Check out my New Prague Blog just for this trip only; 7 - 28 September 2011
http://ambackincz.blogspot.com
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
s bohem...
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 !!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
...and Finally the Last piece of Chocolate....
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
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"
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.
This Blog
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 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
How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.
~Carol Sobieski and Thomas Meehan, Annie
The clock in my head....
...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
Monday, March 14, 2011
The next to last evening....
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...
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. ;-)
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?
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
Very Nice Weekend
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
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.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Sternberk Castle - 50 km south of Prague
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.
Tanzberg Vineyards - Mikulov
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
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.
South Moravia
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.
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.
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