Can I get Fries with That?

I like food. A lot. I used to think I was pretty open minded  and liked all different kinds of food.  However this weekend I realized I like my food plain and simple. If I have to ask you what I'm eating, and then have to have you explain you're explanation- chances are me and that food are not going to mesh well. So when the fancy chef comes over to cook for a dinner party and Foie Gras and Raw Scallops are served as Appetizers, crazy fish for another course, and meat that looks like it might still be kicking for the final course, I will apprehensively take a bite of each and rely on the bread basket to hold me over till breakfast. Thanks Monsieur Chef, the food looked very pretty but I would rather have a burger.

Sometimes I Amaze Even Myself

That fateful time rolled around again today- family skating. The family had gone on Friday and didn't mention anything about me coming so I thought I was in the clear. Alas, today as the family discussed their plans for skating in the afternoon my slightly sarcastic 'Oh how fun!' was misinterpreted and an invitation to come along was extended my way. I sat there with my heart pounding and mind racing (yes I know this is  an intense reaction for a skating invitation, don't judge me) and as images of me flailing, crashing, and walking away from the skate path dejected flashed through my mind, I told them I would come along and give it a try. I did make sure to tell them that I was extremely nervous, would crash many many times, and that if I just was not getting the hang of it I would show myself off the path and wait for them to finish.

We parked a little ways off the path and I laced up my skates watching the bikes and skaters fly by- it did not help the sinking sensation in my stomach. After being helped up off the curb and almost taking out a couple kids in the process, I was forced to take the first steps. And  steps they were. I'm sure people were staring as I practically high stepped my way up the hill towards to path- actually skating was too terrifying to attempt at that point.Then off went the family and I had no choice to try and transform my steps into skating., After some pointers and repeated instructions to not try and walk in the skates, I was able to keep up with the kids that were still getting a hang of it (yay for me!). I was in no way comfortable skating, but for the 3 mile skate trip I did not fall a single time (my flailing saved me more times than I can count). I know, I was amazed at the lack of crashing. The last half of the trip I kept thinking 'oh my gosh, I'm going to make it back and not even fall!' and then this song started playing on repeat in my head. Too bad  I didn't have a group of people waiting for me by the car to serenade me. That would have been fantastic.

Now I just have to get enough practice in over the next couple months so I am prepared for the 10 mile skate trip we are going to do near their cottage in the mountains. I am not ready for hills...

Along the Road to Petrin

I know this is horrible, but I came into this summer I guess you could say a little jaded. I had so many brilliant experiences last summer and saw so much that I felt like yes this will be exciting but its more about working this time than the 'out of my comfort zone, new and exciting adventure' that last summer was. So last night as I was looking through my travel books trying to find what I wanted to see in Prague today I was thinking 'I saw pretty much everything I really wanted to see last summer. What to see, what to see..." I know, you are all reading this probably hating me for being so unenthused, honestly I'm a little disappointed with myself. So I set out today with one thing really on my list, and thought I would see where the day took me. Today was marvelous, and was a reminder of why life is so fantastic. Its not about where you are, what you've seen or how many times you've been there. Its about what you put into it and what you get out.

I started my day off walking towards Petrin Hill, Petrin was my one thing planned for the day. As I was walking I stumbled across an art exhibit of Franktisek Bilek, a famous Czech sculptor. I debated on whether or not to spend the money for a ticket and decided to just go for it. It was incredible. There were over 60 pieces on display, all done by him. And the building, which is actually what drew me over the gallery, was designed and built by him. I was floored by not only his talent, but also his thoughts and insights that inspired his work. My mind was going a mile a minute thinking about so many different things, I was just scribbling notes all over my pamphlet. His work was thought provoking and was the best way to start my day.

From there I continued on my way to Petrin and passed the Royal Palace Gardens, which somehow I never actually saw last summer. They are so beautiful, and the view of St. Vitus Cathedral...oh I was in heaven.

                      

                    

After some more wandering I made it to Petrin, which is essentially a park but has lots of winding shaded paths through beautiful trees. It was lovely and green and full of people. I didn't take the time to stop and think about how many more people would be there because its a national holiday today. Luckily most of them were lounging on the grass or playing frisbee so most of the paths through the large park didn't have many people on them. 

                   

                   

                                      
I ended the day sitting in the Park in Mala Strana right below the Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral. St. Vitus is probably my favorite place in Prague. I don't know what it is about it, but whenever I see it in the distance I am awed and I start taking pictures. The park, again was more busy than usual. I thought it was all for the holiday. Some of it was....

            
...and some it appeared to be Czech hippies sleeping in tents. And then I walked by and saw an "Occupy Czech" sign. Oh boy... They need to vacate that area. My favorite park to sit before I go home is being tainted by their stupidity.

But I did enjoy reading more about things to do in Prague, while enjoying this delicious treat I bought by the Charles Bridge. Every time I passed the place that makes these last summer, my mouth would water. The
cinnamon and sugar mixed with the cooking pastry just wafts over the end of the bridge enticing you to come down and buy one. So I finally gave in, and it was pretty tasty.

A Not so New Way to Celebrate

Today is a National holiday here in the Czech Republic, celebrating the anniversary of the end of WWII. People must have been really excited about the holiday...cause today as I walked through the park there were endless couples doing some hardcore making out. So today celebrate as the Czech do, grab a blanket and a friend and head to the park. Hooray for the end of World War II!