

When I got to London, the handle on my suitcase was broken, which meant I could not roll it along. This proved to be a problem because that particular suitcase weighed in at 19 K when I checked it. I also had 2 other bags, my purse and a bag full of duty free (you will all be doing shots with me shortly). Lugging all that crap across London was a bitch. (Literally across London - Heathrow to Arsenal is about as opposite ends as you can get) Luckily Garnet met me at the train station on his scooter, and he took the big bag, while I walked to his flat with the rest. This morning was a different story all together. Garnet had gone to work (and graciously let me sleep in), but his place is about half a mile from the station. I felt silly calling a cab for such a short distance and (mistakenly) decided to walk it, carrying all my stuff. (WHY DID I BUY SO MANY BOOKS?) It was a struggle to say the least, my arms are so sore now, They may fall off. I did, however, luck out again when a nice young man drinking a can of Stella at 11 am, came along and helped me carry the big suitcase the last couple of blocks, and down to the platform. Which was a lifesaver, as I was having to put it down every 10 steps by that point. But It's checked now. And I'll make Dad carry it when they pick me up. :)

Had a great last night to my holiday. Garnet and I went out for a curry on Brick Lane, a street filled with curry houses, all of which employ a guy to stand in the doorway to draw customers in. As you walk down the street they are all touting the best curry, best Naan, best everything. We had a gorgeous meal. I'll be dreaming of it for a while. After that, we met up with a couple of Garnet's friends for a drink at a pub near the Tower of London. Good times.

I'm sad that my holiday has come to an end, but I'm excited to see my own bed, my cat, my car, my Skyler, and all of you guys. 

Good thing we've got a long weekend coming up. I could use a rest!

Festival of Fools, I mean Beers

The Beer Festival was a success. We had beer, oompa music, and barrel rolling. In my opinion that is a day well spent (Although if I had my ruthers, I would replace beer with girlie drinks). I also got to meet the guys who Mark refers to as his "Redneck Friends".

A group of 6 of us (2 Canadians, 1 American, 2 Czechs and a German) hopped on a train yesterday morning, and when we got off, I was told that we had a short walk to the brewery. And by short walk, they meant a walk to the next town, 3.5 K away. It was a hot and sunny day so by the time we arrived at the festival we were nice and thirsty.

The day was warm and full of beer, although as an amateur beer drinker I think I was out paced 2 to 1. Sometimes 3 to 1. That's okay, someone had to lead us back through the garden trails to the train station! (although in the end the drunkest guy was the one who led the way.)

We closed the night off with a drink in Plzen, where I had a gin and seven, with ICE! A great end to the day.

Drinking Beer

Today I went to not one, but two breweries. And I drank beer. AND I liked it.

The first batch was blueberry beer, which was good, you could smell and taste the berries. And the second was a more classic beer that had won third place in the Czech beer competition. I would be interested in tasting the first and second place winners.

Tomorrow Mark and I are going to a beer festival in West Bohemia, which should be interesting. I am told that we depart tomorrow morning at 8 am sharp. I believe drinking will begin 10ish. Yeesh! I will have to pace myself. I am not seasoned like these Czechs when it comes to drinking. They are quite talented at it.

Had a busy day visiting the breweries, but also a castle, 3 chateaus, and the smallest city in Europe (which is an adorable cottage town with a beautiful Gothic Bridge). Radka and her dad were giving me the history behind everything, and Radka and I chatted more about the changes in the country since the revolution.

The Chateaus that we visited today had been restored, but a couple of them not completely. When the communists came into power they took family properties away from the rich, as under communism they belonged to everyone. As often happens when things belong to everyone, and no one specific, no one took care of them. Buildings (not just posh ones too) fell into a horrible state. Now, after the revolution, this country is in a constant state of reconstruction and restoration, but it is very expensive and time consuming. Often projects are half done and the contrast is startling. But even with the contrast this country is so beautiful, and the history fascinating. 

It makes me wish I paid attention to history as it was happening back in Jr High. But then again I was very busy back-combing my hair, listening to Mötley Crüe and thinking about boys. Who had time to be bothered with watching history unfold?

PS Crüe Rüles

Yesterday I was too pooped/drunk to write an entry.

I spent the day in Prague yesterday, I walked to the Old Square, saw the famous clock, fought the crowds, shopped in the gift shops. (Bought myself a gorgeous necklace, you will all be envious of it when I wear it). Then I made my way over to the Black Virgin House to see another example of cubist architecture, although the one from Tuesday was a much better example.

After that I decided I could walk to the Museum of Modern Art. After all, it would be much easier than figuring out the subway, or trams and taxis here are not to be trusted. I forgot to account for the fact that it was 25 degrees out, with the sun beating down, up hill. But I trudged on, finding some GREAT graffiti in the park. The park itself offered up spectacular views of Prague, and once I found somewhere to buy myself a cold ice tea, I was more than happy to take a break and enjoy the view from the park bench.

The Museum was great, although I ran out of time - I did 3 floors out of 5, but I had a train to catch and an hour and a half walk to get there.

When I was picked up at the train station here, Mark and Radka were entertaining some friends in the garden. So I got to meet some more friendly Czechs. Being sunburnt and parched from my day bootin' it in the sun, the wine Mark was pouring me was going down a little too easily. Once I realized how easily, I tempered with much water. I think that saved my butt this morning.

Today was a slower day, went shopping with Radka, out for lunch, mushroom picking with Radka's dad (again it was a total bust), a big dinner in the outdoor kitchenette with the family and a relaxing evening in.

Mark and Radka have been amazing hosts, I will be sorry to leave them on Monday morning.

Catty

Saw an orange tabby sitting on a fence post today. Had pangs of guilt for the whole drugging/abandoning incident.

Also, I kinda miss my car. I hope it's not too lonely without me.

Prague, my love!

I think that I am in love with Prague. 

It is a stunning city, and I am glad that I made the decision to switch from Brno to Prague for these days. To be honest, I knew it was the right decision from the start. As I was telling Mark I was thinking I should do the old switcheroo, INXS' Video Never Tear Us Apart came on TV, and that is filmed in Prague. It was a sign. INXS wants me to go to Prague, and who am I to argue with an 80's band?

Today I did the rounds, didn't arrive until after 12 pm, as my first train was late. So I wasn't pounding the pavement until after 1. I saw the cubist houses, the dancing buildings (nicknamed fred and ginger), the Charles Bridge, Prague Castle and a string ensemble concert. 

Charles Bridge ranks lowest on that list of cool things I saw today. It's packed with tourists and crappy artisans selling overpriced junk. Maybe if you go first thing in the morning, or later in the evening it might be nicer, but otherwise... meh.

The Castle was cool and worth a look-see. and even if you don't do the full tour, it's worth the climb for the view of Prague.

I'm also happy to be able to speak English again. I feel very American, forcing people to speak my language in their country, but Czech is a tough language, and is very foreign to me.

Rain delay

Today I woke to pouring rain. So I decided to stay in bed watch Czech movies and do laundry. I think it was a wise decision as I would have been soaked and cold had I gone. 

Also, after weighing warnings from Radka that Czech conferences are often small and shitty, the 6 hour train ride, the language barrier that I am facing out side of Prague, and the time I would like to spend in Prague, I have decided to skip Brno, and go to Prague for a couple of days instead. (I was planning just the day trip, but I think that won't be enough time)

Had dinner with Radka's folks again, I wish that I could understand Czech, because Radka's father is quite the story teller, and although everything is translated for me, I think that some of his deadpan, comedic timing gets lost in translation. Plus I would love to tell Radka's mom how delicious all of her cooking is. This is Radka and her father in her parent's outdoor kitchenette, where we had potato and wild mushroom soup and stinky cheese and potatoes for supper. yum.