Blogs from Czech Republic, Europe - page 281

Now that spring is here the wildflowers are out and blooming. I can take pictures of them, but there are not many here that I can identify. ... read more

One of the real pleasures we have had during our stay here is meeting volunteer workers from all over Europe. Recently three volunteers, Mariam, Bob and Don, arrived from Scotland. Their job, to paint windows and rooms. Bob and Don agree, Mariam is a great painter and has taught them some new tricks. Who ways old dogs can't learn new tricks? At breakfast one morning they said, "Mariam's father runs a bicycle shop. He can do everything and do it well. As Mariam grew up she followed him around and he taught her. She is a very talented young woman. Mariam is now a nurse and gave up her holiday to come to IBTS and paint. Nancy-Bob and Mariam left me with a task. Don didn't go home with them but rather stayed to help other ... read more

I suppose most of the capitals of Europe are like Prague, history meets you at ever turn. Most, however, do not contain so much history within a comfortable walking distance. Several weeks ago we were walking through a part of the Little Quarter and saw several buildings. On one was a brass plate. The only word we could make out was Malta. A flag hung over the doorway giving it the appearance of an embassy. Later, while reading a guidebook, I discovered that several centuries ago this section of Prague was owned by the Knights of Malta. They were a powerful force. This area is now called the Maltese Square. The Japanese embassy is now housed in one of the palaces in this area. I especially like the iron work in the main gate to one ... read more

One of our goals today was to see the Church of St. Michael. We have seen pictures of the church, but had not actually seen the church.This small 18th century wooden church was moved to Prague from a village in the Ukraine. I was fascinated with the roofing shingles. They are small wooden shingles that are about two inches across, about five inches long and perhaps half an inch thick. To me they make a beautiful pattern on the church. The church is in Kinsky Garden which is right beside Petrin Park. In fact it is hard to know when you leave one and enter the other. Both are on the big hill, or should I call it a small mountain that rises on the west side of the Vltava river above the Little Quarter of ... read more

All sorta things happened.. when.. you travel with.. your parents... Money got stolen.. and it's just the beginning of our trip!! . Nth much really... just.. be... more... careful!!... read more