Praha (Prague)

We took the long way out of Vienna yesterday and took a side route to Prague instead of the Autobahn. Good choice. Very scenic. Rolling hills, fields of yellow canola, fruit trees in bloom and vineyards everywhere. Stopped for lunch at a deli in the small village of Holborn.

Entering the Czech Republic was like driving into Niagara Falls. Casinos, strip joints and gaudy family resorts everything from dinosaurs to dragons - Pedro's South of the Border for you North Americans. Many tiny villages with even tinier homes crawling up the hills. Larger towns had drab multi-housing apartments erected during communist years. Can anyone think of any positive contributions of communism?

Ida was in Prague back in the 70's when still under communist rule. She had to have a visa and travel was strictly monitored. Being born in Slovakia, she was cautioned not to contact any of her relatives while visiting.

Today's Prague is vibrant and bustling. Lots of outdoor cafes, most people speak some English - amazing. All the major stores are here including high end stores on "Paris" street.

Took a tour today of the castle, old town, new town (about 500 years younger)and river cruise. The cathedral at the castle took over 1,000 years to build. It was started and stopped for 500 years and then finally completed. The castle is the largest in the world. A bit of a hoge-poge, but great examples of architecture over the past 2,000 years.

While visiting the castle, we saw the changing of the guard (Governor General Footguards more impressive!) as well as a re-enactment of the US liberating Czechoslovakia in 1950's. About 20 - 30 jeeps drove around with everyone in period custumes and playing nusic of the era. We saw them again in the old square and the old Jewish quarter. I was impressed that the old jeeps still ran so well!

Dropped Ida off at the hotel in the early afternoon and Paul and I walked the city some more and found a lovely restaurant for dinner. Very charming. Out of the way, but just around the corner and the food was awesome!

Tomorrow, R&R for Ida and Paul and I will walk some more historic locations.

Schnitzel anyone?

We had a long, but uneventful flight to Vienna. They served dinner and breakfast. Had pillows and blankets too, oh my!

Got an upgraded car - a nice mini-van, but manual. Took a few minutes to get used to it. Promptly got lost on our way to the hotel, but stopped at a BP station and a customer, who spoke a bit of English, led the way in her car and we got to the hotel no problem. We are staying at Le Meridien, a lovely hotel right across from the Palace. We dined al fresco for lunch. Beautiful, sunny day.
Got directions to Figlmuller restaurant, one Paul and I had enjoyed in 1998 on our last trip here. Established in 1905.
Paul and Ida got a head start on me. I got to the restaurant and was concerned that I hadn't caught up to them. I was feeling guilty, thought I had underestimated Ida's walking ability. No sign of them there. I waited and waited. I waited in line to get into the restaurant. And I waited some more. Just a few minutes before I was able to get a table, Paul showed up, he had gotten lost! He dragged Ida all over Vienna. She got a great walking tour before dinner!! All she wanted was eine bier!!
So here's a shot of the lost explorers. Paul really couldn't get lost wearing his orange shirt. But there sure were a lot of guys walking around in baggy cargo pants!
Notice the size of the Schnitzel. Paul was so hungry he ate the whole thing and helped Ida and I finish our salads.
What's for lunch tomorrow? Schnitzel!!

Relaxing in the lounge

When we left Ottawa it was snowing today! Here's Ida relaxing in the Air Canada International Lounge in Toronto. This is the way to travel...

The Scrapbook

Here is a sampling of the Scrapbook.

Off to Slovakia

Ida arrived in Ottawa on Monday, April 26 at 2:30 p.m. She was up at 5:00 a.m. - Seinfeld addicts are reminded of Nana - and took the bus here. She brought with her two covers for the Canadian Family Scrapbooks. We made one for each family - the Osvalds and Krupkas. The scrapbook contains:
The Canadian family tree, a map of Canada with the map of Slovakia superimposed, comparing the size of both countries. The map also shows where Ida's family are now located - from Fort McMurray to Halifax, family photos and a story.
The story is woven through the photos. It was my first attempt at a scrapbook and it looks pretty good. Judie Sparling, Ida's daughter, made the covers, they're beautiful Judie!! Thanks for doing that! It will make a special gift for each family.