Missing European Weather

It's only been a few weeks (3 1/2 to be exact) since I came home from Europe and I can really understand why Canadians/Ontarians have been complaining about the weather.
It's raining again here in Toronto as I write this post.

The Mother's basement is continuously flooded, she has 3 quotes to get it fixed. She's not a happy camper.

The Man's basement has intermittent damp issues. He's awaiting the person to come and fix it. He's finding this challenging.

The local hardware store is out of sump pumps and the vacuum store across from the apartment is advertising shop vacs which are good for sucking up water
Ho hum.

The grass is green though!
My new car hasn't required a wash yet.
I figured out how to use the rear wiper on the car while driving home in the dark from the cottage on Monday night AND we had a nice campfire to roast huge marshmellows on the long weekend (okay the heavens opened up when we were done).
These are good things.

As the driving plans are coming together now for the eastern trip I have had fun figuring out how long it will take me on any given day to drive to where I want to go. Though the rain falls outside (I have a packing plan for all my rain gear) I have my maps spread across the table and I am calculating driving distances and locations. I am hopeful the weather will improve before I start out but I'm going regardless and not having a specific journey detailed means I can change it if I want/need.

We have such a great country and I'm soooo looking forward to investigating it.

As people have told me I may find the year going quickly but that's okay, what I have packed into it I may need to rest a bit.

Hmmm I think I'll try being a snow bird. That sounds restful. I think I've got something picked out for that adventure too.

wow, I love it when a plan comes together!!!

Bring on the sun (hopefully, soon, right???)

Super Equinox and 36 days to work

After a final drive in my Pontiac G5 from Toronto to Owen Sound on Friday I arrived at the Chevy dealership to see my new Equinox sitting proudly out front all shiney and new.

Papers to sign, a cheque to write and a whole lot of learning later (poor S spent 2 hours with me showing me everything this nifty vehicle does) I was driving into the sunset, literally, to Southampton to take the Man on his first trip in my Equinox.

You know, when you get a chance to do something in a big way it's really quite exciting. Never have I bought something like this, with all the bells and whistles. With toys on it I don't know if I'll ever figure them out totally but boy are they nice to have. Sure, I've bought new cars before but nothing like this puppy!

On Saturday we drove around and figured out the navigation system. The Man played a DVD in it while we were stopped at the cottage and I figured out how to plug in my iPod to play my song list. I moved the seats around, figured out the remote start and thoroughly enjoyed driving around in the sunshine with the sun roof open. I've never had a sun roof before. Pretty cool!

Is it too much vehicle? Maybe but for the second part of my pilgrimage it will be perfect. I know I will be so comfortable and safe in this vehicle. oh yes, it's my favourite colour in a car too. White. Nothing beats a nice, clean, white car. Very slick.

I have, as of tonight, 36 working days left before I leave. Can you believe it? I can't the time is just flying by and I hope it slows down while I'm gone. I have so much to do  before I leave again but I'm fairly organized and will get all the things done I need to. I'm still recovering from the European Pilgrimage so I don't want to put that totally behind me yet.

Hopefully this weekend I will get the cottage opened up and the plumber will come to get me hooked up again for the season, though a short one I am so looking forward to being on the front porch on a nice sunny day and enjoying my time there. It's where I really relax. This summer will be a little different this year!

A year ago I had no idea I would be in this frame of mind, with a new vehicle like the one I have, planning the coming months in the way I am. I am still so grateful to the family members that thought of me as much as they did to give me this opportunity.

The next adventure awaits!

Recovery and onto the NEXT Adventure

I can't believe it's only a few days since I was in the beautiful warm weather of the Czech Republic (today it has been a whopping 8 degrees Celsius and raining all day) and enjoying the buildings, family, views, sights, sounds, taste (yum!) of a fantastic country that taught me so much. It's hard to believe that I'm home really.

The next part of my adventure is only 40 working days away (no, really, I'm not counting at all) and I know that time will pass quickly and I will be on my way to the East Coast. So much has to happen before that.

First of all I need to get my new vehicle. Welllllll. It's here! Well, not here, here but in Ontario and in a few days I will have it!
I was worried about it's delivery due to the earthquake and tsunami in Japan as so many components for electronics come from there. The Equinox is built in Ingersol Ontario but all parts don't come from there. EEEEKKK! I was worried!

On Sunday night I finally checked my cell phone messages and there was one from the dealership that my car was there and waiting for me! Wooo hooo!

So, phone calls to the dealership and calls to my insurance company, sorting out the parking situation here (they have to know what vehicle I'm driving) I will head up to Owen Sound after work on Friday and give them a little piece of paper with lots of numbers on it, my leased car and the keys to it for a nice, shiny new one. How cool is that!
The dealership has been so awesome (I guess they have to be, I'm giving them a whack load of cash) and I'll even get my phone programmed with Bluetooth and sort out the OnStar and XM Satellite radio. So many toys, so little time! Now I'll have lots of time to practice driving a much larger vehicle than I'm used to around and have some fun with all the gadgets.

After that begins the planning in a more concrete way for the leave of absence. I'd like to have some plan for my travels.

Nothing though, will top what I have just seen and experienced a few thousand miles away. I'm glad I worked on the blog because it's nice to read what I was thinking and feeling those days after I had seen something new. I hope that my memories will remain vivid of all that I saw and did. The Czech Republic truly is a beautiful country with such an interesting future ahead of it as it is newly democratic again and that will mean changes no matter what. My family brought me such joy and I so enjoyed connecting with all of them.
Dad's helmet and medals are prominently displayed in my living room and my Svejk marionette hangs from a hook from the ceiling so he can't be missed. My Czech Easter eggs are in a glass bowl on the coffee table and the rose The Man gave me when I got off the plane, is happily blooming in the crystal bud vase Milena gave me. I am surrounded by items of memories from my trip. In my head there are memories that will never go away. As I show the pictures to friends I remember all of my trip with such joy!

I found my history. I found where I came from. I found so much that I didn't know I was looking for. It was a revealing trip for so many reasons and I am still struggling to put into words what it meant for me. I have a feeling that will come in time.

This week, as I return to my routine of work and commuting, I am taking my time to think about the past couple of weeks.
It's been a wonderful journey. Really a journey of a lifetime.

Home....at last

Two planes, three airports, nearly 5,000 miles and few hours of time change later I arrived home to have The Man waiting patiently with rose in hand and a nice big hug when I finally appeared from the arrivals section of Pearson Airport.

Tired but excited to show what my over stuffed suitcase held we headed to the Mother's to share stories and unpack souvenirs and gifts.

My fear of not having my luggage waiting for me was not to be fulfilled as it was one of the first on the carousel (advantage of being in business class) and I was relieved!
The flights were uneventful though the one from Prague to Frankfurt was a little bumpy as thunderstorms were approaching Frankfurt but we all travelled safely through it.

The Frankfurt airport is gigantic and there was a fair amount of walking and getting to my connecting flight was no problem and I even got to enjoy one of the business lounges for a while. Travelling business class means there are certain perks, I know I've paid for them with my ticket but it's nice to have access to anything you might need before flying away. Also the lounge seats are very comfy and the staff can answer any questions I might have. It's a great way to go! The Prague airport business lounge was nearly deserted when I was there but the crab salad sandwiches were awesome!

Security was no problem though I did get frisked at the Prague airport because I think I forgot to take the Czech coins out of my pocket. I'm not sure but I think that's what set off the metal detector. Oops! Oh well. Safely through I headed to the lounge to settle in. Vlasta had dropped me at the airport and she, along with a Lufthansa aide, helped me with my e-ticket. Again, business class has it's advantages as I "skipped" the long line by heading to the business class line (where there wasn't anyone!) and got my luggage checked. The suitcase was nearly 30 kilos. This is nearly 70 pounds! Yikes! No wonder it felt heavy! Thankfully the wheels held up. We had shrink wrapped the suitcase because I was worried it might burst! Off it went on the conveyor and I was just to wait until boarding.

After watching Megamind and The A-team movies, a lovely dinner (food's great in Business class) I settled down for a nap. It was 10 pm my time and I knew the next few hours would be tiring and I was tired after all the lead up for the ride home. Wrapped in my blanket, lights low, music on my headphones I drifted off for a couple of hours. Oh yeah, did I mention that in Business class the seats fold down to beds? Right ON!

So I finally hit the wall 23 hours after I had gotten up that "day" and fell asleep for a good long rest. I pushed through the fatigue earlier to go to bed at a "normal" Toronto time so I might be able to adjust more quickly. I have to go to work on Monday!

What a wonderful trip with wonderful memories and I will be thinking about these past few weeks for a while yet!

On to the next journey!

My Bags are packed...

Well, as the song goes, my bags are packed. To bursting quite honestly! I hope Samsonite has done it's testing because I'm giving it a challenge with my things. Save for a couple of packages of snacks that I've become addicted to (tycinkys) and a few boxes and bags that would be only used for stuffing things. It's all in!

Vlasta and Mirek had arranged for a special present for me. A custom made marrionette! These stringed puppets are a tradition here in the Czech Republic and there are many theatres to their honour. To receive one is a thrill and this one is special because it is in the form of Svejk who is a funny character that travels the countryside and there is a story of his adventures about him that I have as well. Thankfully I had space for him in my bag!

I can't believe that the trip is over. I had so many thoughts and fears and worries and wonders and the list goes on for this trip. So many wonders have been answered and there are still so many questions but not nearly as many as when I arrived.

Martina, Vlasta and Mirek's daughter, translated Dad's last letter to his parents explaining why he was leaving Czechoslovakia. This letter is filled with anguish to not be hated by his parents for what he was doing versus the challenge of staying in a country that he felt had given up on him. I got the sense that he was tired of the people and the work he had done for the Czech people. There was also mention of a time in jail! Also he did not want to leave his girlfriend behind when I read that part I was reminded how hard it would have been for him to really pack up and leave. He obviously spent many months considering his decision and he was torn between leaving and respect for his family. A major challenge for a 24 year old, any 24 year old regardless of the era.

I have enjoyed today just watching the Royal Wedding and having some quiet time looking through all my things before packing them away. It has reminded me how generous all the people here have been, whether tour guides providing English translations for me to the family just being my family and enjoying being "a cousin".

When I get back to Canada and realize more and more what is so different about a post Communist society in an ancient city I will reflect on it in the Blog. There is so much that I've learned in school about what life is like in different places but to live here for over 2 weeks and see the effects of what it meant to and still means to these people to be democratic is something that can only be understood when experienced.

Tomorrow I head to watch, briefly, Honza's soccer match then to the airport for my flight to Frankfurt then my further flight to Toronto. It will be a long day but one where I can continue to reflect and remember what an incredible gift I was given to be able to travel in this way and time.

Until I reach you all from Canada.
Dobry Den (good day)

A Clock, a patio and a family dinner

Today is a day I actually got moving and out of the apartment early and down to the Old Town square to see the Astronomical Clock chime in the hour. If you are a visitor to Prague you HAVE to see this very interesting event. It's not something that is a long process or something that is awe inspiring. It's just something that has been going on for centuries and it's fun to watch.
The clock is chimed by a skeleton which is pulling a bell, there are two doors that open up above the clock and the 12 apostles peek out before turning away then a gold rooster crows to finish the show. At the top of the clock tower there is a trumpeter who sends a fanfare across the Old Town Square! There are hundreds of people who turn out for this hourly event. The other day when I had been here it was unbelievable the number of people crowded around so I decided an early start was in order.

After witnessing that and really enjoying the show and the people too I headed off to be a tourist again.
I had one more place on my "to do" list and that was Jewish Town. This ancient area is not only a functioning worship space but also a permanent museum to Czech Jews. This population did not escape any persecution by the German regime. The synagogues, the museum pieces and the cemetaries that were kept, actually by the Germans to be used as historical pieces to be displayed as "part of a decimated race".  That piece of information floored me and to be witness to the items that were to be an example of people that would no longer exist was really quite overwhelming. The synagogues were beautiful and ancient and you could FEEL the history.
The cemetary was again, something interesting and ancient. There were stones there from the 1400's! Yikes! There were small prayers on paper stuffed in nooks and crannies of these stones and it added to the mystery of the visit.

Steeped in history I was looking for somewhere for lunch. In this town that is never a problem! It'd deciding what to have. I had on my list to sit on a outdoor patio and enjoy a beverage and/or lunch too! I found a small spot just off of the Old Town Square that was perfect. Lots of people watching, lots of sun and comfy chairs. So another thing off the list to have done! I enjoyed my meal (stone fired pizza!) and pivo!

Fortified I headed off to take some more pictures wander around and enjoy the city for the last time as I had finished my touring of this ancient and beautiful European centre of history.

I ended up near the bridge that I first witnessed when I was driven to Prague over 2 weeks ago. I can't believe it's been that long! I took more pictures and then found that the tram that will take me to the bottom of the hill to the apartment. It was a great ride! My feet were a little worn out!

My touring done I was happy to have a little while to regroup after all I had seen.

Tonight was the family dinner, organized due to the plans of others who have cycling trips, spa trips to Hungary or cottage trips on the weekend. It was a chance to see everyone in one place. The "club" as the family calls it is a lovely meeting, dinner and social place. A lovely spot to be and enjoy time with family. 
I had my computer with me and we showed the pictures I had taken on a big screen they had there, it was fun!

Tomorrow is the royal wedding and an attempt to pack all my things!

Here is a family photo from the dinner! What a great conclusion to a great trip!



Kate and Honza, Martina and Kuba, Milena, Mirek and Vlasta, Petr, me, Tomas and Jana



Day 14-Czech Military Institute and Wenceslas Square

Today we had the priviledge of visiting the Czech museum of Military history. Vlasta had written the minister of Defence to tell him that a daughter of a decorated Czech military person was coming to Prague. I was blown away that she had done this! She did not receive a reply from him but from the director of the Military Institute that comes under the Minister's duristiction. The gentleman there was most eager to show us the display that they have set up there indicating life and the military uprising during the years 1941 to 1945. It was one of the most detailed and comprehensive displays that I have ever seen in my life.

What I did learn is that Dad's work with the Czech radio was integral in the communication between the Czech people and the outside world. The Germans were cutting Prague off from all other countries. It was his ability to transfer information gained on the street to the authorities in England that was so important. With a team of fellows with him (many of them fellow Scouts) they switched uniforms, sought out intelligence and learned how the Germans were going to move around the city. I was in awe of the work that he had done for the sake of Czechoslovakia. He loved his country. That's what makes it all the more incredible that he, and all the rest of the group, left.

At the conclusion of the visit Jindrich Marek presented me with a book (in English) that explained the situation that led to the beginning of the Prague people taking up arms and the beginning of the resistance. It is a treasure to me.

After the visit Vlasta dropped me off at the top of Wenceslas square. I was in tourist mode and was going to go to all the stands, shops and places that I hadn't had a chance to in my previous tours. It was great! Lots of people and many things to look at. I had a blast.

I decided to head to the Old Town Square to see the Astronomical Clock as I had not yet witnessed it's "show" at each hour, it was under repair when Lucie and I had out tour over a week ago. Well, there must have been a gazillion people there and I couldn't get close. Forget that try, tomorrow I will come early in the morning!

Taking side streets I headed away from the Old Town and followed the streets to where ever they would take me. At one point I stopped to consult my map and some people asked, slowly, if I spoke English! I replied that I did and they seemed relieved. They were 2 English and one New Zealander and they were all turned around and lost, even with a map. They wanted to get to Charles bridge and since I had been there a couple of times I knew where to go. So off we went. They were very happy to find it and they thanked me. I figured since I was here I'd head over it again. Always a good time to be a tourist, especially when the weather is perfect, I enjoyed my walk. I stopped to listen to the Dixieland Jazz band on the bridge for a while. It was great just hanging out listening to tunes! I had the chance to walk under the bridge and took some pictures from there. Just a different view!

Now hungry I headed over the bridge ad back through Na Kampe. When I stopped at a bench to rest my feet I found, or they found me, my English/NZ group. We laughed about finding each other again. I suggested Cafe Savoy for some nice pastries for lunch and they thought it was a good idea. So a nice (expensive) visit to a lovely cafe (espresso was to DIE for) I headed back to the other side of the river. A nice afternoon and yummy food to fuel me I set off, walking, for home.

The Vltava river is home to hundreds of swans. I've never seen so many in my life in one place. It was terrific to see so many of them.
After an hour or so of wandering I was at the bottom of the hill to head up to the apartment of Vlasta and Mirek's. Phew, I made it! Legs very tired I got home to rest and reflect on my day!

Tomorrow out early for clock viewing!