3 hour classes

A 3 hour class is very very very long.... and takes quite a while to prepare for... your afternoon disappears in an instant.... as does your evening.

The class went very well last night. Turns out I was also being critiqued by the students, and by one of the principle moderators at the school as well. At the half way point of the evening we had a short break and she notified me that she would be attending the class to assess my teaching and how the class was going. It turns out, that during the short break, several students also spoke with her, and they wanted to "keep" me. After the class, I was told, that I did a fine job. A really great feeling, as you can imagine. I set a precedent of sorts yesterday, so much to do today to maintain it.

Plus in a related matter, the director, came to me yesterday and said we have to talk. Yikes. Not sure what that meant. He wanted to say that although "we don't really condone freelancing per se", here is the name of someone who wishes lessons 3 times a week, but does not wish to come to the school. The person is yours to contact and set up your own private lessons at whatever you wish to charge. .....also a really good feeling to hear that from him.

Another 3 hour this evening and much work ahead as this day begins. + 76

Wednesday

Some updates.

My work permit application was hand delivered to the government office here in Prague by staff of the school on Monday, along with my diploma, which arrived late last week, and having been translated into Czech. This means that in 20 working days I should be on my way to a Czech Embassy somewhere in Europe ( I am hoping Dresden) to personally meet with a representative and apply for my long term Czech visa.

Yesterday I was asked to teach what is labeled a Special Intensive English Course this week, for a total of 6.5 hours, for a class of 8 students, starting tonight and again Thursday from 5 to 8:15. Perhaps a little intimidating as it rolls 4 weeks into One, and I have to prepare a 3 hour class for tonight and then for tomorrow. 3 hours! But, the experience will be really good and of course, the extra income will come in handy.

This morning, I look at two apartments, one in Old Town and one in Vinohrady. Both, however are located on a 6^th and 7^th floor respectively, in brick buildings without lifts. Ach jo. Well, I need to look at them, since I need a place, soon! related to my visa application. But, I can not imagine going up 7 flights at the end of the day! No matter how good the apartment is.

And had my first Mojito (cubana) last night; a blend of rum, lime and mint. Similar to a wine cooler in the states.

There’s the update. Day 75 here in Prague. Still lov’in it here.

Alavotre

A Still Life. A beautiful smile. Ever wonder what da Vinci thought as he finished his Mona Lisa? ..... Lisa, perfect. and Yes. Certainly. ...to those words you speak.

I happened upon these flowers as I walked Orlik nad vltavou this past Saturday. It made me think of da Vinci and his painting. Strange, eh? Sometimes sights just meld into thoughts of the moment. Thoughts spring into words, whether walking in a small town, or over a morning’s cup of cherry tea. ….words are always welcome.

And to the vision of Lisa…. this still life is offered, supporting words, written down that morning and read late at night. …after a pleasant day nad vltavou. +74

Ano určitě jak rikáš v hůlkové písmo. Souhlasím s tebou. Ja budu vitat to, zajisté. Tesím se na...

Žižkov café

Yesterday, I wandered through Riegrovy sady in Vinohrady, one of the larger parks in that area, which lead me into the adjacent neighborhood of Žižkov.

I remember back in September 2005, my first trip to Prague, one day I wanted to find the huge TV tower, to see it for the first time. As I exited the Metro at Jirího z poděbrad back then, I could see the tower rising above the buildings, so I walked in that direction… first straight ahead down Slaviková ulice(street), and then I turned right onto the second street, Onřičková. I remember it so vividly, since it was my first foray out into the streets of Prague, outside the tourist areas and into a neighborhood. It all seemed so different to me then.

I remember it was cold and gray that day, and as I turned onto Onřičková, the skies opened up with a torrent of cold rain.. I ran and stopped at the first café ( the only café ) about a block away… to get in from the rain, and sat down and ordered a coffee, waiting for the rain to stop. That was my first time in a Czech café, and I remember feeling uncomfortable. I was a foreigner in a neighborhood café, filled with regulars.

So yesterday, as I walked about, I stopped at the very same café, Café Chef, a white oval sign hung outside saying in red lettering “Segafredo”, a European brand of coffee. Yesterday was the antithesis of my first visit. A warm, sunny July day, with blue skies and as I sat there yesterday, I knew right where I was within the city, I knew this area of Prague, I was comfortable sitting there, and found it amazing that as I sat there drinking an espresso, that I had been to the exact same spot almost 3 years ago, having no idea that within three years, I would be seeking to live in an apartment in this area just a few blocks away.

…in 2005, it was all foreign to me; certainly I did not feel even a tinge of that on yesterday. I sat there, absorbing as much of it as I could.

Life really is quite amazing at times. +73

a couple more from Orlík nad vltavou

The end of Sunday is here... just a few more from yesterday, a nice day from many respects.

Orlík nad Vltavou

...a farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again after moments or a lifetime is certain for those who are friends. ~Richard Bach

Yesterday, I traveled into south bohemia again in search of another castle I had read about. It is not far from the two places I visited in June and much enjoyed, Březnice and Blatná. I traveled by bus from Smichov to the small village of Orlík nad Vltavou, about an hour and a half from Praha. The castle is small, and is actually a zamek(chateau). It sits on a outcropping of land, surrounding by water. The water is recent, as a dam was built in modern times on Vltava, causing the reservoir, which now encircles this castle. Orlík in Czech means eaglet; Baby Eagle on the Vltava ( nad vltavou )

It was a gorgeous day. And a hot 36 C. I ended up taking this boat ride all the way to the end of the reservoir to the dam and back, a 3 hour round trip. It was enjoyable, relaxing. What a wonderful day for a boat ride. I was envious of all the people swimming and using this recreational area to its fullest. The islands and land on all sides was dotted with tents, little campers and chata(small cabins).

I missed the stop at the castle, as I still do not have the hang of the buses here and recognized this as the bus drove away. Luckily the next stop was the village, so I walked back the couple miles. I love the Czech back roads; All tree lined and close to the road. The first tour of the castle was small, which was nice, as it was only 9:00 when I got there. I was the only English speaker; surprise. Ne..

Only one bus was coming through the town in the afternoon. I was early, as is my curse, but there was a nice hospoda(pub) on the town square, so hey, a cold Kosel would do just fine. Met some other folks waiting for the bus as well, wondering what time it was suppose to arrive. I pulled out my handy IDOS printout and we all understood each other fine. The bus went south to Pisek and from there I changed to a bus back to Praha. A seemingly long ride back in a hot bus. A nice day, and a nice hour 12 hours away.

Got back around 7 and took a tram to Vinohrady to this pub I like; u Pošty and enjoyed a relaxing dinner and a glass of vine. Seems I am doing that a lot lately. Traveling alone gives one pause to think of friends, nice memories while here and of life; traveling with someone, well, that would be nicer on many levels I am sure. Cheers +72

Sobota rano...

Riegrovy sady in Vinohrady, after a summer rain; yesterday afternoon. + 71

Sunset

May I never miss a sunset or a rainbow because I am looking down. Sara June Parker

I agree. This was last night's... awesome.

It is Friday, again !

...and my 2nd week of teaching will be under my belt. This morning will see my hour and quarter commute to the southern reaches of Prague to teach my morning class. I will then use my later morning and early afternoon to put together my lessons for Monday morning of next week....and so a routine is born.

I am still waiting to hear about an apartment. The landlord and the Realtor are negotiating. (Update as of 5:00pm: Alas, I am now looking for a new place)

and another Friday begins... + 70

Forecast for tonight

Weather forecast for tonight: Dark, continued dark overnight, with widely scattered light by morning. George Carlin

Frisbeetarianism

Frisbeetarianism is the belief that when you die, your soul goes up on the roof and gets stuck. George Carlin

This house is across the street, and the shot is as I look out my bedroom window on Neratovická.
Can you see the frisbee on the roof? It is the square thing at the peak. ;-) +69

Time

There's no present. There's only the immediate future and the recent past. George Carlin

Business Anglicky

I had a class yesterday that was enlightening. There are two kinds of English teaching here; English and Business English. My 2^nd 90 minute class yesterday was with one gentlemen in a corporation here in Prague who holds a significant position. I had developed an advanced lesson; a case study in the automotive business. Since he had other teachers, I asked him what he was looking for in terms of what he wanted to learn and experience from me. He said: I want to be able to talk to someone who knows business and not just English.

We talked non-stop about the case study, but yet hardly touching upon the lesson I had actually prepared. He did most of the talking. I stopped him half way through, and pointed out we had not done much of the material I had prepared. He responded: what we are doing is great, exactly what I wanted, to talk business and practice not only my English speaking but also to talk with someone from the business side of life, speaking English, who can carry on a business related conversation.

.... that felt good. ... I enjoyed that class as well. +67

Somebody's Watching

Some amazing architecture and relief art in Vinohrady/Žižkov. Art is everywhere, and what you see on buildings is really something. Yesterday afternoon, I stumbled upon this guy, telling me it was time for a beer. How cool is this. ....and coincidently, across from him, was a nice sidewalk cafe. Imagine that! + 66

One month from today - Daughter arrives

All flights have been confirmed and My daughter is flying over, and will be here one month from today; 20 August !! Vyborné! I can't wait to show her some of the city I love, some of this country, and have her meet some friends as well. ...a week will go by fast. I am looking forward to it !

I will hope at some point my son can see some of Prague as well. There is plenty of time ahead for that. Just had to add this bit onto today... Cheers

Yesterday evening, I had some friends up to Neratovická for a picnic American Style… hamburgers, kaiser rolls (in place of the buns), my home-made potato salad (w/ Hellmann’s mayo; although a bit more tart here) , Heinz ketchup(also a bit different tasting, way too sweet), fresh tomatoes, potato chips, and Czech Beer. My Friends brought munchies, bread & cheese and more beer. a good time. alot of laughs. a nice summer evening.

The six of us took the course together @ Oxford and are the only ones who stayed in Prague at courses end. After eating, we all then went to an expats pub back in Karlovo náměstí, near centrum. ...then I took the last metro back to Kobylisy. cool.

Potato salad is something here that is only eaten on Christmas, on 24 December, along with fresh carp. My flatmate who is from Bulgaria, was in Vienna yesterday, wanted me to save some for her; she said mine sounded "interesting". wonder how she will like it?

I had “mowed” the backyard yesterday morning,…..with a weed whacker… most of it, since the extension cord did not reach all the way to the back of the yard…. leaving a semi-circle swath at the end. It actually looked nice out there. There are several large apple trees in back with their branches amazingly full ready for the Fall…

Last week, was amazingly busy. One business I went to took me 1.25 hours to get there from Kobylisy(walk, Metro, trams 10 & 17, walk ). Today: Laundry, Lessons to prepare. Monday, two classes back-to-back from 8 to 11, someplace in Karlin. + 65

The day after Friday...

+64

the 18th

+63

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad !!!!

..Now, on a much brighter note......My parents celebrate their 60^th wedding anniversary today. 60 years of living together. …and of knowing each other for much longer than that; having first met in high school. 60 years of ups and downs, of joys and tragedies, of life events, good times and less than good times, of great times, births and deaths, of miracles, of love, of celebrating each other and they are still together. 60 years. I have seen no greater love… in their love for each other, for their family and what they have shown to others about their love through their actions, their belief in God and in doing the right thing.

Happy 60^th Wedding Anniversary Mom and Dad. I am there with you in my thoughts and spirit.

Dad, I hope you got Mom a present THIS year. ;-)) + 62

Good sized Glitch

I have had a small window of time between the end of the course, securing a position, applying for and getting the work permit, then applying for the visa. I had two weeks + / - to secure a position after my course ended. That worked out well. It takes 20 working days ( One month ) here to get the working permit, which is needed in order to go to a Czech Embassy and apply for the visa. This window is tight between the time to get into another country ( and return ) and the end of my 90 day Passport visa. Any failure in this process, which would delay the work permit, would increase the time I would be technically illegal while attemping to apply for my visa. Any increase in the length of time in securing my D visa, jeopardizes my position, as they need me to be able to work legally on 1 Sept.

As often happens here, Government Offices change the rules with no notice. I had been told by the School that all I needed was my Tefl certificate and the other routine paperwork, plus a doctors certificate, which I got on Tuesday, delayed from last Friday. A mortal delay perhaps. The permit application was being carried over to the work permit office yesterday morning. However, the rules changed Yesterday morning.

One must NOW have the Tefl cert. PLUS their original or certified copy of their University Diploma proving graduation from a 4 yr school. I don’t have a diploma here, nor at home, having lost it years ago. I called my College yesterday to obtain a replacement Diploma. They tried to find a blank copy to quickly send out but to no avail. One must be printed up. Their printer said it would take 6 to 8 wks for one to be printed.

After talking at length ( 10 phone calls to the US ) and pleading my case, the college was able to get the printer to agree to expedite a new diploma and have it to me in a week to 10 days. With that, than add another month for the working permit, this delay could be more than a major glitch. The phrase Dream buster springs to mind.

This is stunning development. Unexpected. Saddening. Incredible.

And I am about to sign a 12 month apartment lease,… should I? ...signing a lease, then canceling, one would forfeit their deposit. ....but, Yes, I will sign it. I am staying.

Shit happens. No worries... +62

Reflections

As of today, TWO MONTHs living v Praze. Some Reflections to date:

Patience – a concept I continue to struggle with; whether it is jumping in with both feet too quickly or wishing for something to happen, when life or people or the universe are not ready yet; I am trying to appreciate the need for patience. Though I have been fortunate; there is yet one thing missing; it will come, the planets just need to align.

Teachers – I have gained a new level of respect for good teachers; The Oxford tefl course work taught me how much energy, imagination, thought, creativity, positive thinking and time goes into planning and teaching just one class. I continue to work to enhance each of these.

Prague’s Sidewalk café’s – not just for couples. But, that would be nice.

The Heart - Judith Campbell wrote “When the Heart speaks, take good notes”. When mine speaks, it talks too much; I listen; I take Too many notes; > I am buying ear plugs.

The coffee here – really good! But sooooo expensive.

The Czech Republic – Still an amazing place to me. It is still uncanny how I still feel so very comfortable here. I like so much about life here. I love the melody of the language: I could listen to someone speaking it for hours, even if I didn’t understand a word. Actually I have done that on some tours here; taken the Czech tour and not the English one. ......And now at Day 61, I can say I am a wage earner, a resident, a tax payer, a teacher, and a soon to be apartment lease holder. + 61 - Two Months today. onward & upward

2nd day of work

Yesterday was my first day of work here in the Czech Republic. The day started at 8:30. I received my schedule for the week and I have 11 and 1/3 hours of teaching, mostly either in the morning or early evenings. It was a Good day.

Tonight, I have an evening class to teach in Prague 2.

This morning, I have an 8am appointment out at IKEM, the Institute for Klinical and Experimental Medicine regarding some routine blood work. A good friend helped me to find them earlier this year. I will meet the physician I have been talking with. He called me yesterday to confirm our meeting. So another important item crossed off my life list for Prague.

I continue to look for an apartment. One in Vinohrady fell through; now I have two more realtors looking for places for me. Hefty finders fees, but I need a place in the near term related to my visa application.

Saw my first film here in the Czech Republic this past weekend. Juraj Jakubisko’s new film, Báthory. It is THE most expensive film ever produced in the Czech Republic by a Slovak Director. ( as my friend Nina reminded me. Her castle is actually in Slovakia, where in her town she is known as bloodthirsty countess Cachtičká paní - thanks Nino). Erzsébet (Elizabeth ) Báthory is infamous, as the Hungarian ‘Blood Countess’ whom the folks at Guinness have given the title of #1 serial killer: 600 kills (she was convicted in 1611 of 80), mostly young girls, she bathed in their blood to preserve her youthful beauty, or so the legend goes; the 17th century lacked the technology to verify such things. This movie is presented as if it were a myth-debunking ‘true story’ of Báthory.

I went thinking it would be in Czech with English subtitles and was surprised when it turned out to be in English with Czech subtitles. At 140 minutes it was long, but I enjoyed it and it was really not a very bloody movie at all. And the movie theatre’s here; huge comfy high backed chairs at such an angle that you do not have to worry about the person sitting in front of you. Cost: 169 kr or about $11.50. Wow, isn’t that amazing. Day 60

Pondering...

I was thinking about mistakes last night. Trying to finally work through a recent one and put it to rest.

Al Franken stated that “mistakes are part of being human”. Most times, we make mistakes, knowing full well the instant we do. We get that sinking feeling of doom. Other times it is a slow burn, unaware of the potential outcome about to occur, then it happens; the impact of what just happened is known to us but then this impact grows more steadily with each passing day. I guess the outcome of some mistakes are recoverable, perhaps over time, depending on the event and the individuals involved. And perhaps many are not.

Sophia Loren, that great sage of wisdom, said that “Mistakes are part of the dues one pays for a full life”. Yes, agreed, dues. Ach jo. Hugh White said “when you make a mistake, don’t look back at it long. Take the reason of the thing into your mind and then look forward….”. It does no good to dwell on things where the results and the aftermath are now out of your control.

Finally James Joyce, said “Mistakes are the portals of discovery”. Implying growth; of doing better when presented with a similar situation or decision in the future or allowing for discourse, grace and repair. Al Franken commented that “Mistakes are lessons of wisdom. The past can not be changed. The future is yet in your power”. It is. Indeed promising. + 59

Hezky...

Isn’t this gorgeous… my path crossed with this stunning rose on Friday, or should I say our paths crossed, close to the fountain at Jiřího z Poděbrad. Quite a surprise. Such a beautiful flower I had not expected to see. I had to blink twice. I was somewhat speechless. Life gives simple gifts when least expected. +58 Co je pravděpodobnost 1 in 1.212M

Jiřího z Poděbrad

Jiřího z Poděbrad - spent some time in this area of Prague, as I looked at an apartment yesterday. It is also a Metro stop on line A. It is in an area called Žižkov, Prague 3. This park is quite large, has a somewhat modern fountain, large rose garden in full bloom and a large different looking Cathedral, called Kostel Nejsvětějšího srdce Páně or the church of Most Sacred Heart of our Lord. It is adjacent to Vinohrady, and has some of the same characteristics and desirabilities. Riegrovy sady, is a large park within 2 blocks of here, which is used by sunbathers, lovers, frisbee throwers, mother's and their small children and has a great beer garten. +57 hezky prvek překvapení taky

Last evening; červená, červená vin…

I spent yesterday’s evening in a sidewalk café somewhere in old town Prague… I didn’t know where I was, but it didn’t matter. I happened upon it somehow, around this corner and past that alleyway. I thought I would take pause to enjoy a glass of red Moravian wine… then that led to a light dinner of a salad of various mushrooms and hard dark bread… then another glass of Moravian red wine…..then time, as I was sitting there, although seemingly quite still, went well past a 3^rd hour….

The café rested against a street of large cobblestones; with old paired streetlamps hanging silently in space, as they disappeared in perspective down the narrow street… then they flickered on…as the sun was setting… this was amazingly Prague.

Although alone with my wine, I was not alone in my thoughts of moments past here in this country. Today is day 56 here.

Friendship

Friendship makes prosperity more shining, and lessens adversity by dividing and sharing it - Cicero ( 106 BC - 43 BC )

Friendship allows for sharing our triumphs together as well as having the ability to talk about losses and making them more understandable within our own minds or at the very least, allows for providing a bit of comfort as one talks....

Not sure why I was thinking of this today.... but I have been "talking" ( read: writing ) to many friends lately and it is always good to hear from them and to share with them.

Speaking of sharing... I went to the Main police headquarters yesterday to share my passport with them in order to get my official Czech government criminal background check done. Yes, I passed. The document itself is interesting, with no less then three colorful ink stamps... plus in the upper left corner resides a postage stamp type stamp totaling 50 kr which was also canceled, not unlike on a letter. It is a very official looking document.

Also had my tefl certificate copied and notarized which is needed for the work permit, plus I had a Czech affidavit notarized, declaring myself free of any criminal history in any part of the world. Again needed for the visa, the application for which, I am currently working on.

Today: apartment hunting in earnest. + 55

12 more months.....

Well, I will be here in Prague for another 12 months. Pinch me, am I dreaming? This is the culmination of the initial goals I set in January 08. The dream will now be reality as I now begin to work, earn an income, pay taxes, and make "ends meet" here in Praha, while experiencing all the seasons here.

The second objective was to ensure I gain a greater ability to speak and understand Czech, and in doing so, understand to a greater extent the difficulties the Czechs have in learning English. I will now set aside time to work towards this.

Today I will begin to look in earnest for a long term apartment and secure a 12 month rental agreement, related to the law in securing my long term visa. I will have to focus my search in an area I can afford, based on my knowledge of my new income, and at the same time, find an apartment that I will enjoy living in for a year. No small task, perhaps. I have enjoyed all three areas that I have lived in to date here in Praha; Lower Vinohrady, Prague 2; Smichov, Prague 5; and now here in Kobylisy, Prague 8. I wonder where I will be.

so stay tuned for 12 more months of this blog as well.... + 54

It's Official, I will live in Prague until 1 Aug 2009, at a minimum

Well, today was strikingly amazing and what I least expected to happen today, but perhaps I had cast my hook into the right waters, as Ovid suggested.

I am employed. I will be signing the full year contract by the end of the week. The position is full time, 40 hours a week( 26 hrs of teaching), and will run until next August. It includes health benefits and I will have 4 weeks paid vacation. My work permit has been initiated and tomorrow I will have the application and other documents that I have completed already, reviewed as it relates to my visa. Within 30 days ( + or - ) I will be traveling to a Czech embassy somewhere in Europe (Germany, Austria or Slovakia ) to submit the application with a solid appointment time to meet with that embassy related to submitting that application. So once again, Full time work and effort, 8 + hour working days, beginning next Monday. The real work load will begin on 1 September when formal classes start and the teaching year begins.

Wow, not sure what to say. I am so happy to know that I will be here for the next year,legally living here and that I will get to experience all 4 seasons; IN PRAGUE ! I am looking forward to enjoying all that Prague and this country have to offer, meeting new people and really (really!) starting this New phase of my life. I know I have many opportunities ( not challenges; hate that word ) ahead of me, I know it will not all be easy teaching 26 hours of classes a week, but my goal is to be the best I can be. ....and who knows what else the year ahead will bring. I want it all. Everything.

I am looking forward to life ahead ... and I am grateful this door has opened up for me. I can hardly believe it. I feel honored. It is a true gift. Today's date: 08 07 08. day 53 in Prague.

Just say No !

The Czech Republic and the US will sign a treaty today to build a missile defense radar on Czech soil despite 68% opposition here in the Czech Republic. US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is here in Prague to sign the deal which may not make it through the Czech parliament in the end. Only 24% of the Czech citizenry support this.

The United States wants to build this radar base at the Brdy military district, some 90km southwest of Prague, and a base for ten interceptor missiles in Poland within its missile shield. The residents in this general area of the Czech Republic do NOT want this base in their backyard and are quite opposed to this intrusion by the US. The Czech Republic has been consistently occupied by foreign governments throughout it's history, and since the fall of Communism here in 1989, they understandably have an increased sense of nationalism where they just DO NOT wish to have any foreign governments present on their soil. They have lived through the oppression of being occupied by the Nazi's during the war and then again oppressed by the Communists here from the end of the 2nd World War to 1989. Although I am an American, I find my support is behind the people of this country and with the people in the Příbam and surrounding towns.

One wonders why, since Germany is so close to this area of the Czech Republic, the US could not have just built it there, especially with the technology we are all capable of these days. We will never know that one. Governments rarely listen to their people, the ones they are suppose to serve. +53

Chance

Chance is powerful. Let your hook always be cast, in the pool where you least expect it, there will be a fish. - Ovid (43 BC - 17 AD) +52

a few more from Konopiště...

Benešov u prahy and Konopiště

Yesterday I boarded a train at 8am and traveled to Konopiště Castle about 50km south of Prague. It was originally founded as a gothic fortress guarding a nearby town of Benešov u prahy. I walked the little over 2km from the town to the castle. ... forgetting, of course, that all castles are on the TOPS of hills. ;-) The castle was built at the beginning of the 14th century.

The most famous owner of the Konopiště Castle was the archduke Fratisek (Franz) Ferdinand d'Este, a successor to the Austro-Hungarian throne whose assassination in Sarajevo in 1914 became a pretext for the start of World War I. He bought the Konopiště domain in 1887 from the Lobkowitzs family and converted it quite a residence.

It is fully furnished and richly decorated with the all sorts of collections(armor, guns, swords, etc) inherited from the Modena's archdukes of d'Este and there are suppose to be 100.000 hunting trophies hanging on the walls as silent witnesses of Franz Ferdinand´s hunting passion ( out of 300.000 animals he killed). NOTE: most of the antlers hanging on the walls, looked so small, as he could have easily had his own petting zoo and just picked out one of two little ones a day to add to his wall and therefore to his image as a great hunter. However, there was an elephant foot's ashtray though and it's tail hanging nearby.

A short walk down a hill was this amazing baroque Rose Garden with an elaborate Greenhouse that was spectacular, with flowers, statues and obelisks. A peaceful place to reflect. The whole visit was just a really nice place to be to take in some of Czech history on such a beautiful day.

Took a different route back to town and got way lost. I asked for help and this woman actually walked with me, with her dog, to within sight of the train station. Couldn't believe it; so amazingly nice to do that. Got back in the late afternoon. I will add a few more pix of Konopiště tomorrow as well. +51

Saturday.....

Today is the 50th day I have been here. I still find it as enthralling as the first day I visited in September 2005. There is beauty everywhere on many levels. In the people, the places and just in everyday things. + 50 Cheers

4th of July

Ahoj v Praze. Stást'ny červenec čtvrtý. ( Happy July 4th ) Wow, seems to have been a long week with all that has happened since last Saturday. Though hard to believe it is once again Friday.

Last night was Pub night at the Konvikt Pub close to the Oxford school. I met a friend at her place in náměstí Míru to see her apartment as she is moving and I wanted to see how it might fit if her landlord does the visa paperwork. I am going to be very spoiled with my current apartment when I compare it to other places. ach jo. Then we walked to the Pub to meet up with 5 other friends from the class. It was a good time.

Tonight there is a July 4th party at a pub in old town, that expats is putting together. A chance to meet new people, so I will go there this evening.

It is raining cats and dogs here this morning. A comforting sound. But, in a little over an hour, I will walk the 2 miles to the Metro and begin my day. I hope the rain stops before then. ;-)

In keeping with July 4th, the picture this morning is of the US Embassy, over near Prague castle, as you can see by the flag flying. ;-) + 49

Systematic duties...

Today, as yesterday, I continue to work on issues related to staying here.

Jobs: I have another interview tomorrow, teaching business English to an interviewer; something I have never done, so today will be spent preparing. I have been applying on line as well, for positions in Prague through employment agencies related to finance positions, as a back-up plan. I applied to two yesterday. I look will continue looking at both teaching initiatives and other types of positions.

Visa: Met with an advocate yesterday ( CZ term for attorney ) about what is needed from an accommodation standpoint for getting my visa. She said that I must have my own place, that I can not sublet from another person and that I must have a viable contract with the owner of the property I rent AND that the owner must be listed as the owner in the City's property register here in Prague. So this is different from everything to date I have been told. SO, I need to find and secure new living quarters this month.

All my visa related documents must be translated into Czech, so I am securing a certified
translator for this and will work to get one by weeks end. It is a captive market so this in itself is a costly adventure.

Health: of course everyone walks here in Prague; to everywhere. I walk easily 15 miles a day, just getting from place to place, and that is after taking the Metro. It is a 2 mile walk up hill just to this new apartment from the Metro. I have lost 10 pounds and feel great.

Well, it is a cool morning here in Prague. A cloudless sky. The sun just came up and I can hear neighborhood cars starting up and people beginning to move out and about. It will be another hot one today. I will begin my day with sit-ups, yogurt and then will begin studying. +48

It is our Reaction.......

Our lives are not determined by what happens to us but by how we react to what happens, not by what life brings to us, but by the attitude we bring to life. A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events, and outcomes. It is a catalyst, a spark that creates extraordinary results. – anon

How true this is. Words that are oft forgotten about, but that should be burned into our brain. The reaction is the most important aspect of our living. That coupled with a positive attitude is what life is about. Retaining that outlook at all times, but especially when they might be a downturn. And then there is that statement of belief, that all things happen for a reason, whether we like or not... it is our reaction that is important. Agreed. +47 & ever forward

New Place

I have moved in( not this picture) ;-) It is a nice place and very comfortable and has a real home like feeling, which I am sure will improve over my time here. It is of course still a bit foreign feeling. The bed is a double which is great, but it is like sleeping on concrete ( no joke ) and the cat... sleeps on the bed at night.. ach jo. It is really quite a large apartment and I feel fortunate for having found it. I have added a new web album with pictures of the outside and the inside for those interested. http://picasaweb.google.com/a.scott.carey

today will be mostly unpacking things out of my four suitcases/duffles. Perhaps some ironing, since all my shirts now after the move are seriously wrinkled.

I will also go to James Cook to use their library.

and it is July... 1st. Happy Červenec +46