Abroad in the Czech Republic

Am back in Prague for 3 weeks

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Check out my New Prague Blog just for this trip only; 7 - 28 September 2011

http://ambackincz.blogspot.com

s bohem...

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Don't be dismayed at goodbyes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again, after moments or lifetime, is certain for those who are friends. ~Richard Bach

It has been wonderful!!

Thank you !!

Coming Home

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...kids.... am coming home.

Can't wait to see you.

...and Finally the Last piece of Chocolate....

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and finally as I left "My Cafe", I was given one last piece of Chocolate...Something I will always fondly remember, not for the chocolate, but for the ones who so freely gave me it and their hearts of gold.

My Way

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In thinking of my Life here in Prague, I did just that. Lived it my Way.

Whether it was How I lived
How I wrote my blog
Where I traveled
How I taught
How hard I fell,
Who I Liked, who became special to me
or the cultural norms I often over looked...
by writing too much or giving too much...

I lived here in Prague to the fullest
Enjoyed most every moment here in this wonderful place.

But I was an American, AM an American,
I WAS different, Many saw it, and several (many?) could not understand me.
But, alas...

I did it MY way.

Cheers. Tak, zatim ahoj

A Final evening at Kavovarna; "My Café"

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You have read my thoughts about my favorite place in Prague many times, so where else
would you find me on my last evening in Prague; Mate pravdu, at "My Café"

On this 15th day of March, what added to the extra-specialness of this evening, was that it was my Friend Alex's Birthday as well; 64 today. I brought in a Swiss Dark Chocolate cake in for Alex and also had a very small bottle of Bohemian Sec, the Czech equivalent of Champagne for him as well. Happy Birthday my Friend!

Was very Hard to say goodbye to all my waitress friends this evening, and two very special friends stopped in this evening and spent the entire evening talking with me(us), even though they were not even working tonight. So Very Nice; they are very special people. I had a ceramic flower for every friend there as a small departing gift, 15 in all; perhaps something to remember me by but clearly something I wanted to give to each of them.

The Top picture above was a gift from these five friends; a photo taken in the Franciscan garden, presented to me last night in a nice frame. I was not expecting it, but am so glad to receive it. Priceless in fact.

The 2nd picture is of the Café as taken in Lucerna passage, it is at the opposite end of the passage from David Cerny's upside down hanging horse, directly across from the entrance to "Velky Sal".

This evening, as well, the owner brought out some special wine for me as well as book by a Czech that he knows and also presented me with a Special Copy of the Café Menu, something that really means alot, since not only he gave it to me, but many of my friends there signed it as if it was a yearbook. Thanks Ivan and to all my friends at "My Cafe". Dekuju moc.

Then it was time to say Goodbye to Friends made over the past couple years, that grew from a small seed planted, and then was nurtured over time: Alex and Ada, and Klara, Tereza, Petra, Petra and Anna (and Marketa). I will miss you all.

...and then time to say Good-bye to this Café,
...until I am able to return someday.

A Final walk through Lucerna...

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as I have walked a thousand times...

This Blog

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Tomorrow marks THE END of This blog.

I have taken 7,066 pictures while living here in Prague, which is amazing. But it is something I enjoy every day.

Since May 2008, I have posted 1576 posts, and at least one picture a day; a myriad of photos of the places I saw often, experienced and grew to love. In the past year this blog has turned into more of a photo diary of my Daily Life here in Prague, and that is what I choose it to be; highlighting at times feelings, as well as things I was doing and what I was seeing each day.

I hope you have enjoyed seeing what my eyes have seen over these past almost 3 years now. A beautiful country, rich with history and heritage and filled with determined an beautiful people.

Tomorrow I return to the US to start Life anew. Since i made my decision to return I have wondered about how I will adjust to life back in the US, after spending so much time here. It should be interesting.

I will be creating a new blog, with a new URL but for only the next 6 months or so, comparing what I have grown used to while living in the Czech Republic and comparing it to similar things in the US, which I have not been use to over these past several years and what I must get used to again.

So should you be interested in following my thoughts and comments about my USA re-entry, the new url is:

http://scottinus.blogspot.com

as in: 'Scott in US'.

The blog official Title is: Life Comparisons: Returning to the US.

I leave tomorrow

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How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.
~Carol Sobieski and Thomas Meehan, Annie

The clock in my head....

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...told me it is time to end this journey. So in Mid-January, I made the decision to leave Prague. Not an easy one, but one I had to make at this time in my Life.

As I think about the close to three years I have been here.. I wanted to reflect on a few friends that made my life special here in Prague.

First in mid 2008, I met a wonderful women, M, who with her (then) 2 year old son, were nice friends and who were also the inspiration of my 'First' photo-essay book about this wonderful "Love affair with Prague". She and her son, still remain very special people to me, they will forever remain within my Heart.

My Friends Michal & Andrea, became two people who treated me to their home and hospitality on many occasions as well as several rounds of Golf in Benešov and have become good friends as well. Hezky. Dik. Very nice people!

Eva, Tomáš & Honza: together in one class at one major corporation, who with their friendship and demeanor showed me the true side of Czech generosity and friendship and who have become good friends. Thank you for all you helped me with. ,,,and Tomas, the wine trip to Morava was amazing!! I hope you got Eva's permission to leave early....:-0

...I taught many classes at this corporation and I have many friends there. Jiri, yes, always knock before coming into class; Klara, Petr is very lucky; Dana, you made it easy to make your early class. Is that bandaid(plaster) off yet? ;-) It was a great place to meet really great people! Thank you.

Renata and her family had me out to Libeznice on many occasions, but what will stand out over time, are the past three Christmas seasons and making Christmas cookies in her home, and polishing off many bottles of wine in the process. Her kids are wonderful and she has been and IS an admired friend.

and within the same company; Karin & Greg; Petr; Petra. Great people who also took me under their wing over these past three years and allowed me to 'teach' them English while mostly paying me to talk with them about Life and our Lives. Diky moc. Truly wonderful people, whom I will never, ever forget.

I had the opportunity to get to know two very special people in a software company close to Pankrac; special in that they enlightened my life with their candor, smiles through conversation, wine, friendship and with one, through his expertise in Czech folk dance. Thank you for that ticket to the 'ples'. Both are very special people. Thanks Ondrej and Petra.

and Jana, my "personal" expat banker, seems I was always stopping in the check my balances and stayed to talk about everything else. Jana thanks for your friendship and help in all my banking questions.

I had a chance to get to know Lucka and Mirek, who walked with me to the top of Bezdez and then the 12km to Doksy and also had me out to their place for dinner on a few occasions and even once to stay over in their lovely home one evening last Summer. A Nice couple and friends who I will not forget.

and a Friend of a student, who I taught for several months until she went to the UK. We talked alot, sat together through the 'Ples', listened to Jazz, saw Vaclav Klaus at the Castle, enjoyed his food & wine and did some really nice things together to pass the time while she was in Prague. Zita, rado se stalo... Thanks Ondra...

Toward the end of my stay here, I met two teachers with great English skills and smiles, whom I had never had the chance to talk to before. Turns out we had some nice conversations during the few short weeks before I left. It was a pleasure to get to know you both and both beautiful people as well: Eva a Lenka, Thanks.

During The Fall of 2010, I had the opportunity to get to know a very nice and Special person. Although Instantly gone when the new year arrived, and no longer in my Life, she is someone who made Life nice while she was in it and someone a soul can not soon forget; whether it be great wine, Dresden, Zvonice, the National Theatre or Cafe du Paris...times not soon forgotten. Thanks My Friend.

I met my Friends Alex and Ada in 'My Cafe', a little over a year ago. He is from Switzerland and she is Czech. They have shared space and time for 41 years, and their love is still alive as you can see in their eyes and their actions. Special People who became very special friends, as we enjoyed almost every evening at 'My Cafe' enjoying conversation and wine and a few nights of Jazz and Jazz at the Castle as well. So very Comfortable. You both will be truly missed. Now, what will do in the evenings?

and Many other friends as well...at the School where I was employed

Finally and bz no means, certainly not Least, My Many Many Friends at 'My Cafe'; Kavovarna. A very Special Place; so many Very Special Staff: Anna, Klara, Petra, Marketa, Tereza, Petra, Gabina, Božena, Iveta, Miša, Šarka, Bára, Jana & Jana ... They became my Friends and always had a smile for me when I came in (and many times a piece of chocolate! or chocolate dort!). They all made me feel comfortable to be there every day and made a part of Prague feel like a Home away from Home. And the owner, befriended me as well, and quite often shared a bottle of his best wine with me while we talked about photography, the "Italian guy" and the revolution. Thanks Ivan. You have A truly Special Cafe. A very very special place indeed. I feel it IS the Very Best in Prague.

So the time is close at hand, leaving this amazing City and Country. If you have not been here, you DO NOT have a clue as why it has captivated me for these almost three years. This place will forever live within me and all the people that have touched me, will always live in my soul. Thank you to all of you; my friends, students and acquaintances.

No distance of place or lapse of time can lessen the friendship of those who are thoroughly persuaded of each other's worth. ~Robert Southey

The next to last evening....

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Spent some time with my friend this evening at Kavovarna.
but, I have only one last evening (tomorrow) with which to enjoy my friends at this wonderful place.

Talked for many hours with my friend Eva, while having several other friends stop in; Klara thank you so much for the little Krtek, the large tea mug AND that lovely picture of You, Marketa, Anna, Terezie and Petra! A wonderful gift. Dekuju velmi moc!

and Tereza, that Cheese senvec once again was excellent as always; Glad YOU were the one in the kitchen. ;-) Smile...

Eva...

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Imagine meeting someone who is so enjoyable to talk to as well as being so nice to spend time with, but, alas, only being able to spend only a few weeks getting to spend that time with....

Eva, it has been a pleasure. ...as easy as breathing. thank you for this evening. A really nice way to say goodbye.

I will enjoy those special Kapsa's for tomorrows breakfast. Thank you for them. rado se stalo. ;-)

Police car?

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Vroom.... Vroom... Vroom..

...but it gets great gas mileage! Not sure it could catch a criminal. Myslis? ???

I have seen this around Prague before, with eight policemen behind it, pushing it!!
and all making the sound: ee-ou eee-ou eeee-ou

Todays Produce at the market

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as seen in a local market; fall & winter vegetables for Spring time.

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Black & White

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Very Nice Weekend

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This past weekend was my last weekend in the Czech Republic. Knowing that a former student and a friend from one of the corporations where I taught, asked me to join him for a weekend in Wine Country, which as you have seen, I did.

Beautiful countryside, great wines, fairytale towns, good food and bright blue skies.

Tomáš, a big thank you for your willingness to show me your favorite part of your country. This was a place I longed to see. It was so excellent to finally see the beauty of this region and along with that, to enjoy really nice conversation, as well as your favorite wines. Thank you.

Traveling on the Weekend; Mistletoe

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Just a photo of a typical road on the way to one of the towns visited this past weekend.

Ever See Natural Mistletoe? The tree with the bunches... that is Mistletoe. Some trees have even more circles of this 'holiday' specialty.

Sternberk Castle - 50 km south of Prague

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On the way back to Prague, we stopped at Sternberk Castle, only 50 km south of Prague and 4km from the highway; a castle I had wanted to see.

Lednice - Lichtenstein Chateau

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Valtice, 7km from Mikulov

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Tanzberg Vineyards - Mikulov

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On Saturday afternoon at 14:00 we had a special Wine tasting. These wines were excellents and all very dry. We were given 8 wines in all, and then had a tour of the wine making facility, the wine cellars which date from the 1600s(can you believe that!) and were treated to a taste of the 2010 Ice wine...Amazing.

Thanks to Tomas for arranging this special wine tasting and to Mr. Kosek, the vineyard's wine expert and taster.

Mikulov

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On Saturday morning, I traveled to the small city of Mikulov about 30 south of Znojmo. This area is the prime wine producing area and is only a few miles from the Austrian border.

It is a beautiful city with a major castle and many Christian religious pilgrimage sites and was also home to one of the most numerous Jewish populations in the Czech Republic before WWII.

In terms of wine. This city is THE center for Czech Wines, especially whites. The Mikulov wine sub-region is the largest in the Czech Republic. Vineyards are spread over more than 2.5 thousand hectares. There we had an appointment at the Tanzenberg ( Dancing Mountain) vineyards for a special vine tasting for just me and a friend.

The first historical mention of vineyards in this region come from the area of Pálava and are connected with the period of the Roman wars – it was this locality where Marcus Aurelius’s legions had established a military station.

The centre of the region is the town of Valtice. In 1873 the Secondary school of viniculture was founded there. On the grounds of the Valtice Chateau is the leading Czech wine producer Valtice Wine Cellars. They have some really amazing wines.

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South Moravia

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More than 96% of all vineyards in the Czech Republic are located in Southern Moravia, only 30 miles south of Brno, the Czech Republic's 2nd largest City.

There are four main wine sub-regions in Moravia – Znojmo, Velké Pavlovice, Mikulov and Slovácko. The Moravia wine region is typically dotted with little villages comprising of many wine cellars – and often just wine cellars without any permanent residents or homes.

Znojmo is a region of white aromatic wines. The main variety Veltlínské zelené is unrivaled but excellent quality can also be seen in Sauvignon, Ryzlink rýnský and Müller Thurgau as well.

In addition, there are the outstanding varieties Muškát moravský (one of my favorites!) and Rulandské šedé(lightly sweet and easily drinkable.. I get this most nights at 'MY Cafe').

As regards red wines, the most common variety is Svatovavřinecké. Přímětice near Znojmo is known for the largest cross cellar in the world. Reds do not fair well in CZ mostly due to a short, cooler growing season. But I have liked a varietal called: Frankovka. It is like a cross between a Beaujolais and a Merlot.

Moravian wines claim to date back to the Roman times of third century AD. Moravia, is the main area for the Czech Republic's wine industry, providing most of Czech's wines. This region covers an area of 11,000ha under vine, lying between Brno at it's northern tip and Mikulov on the Austrian border to the south.

The average annual temperature around 9.5°C is undoubtedly the reason that 75% of the wines produced are whites. Grape ripening hence takes a slower pace, with berries developing a concentration of terpenes, producing highly aromatic wines.

More of Znojmo

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More of Znojmo

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Znojmo Wine Tasting - Friday Evening

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Znojmo is a small city located in the southern part of the Czech Republic, south of Brno and only about 30 km north of the Austrian border in the region of Moravia. It is THE major wine region(more on that to follow).

Arrived here Friday late afternoon, got settled in a Pension(like a bed/breakfast but cheaper and then set out with A friend to see the city.

We were to attend a wine tasting event at an old Monastery at 4:00pm and we arrived just in time; Znovin Znojmo Vineyards. A few pictures upon our arrived, then of the wine tasting.

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Near Staromestké náměstí

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...Heading to Mikulov in South Moravia

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I was invited by a friend and former student and his girlfriend(and their BIG dog) to go with them today to the Amazing wine region of the Czech Republic, in South Moravia to two cities: Valtice and Mikulov.

We leave Prague after lunch today. It is about a 4 hour drive I believe, then upon arrival will head to a wine tasting Friday evening, stay over at a pension Friday nite and explore the historic town of Mikulov on Saturday. Plans are to continue exploring some of the wine cellars, stay over night in Mikulov and then head back to Prague on Sunday after Lunch.

so stay tuned.....Picture Sunday Night(Prague time)

Old Door near Kampa

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Pavilion near Letna

Misty Morning in B & W

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.then....later this Evening

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Met a friend at "Kulovy Blesk" near IP Pavlova...but when we got inside there were no free tables...so we walked several blocks up to Náměstí Miru, then down Američká to a small Café called Caffé Corsini. I had been there on several occasions and it is a nice place to sit and talk for hours..which we did... Lenka, thanks. A nice way to say Cau... Rado se stalo...moc. Dik

Café Louvre

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Wanted to take a friend to Café Louvre on Národní Třída before I left. Then she invited me. Dik. They have amazing thick rich decadent dark Hot Chocolate and their desserts are extraordinary. I hadn't been there in over a year...

...Zheee, it was nice to talk over Horká Čokolada on this Spring(almost) afternoon..

Smichov Cemetery

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...and speaking of Colors...

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Little "R2D2s" in Shop displays on Ujezd.

Interesting tiny Rainbow...

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A Cloud of ice crystals no doubt...

Saying Ahoj....

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This evening I met my friends Michal and Andrea at "my cafe"... We stayed talking for hours over ice tea and wine, and cheese & Klobasi & bread. Our times together are always nice; Good conversation, good friends. Dekuju pro vše. Mam rad moc obrazky kniha a hudbu CD taky.

..then Lunch

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Stopped in at the "Sunday Morning Caffe" on Ujezd for a light Lunch.

Caprese senveč with a Čzech Můller Thurgau bilý vino.
Both were Light, and very good.

Along the Vltava - Color

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This afternoon.

Along the Vltava - B&W

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Karluv Most at Sunset

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Břevnov Monastery in February

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Visited this Cathedral and Monastery once again the last weekend in February. On a beautiful day just like today.

Tonight I will attend a Concert here with a friend, of Classical Music highlighted with Piano and Violin. The Violinist is: Alexandru Tomescu, the Pianist is Horia Mihail, who often accompanies Mr. Tomescu. Both Romanian. The Romanian Ambassador was in attendance, as were several other Ambassadors.

This evening's performance will include: Mozart's Violin Sonota No. 24 in E minor, K. 304; Franz List's Obermann's Valley, S.156 No. 6; Niccolo Paganini - Caprices Nos. 1, 13, & 24 for Violin Solo, and well as Balada by George Enescu & Habanera by Capoianu.

Imagine a small Royal Hall, built in the 1500's, with ornate frescoes above the windows, a ceiling magnificently painted not unlike a Michelangelo with Oil paintings of Marie Tereza and others from the Hapsburg Dynasty and add to that, a great violinist who way playing it all on a Stradivarius Violin made in 1702.

A big Thank You to Eva (and Tomáš) for the tickets and for the Pictures she sent me, two of which showing the Interior of the Maria Tereza Hall last evening are shown below; was very much appreciated.

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His Master returns....

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on the way to Krivoklat....

Charles Bridge From Petřín

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Quintessential Prague

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Porsche coming....

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First ever Porsche coin operated childs ride I have ever seen....

I found this in Mělník back in mid-February. When I spied it, a mother was watching over her small child as she was 'driving' it with an excited smile. I know that feeling and will soon feel it once again.

This Was nice. And How cool is this; A Red Porsche Targa!

..Today is special child's birthday. The little son of a good friend.

...and so Kuba, on this day, it is YOUR birthday. You are Five today! I was thinking of you as I posted this picture, as I remember that day 2 years ago, when you said: Porsche coming, as you saw that Big New Tram coming towards us, down the street near the Salt Room that your Mommy used to go to. I wanted to remember you on this day:

Tak: Happy Birthday Kuba!! I wish you a wonderful day.

Color in Vinohrady

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View to a Castle

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Through the Hunger Wall in Petřín

Church of St. Mary Catherine Ralph

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Spring has arrived in Petřín

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Found this morning during a walk-about all through Petřín Park, so Spring has arrived in Prague. 35 F this morning, but stunningly gorgeous.

Sunday Morning Coffee

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and a different version of Czech Apple Pie (Paj). Great as usual.

Alley view of a Clock Tower

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A School in Křívoklát

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later this evening; Symbiosa Café

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Later this evening, I met my friend Zita at this Cafe I frequent on Saturday evenings in the heart of Smichov, called Symbiosa. A small "local" with pretty good wine and a nice atmosphere. I have frequented this cafe on many Saturday evenings.

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I have chronicled most likely my last train ride here in the Czech Republic. I always enjoyed traveling by train (except for the day I walked full tilt into a glass door between compartments, which by the way, I never saw...wow, did that ever hurt)

So today I left Prague in the late morning, catching the CityElefant(top pic) from Smichov nadrazí, and headed to Beroun(45 min), from there, caught the much smaller 'OS train', (2nd pic) which is not unlike a diesel truck/bus on rails.

This smaller train deposited me, after a 35 minutes ride, at the train station in the small town of Křívoklát for my afternoon of enjoying the forest, the town and the castle there, as you saw in the post below.

& would you expect anything less...?

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In a town with such a great Castle.. here is the Town Playground for the Children.
Cool, eh?

St. Peters Church in Křívoklát

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Returned to Křívoklát Castle

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My favorite Castle. I have been here many times over the past 3 years, but never during winter. So...

As my time here winds down, I wanted to return to Křívoklát just one last time to see this place through winters eyes. And the weather forecast for today was predicted to be really nice and it turned out to be perfect; 8 C or about 46 F, so I grabbed today as the day.

I had hoped for snow for when ever I could return here, but it was not to be. It did not matter. But still, even without a white background it was nice to capture this place once again, with my eyes, heart and camera, for a final time.

The Kings' Summer "Castle" from Last September

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Summer Pavilion at Hradcany

Two Crosses & an Orb

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...and a beautiful day today

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Atypical Czech Breakfast

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I found a Czech cafe, which makes its own pastries and breads and also serves One breakfast item: Scrambled eggs.

But to understand fully, you have to know that Scrambled Eggs are NOT something Czechs eat at Breakfast time, in fact, if they eat an egg at all at breakfast, it is Hard boiled. Also, this cafe is NOT anywhere near the Tourist traffic, far from it, so finding Scrambled eggs as a breakfast item in Florenc was a surprise and quite excellent.

This turned out to be very nice. Lightly Scrambled eggs, but cooked, just barely, with a small amount of cheese, cubed ham and diced onions(also barely cooked) with fresh tomato garnish. All Really good; It was delicious.

The 'bun' in the upper corner is a Czech-Slovak specialty called Buchty, and is a sweet version of a parker-house type roll/bun with lots of Plum jam as a filling and lightly dusted with powdered sugar. Unbelievably good and actually quite light as well.

Ornate Two

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St. Vitus Cathedral in Hradčany.

Ornate

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Kavovarna nebo kavarna

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Ano, vim ted'. ;-) Dik moc Eva. Mam rad oba moc. Tramín Červeny je báječný.
...full of compliments, I guess, but more importantly, just really nice to sit and talk. Tesim se na....příště tyden, můseme.
Ano, Jenom jeden tyden zbývající. Dik, zase.

St.Vitis Cathedral

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...surrounded by Green

Very Small Castle in Klamovka

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and then in the afternoon

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Looking from the Malostránské side of the Vltava to the Old Town side of the Charles Bridge.

an early morning Charles Bridge

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Carmelita Ristorante on Ujezd

2011-03-02T23:13:00.003+01:00

Had a nice dinner with a friend here at this Italian Restaurant near Malostránské náměstí not far from the Bottom of Petřín Hill. A huge fish tank, with weird fish, next to our table captured our attention from 'time to time' augmenting really nice conversation and classic cuisine.

Jana and I shared an interesting wine from Novy Vineyards in Mikulov, south Moravia; a 2008 CÉPAGE Tramín Červený. The first wine I have ever had that had a GLASS "cork" in the bottle: GLASS! The wine was light and refreshing.

Lovely evening. Diky.

Stairs and a Foot....

2011-03-02T05:06:00.004+01:00

...at OK... ...I always enjoyed my lessons there.

and the photo below, the spaceship as seen from their lesson room.

2011-03-02T05:05:00.001+01:00

...in the setting sun.

2011-03-01T17:44:00.002+01:00

The sun sets on this first day of March at 17:44. ...just as this is being posted.
10 hrs 56 min 50 sec of daylight today.

Cathedral - Our lady with the Very Hard Ruler

2011-03-01T14:35:00.003+01:00

The Chursh of Our Lady with the Very Hard Ruler in Žižkov: at the bottom on Riegrovy sady. It just sits alone in a small block, amongst buildings all around it.

The Many Spires of Prague

2011-03-01T06:12:00.001+01:00

Taken: This past Sunday morning.

16 days remaining....

2011-03-01T05:05:00.007+01:00

Today and the next 15; Truly hard to believe as well. I will savor each one to its fullest.

Flower Stand at Anděl tram stop, Smichov.
(Two stops from where I have been living.)

...the end of the day

2011-02-28T21:51:00.004+01:00

So today was the last day I will be teaching English in Prague. I should say it in the Past Tense: Today was the last day I taught English in the Czech Republic.

Two final classes today, First thing this morning, they bestowed upon me candy and Becherovka and the other this evening took me out for a great Czech "K" Brewery Group Beer in Žižkov and guy conversation below Vitkov and the great Horse.

I will miss all of my students and the many that became good friends while I was here these past years.

...then I finished the day at "My Cafe"... did you have any doubts? A nice evening, with surprisingly lots of attention from my many friends working tonight's "shift". Every once in a while, when I least expect it, as I sit and read, enjoying a glass of wine, all of a sudden "someone" places ONE very decadent piece of fancy Chocolate in front of me. I always enjoy it slowly, savoring its richness. Tonites was a dense hazelnut cream. Mnam. Thanks Klara, Tereza, Petra & Marketa. A nice evening.

Diky moc. ..and I will miss all of you too.

My Last Teaching Day in Prague

2011-02-28T05:05:00.002+01:00

Hard to believe I wrote that sentence.

...on Vaclavské náměstí

2011-02-27T15:46:00.002+01:00

...on Most Legií

2011-02-27T11:30:00.003+01:00

Legions Bridge

Bridges of the Vltavá

2011-02-27T11:18:00.002+01:00

From this morning at 10:00am.

Coffee at Vescoví Caffe

2011-02-27T11:03:00.004+01:00

This mornings Cappuccino and something new....
Carrot Cake, the Czech version...
with a thin lemony icing and very moist

Delicious. (But what else would I say, eh? ...for I am in Prague)

Our Lady of before theTyn Cathedral, Old Town Square

2011-02-27T05:05:00.003+01:00

The first mention of a Romanesque church in Old Town Square goes back to the 12th century; 1135. Construction started on this particular vestige, in the 14th century, in the times of Charles IV, and was not finished until the mid 15th century; in 1470, to be exact, under the rule of the last Czech king: Jiri z Poděbrad.

The two spires of this powerful looking Gothic church (with a Baroque interior) can be seen from all over Prague. If you Take a close look at the spires, they are not symmetrical. This was characteristic of gothic architecture of the time, was purposely built this way and is a representation of both the masculine and feminine sides of the world, apparently.

Prague from Petřín

2011-02-26T17:54:00.002+01:00

This afternoon as the late February sun was getting low in the sky.

Strahovské Monestary in Petřín...

2011-02-26T17:46:00.001+01:00

A beautiful Day today...

Petřín Hill

2011-02-26T15:07:00.001+01:00

Vltavá

2011-02-26T12:53:00.002+01:00

Hradčany

2011-02-26T12:50:00.001+01:00

Castle Doors

2011-02-26T05:04:00.001+01:00

Lunch today at the Zanzibar Café

2011-02-25T12:47:00.005+01:00

...on Americká in Vinohrady; light and refreshing - tomato, onion omlette, with Tramín Červený vino

Most stairs have these here...

2011-02-25T05:04:00.003+01:00

...almost all steps here have these little 'ramps' built into them at the edge. Their Purpose? They allow baby carriages and toddler strollers to easily navigate stairs...

I have seen them in stores, apartment complexes, in parks, in villages...really most everywhere there are stairs of some kind or number, you will find these tiny ramps.

...Picking up Pottery from last Friday...

2011-02-24T21:36:00.003+01:00

In Vinohrady at 14:00, picking up our creations this afternoon
...and this is a friend's creation.
Vyborne! very cool...

and mine... well, it is not posted here. ;-)

Vinohrady na Korunní

2011-02-24T21:30:00.002+01:00

in the middle of the street...

Mlyn on Čertovká

2011-02-24T12:16:00.001+01:00

My Tram; #9

2011-02-24T05:03:00.002+01:00

The tram that gets me home from Centrum every evening. Seen here on a snowy February evening....brrr.

Wednesday at Kavovarna....

2011-02-23T21:22:00.002+01:00

Klara, dik...