The Wonder of Laundromats

Prague is the home of my new all-time favorite laundromat! So much to say about it - -

First, there's the name. Walking down Korunni (and yes, it is a bit of a hike to get clean clothes!) I almost missed the front door. It is in the lower floor -- not quite basement -- of a very old building. My pension is quite close to the center of Prague, walking distance (on a good day) from Wenceslas Square of Velvet Revolution history. So naturally the building is old. And the name is painted on the wall -- no signs extending into the sidewalk as an alert that the journey is almost ended. Suddenly, there it is. Andy's Laundromat. I'm imagining Andy as some young entrepreneur recognizing a need and finding a way to meet it (more on that later). Wrong. There on the wall are several pictures of "Our Andy", a really cute white Scottie. For me, that's a great way to start laundry time.

Second, there are the services. General laundromat expectations include working washers and dryers; detergent, bleach, and softener for sale; a few chairs -- comfort optional -- for the wait. Andy's has that beat, hands down. Washers/dryers aren't immediately visible; they're down the hall, past the computers, the "lounge" area, and the well equipped, safely enclosed playroom. And they do exist -- with English speaking staff to exchange your Czech crowns for laundromat tokens, sell supplies, and be sure any other need you may have is met. Speaking of service -- would you prefer coffee or tea? with milk and sugar? And no, you can't purchase it! By the way, you may also log on to the internet while your clothes are moving through the cycles.

During many moves, washer/dryer breakdowns, or treks away from home, I've had occasion to visit multiple laundromats. Clean clothes are a necessity; the bonus is the possibility of meeting interesting people. And Andy's may be the winner in this category also.

After only a few minutes, Don and I began to talk. He's an expat via London, roots in south GA, former Southern Baptist minister, living in the Czech Republic for six years, now a permanent resident, new home owner (mortgage approved just that afternoon), one of the pastors of the Unitarian church here. What a marvelous, wide ranging conversation. We stayed a bit longer than just folding our clothes, I think each feeling that the afternoon had given us a special gift.

Who could have predicted . . .? Here is one more new connection. So many common elements in our past. And here we are, enjoying the present moments, and talking about possibilities for future conversations. I am truly blessed and very grateful.