We've traveled to Prague once before, but the circumstances were tragic. Stewart's younger brother was teaching ESL in Prague. While there, he and a group of friends traveled by car to Poland to see Krakow and tour Auschwitz. Upon their return, they were in a serious auto accident. Kent, the only one injured, died one week later in a hospital in Prague. It was a bitter and cold November.
By the grace of God, time is a healer, and we knew that one day we would need to return to the Czech Republic to see the beauty that originally drew Kent there. Seven and a half years later, we had our opportunity.
The first time we visited, it was the beginning of a long winter, in every respect. Prague was such a cold & dark place in our memories. This time, we arrived at the beginning of Spring, and we were able to truly appreciate the beauty of the city. We also had the privilege of traveling with Aunt Katie (Kent's twin), who flew in from Raleigh to join us for this pilgrimage of sorts.
After living in a dry middle eastern climate for almost a year, the green juxtaposed against this gorgeous European city just took our breath away. It made us all giddy inside.
Ah, yes. The cat pillow. There's a great story to accompany this blessed cat pillow. Lydia and Will were each given $10 to spend on souvenirs. Lydia spied this cat pillow in a window, and was immediately reminded of our dear sweet Ginger, left behind in the states with Stewart's mom. She misses her Ginger, so she begged to see if she could afford the pillow with her money. We went in the store, and I was surprised to learn that she could indeed, according to my mental currency conversion, afford the pillow. After paying, I ran the total by our American friends living in Prague. Turns out I completely botched the conversion.....like, majorly botched the conversion. This precious Garfieldesque cat pillow was not $10. It was $37.00. Fail. Wait, it gets beter.
Two hours later, when we were eating the most delicious confectionary concoction that Eastern Europe has to offer, we discovered that Lydia's feline friend was no longer among us. Lost somewhere in the heart of the city. If only I had a picture of that moment: Lydia's tears, Stewart's disbelief, my horror & shame, and everyone else's laughter....
At least we had sweet, cinnamony, sugary goodness to fill the void.
This, my friends, is a Turd-lo.
Awful name.
Decidedly poor choice in shape.
Amazingly delicious.
Two kids, sans stroller or back pack, plus one full day touring Prague by foot, tram & bus could have been a recipe for disaster, but they held up great. Surprisingly well.
Will eventually fell asleep on the Charles bridge.
And it was good that he did. Everyone needs a power nap before impromptu swing dancing.
The band was impressive, too.
Such a beautiful city. Everywhere we turned, there was a stunning view.
What a day.
It started with a fabulous home-cooked breakfast provided by the Olmsteders who graciously hosted us for 4 days (thank you Kent family!), followed by an incredible morning and afternoon out touring Prague with one of the missionary families that tended to us during Kent's accident (thank you Gregorys!), and ended with more sight-seeing, shopping and a wonderful dinner provided by another dear missionary family that walked that dark road with us years ago (thank you Turnaus!). We were truly blessed to make new memories with new and old friends alike.
Shalom Y'all!
