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)