In a city so full of history it is easy to have a backward view much of the time. And yes, I do that. I remain fascinated by the architecture, my personal musings about what life must have been at different periods, curiosity about how and when buildings and their use changed, thoughts about the ease with which I/we dismiss the difficult life choices of others, etc., etc., etc. It keeps me continually occupied – and reading.
Now, however, a forward view just has to move front and center. You see, I’ve got to do something to get out of the gloom and gray! We still have snow, admittedly not full storms as we’ve had, in the forecast and the next four days have snowdrops falling out of huge clouds. And most of the time when there isn’t snow, there also isn’t any sun to relieve the monotony. Oh drat!
Do I love Prague any less? You may be certain I do not! She is like a fascinating person who reveals her many moods and depth of wisdom only a little at a time. And yes, I want to continue to learn about her past and participate in her future, to continue to explore the hidden places I often overlook when moving straight forward through a day.
I’m beginning my own “tour” plan, thanks to one of the StJ staff members I’ve gotten to know and admire. She was telling me about her Tour ‘d Prague, weekly trips made randomly to different neighborhoods with her trusty guide book (Czech, darn it) telling all about the various houses and neighborhoods. So I’ve adopted her idea, and as soon as the weather takes a turn for the better, a friend and I are going to set up our own routine. Yesterday I went on a shopping trip (very unusual for me) to a large bookstore right on Václavské Náměstí, the historic square (really a long boulevard) in the center of town. My first purchase (thanks to a lovely C’mas gift from Michael) was a beautiful, full color book about the house markings -- frescoes, statues, wooden signs, etc. -- of historic Prague. There are only a few words on each page, plus an outline map of the location, and it is grouped by neighborhoods. It’ll keep us going till we find other books. Fortunately it is not "coffee table" size even though it is "coffee table" beauty.
And speaking of books, my latest “super read” is For the Love of Prague by Gene Deitch, an American living here nonstop since 1959 – can you believe it -- and very happily married to a Czech. It's really great, if you’re interested in a down-to-earth, first-person account of life from then till now. Mine was the fifth edition, so he's been constantly updating. He is, by the way, an Oscar winning animator who’s worked with Maurice Sendak et al. Very readable and very informative.
So yes, there’s a lot to look forward to. I still have a great teaching schedule, though it has been slower lately (and that’s a good thing) because of cancellations for vacations, heavy work schedules and travel, etc. But I continue to have really super students and look forward to each day.
And I’ve now learned the reason for my multiple xrays, CT scan, bronchoscopy, and doctor’s visits. It turns out I (my body, my lungs, my system, some part of me) had an allergic reaction in my lungs to the pneumonia bacteria. That’s a new one for my medical storehouse! It’s what my “superdoc” saw on all the pictures that he couldn’t identify – and wouldn’t quit until he could! It’s also the reason it’s taking so much longer for me to bounce back (besides age, of course). I continue to be so grateful for the good medical care here. And I continue to get my energy back slowly, noticing little differences each day. The same ol’ “me” – one more thing to look forward to.
Once again I feel so blessed to be living this new chapter of my life. Who would have thought this would be what I could look forward to. Not I. And a backward glance tells me I need to keep watching out for and paying attention to opportunities, big and small. I can see so many wonderful events that prepared me to this time which were totally unappreciated at the time.
I hope your forward look is in place, getting ready for spring, longer days, more sunshine, and new opportunities!
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Happy Anniversary to Me
Two years and counting! And what a wonderful time it has been. It feels as though I am in a “perfect middle”, a sort of wonderland between what has been and what will be. It’s difficult to remember all the feelings – excitement, exhaustion, sadness, anticipation, curiosity, (and that’s only the beginning of the list) – of that long ago plane ride. It’s easy to remember the first few days – the people who helped things move forward, the sense of belonging, and most of all, the rightness of moving into a new chapter. It would have been impossible to imagine all the wonders of these past two years.
Some of my musings are about places which have become my favorites: Brevnov Monastery, the Dvorak Museum, Uherske Hradiste (the lovely Moravian town with its annual festival and dear friends), several cozy restaurants, the Zoo, the peace of centuries old sanctuaries, the tram rides past decades and centuries of buildings both graceful and graceless. More often I think of friends, colleagues, and students, the “new” people whose lives have become so important in mine and the seamless way they blend in with those who continue to remain ever present in my thoughts if not my current geography.
It’s the to-do-to-go list which seems to claim a lot of my attention, however. Perhaps it’s the snow and cold, perhaps it’s just a general January routine, or most probably it’s the realization that this isn’t a suspension of some sort – time really is moving along. I’m keeping a real list now, not a mental one, of sunny-day expeditions and rainy-day retreats, places to visit when I have one day free vs. places to go when I have an extra day off. What is difficult is that they all seem to be equally important, none seems optional. Oh my, just have to get at it!
So here I am at the two-year mark, living in the past, the present, and the future all at the same time, and loving every minute of it, whether it's new and exciting or ordinary and frustrating. They are all mine, and there's nowhere else I'd rather be or nothing else I'd rather be doing.
The best thing now, however, is my return to health. It is both amazing and wonderful to see little bits of improvement each day. I see my “super specialist” again Friday for new x-rays. Probably the best description of my feeling now is “cautious optimism”. I know I’m getting better; I just don’t know what my lungs look like.
I begin teaching part time Monday. Am I ready? Probably not as ready as I think I am. And I know I will have to watch the energy level carefully. I’ve been warned about overdoing, and I’m paying attention. A trip to StJ yesterday taught me how quickly I can tire. Again I am so blessed. And so very grateful.
And yes, I want to keep counting these anniversaries, creating new memories, enjoying new friends, and sharing it all with you. It is a new experience to consider it all from this healing cocoon. Now I must get on with doing it! A new year with all its possibilities, just waiting to be lived. . . .
Have a wonderful February – spring is coming!
Some of my musings are about places which have become my favorites: Brevnov Monastery, the Dvorak Museum, Uherske Hradiste (the lovely Moravian town with its annual festival and dear friends), several cozy restaurants, the Zoo, the peace of centuries old sanctuaries, the tram rides past decades and centuries of buildings both graceful and graceless. More often I think of friends, colleagues, and students, the “new” people whose lives have become so important in mine and the seamless way they blend in with those who continue to remain ever present in my thoughts if not my current geography.
It’s the to-do-to-go list which seems to claim a lot of my attention, however. Perhaps it’s the snow and cold, perhaps it’s just a general January routine, or most probably it’s the realization that this isn’t a suspension of some sort – time really is moving along. I’m keeping a real list now, not a mental one, of sunny-day expeditions and rainy-day retreats, places to visit when I have one day free vs. places to go when I have an extra day off. What is difficult is that they all seem to be equally important, none seems optional. Oh my, just have to get at it!
So here I am at the two-year mark, living in the past, the present, and the future all at the same time, and loving every minute of it, whether it's new and exciting or ordinary and frustrating. They are all mine, and there's nowhere else I'd rather be or nothing else I'd rather be doing.
The best thing now, however, is my return to health. It is both amazing and wonderful to see little bits of improvement each day. I see my “super specialist” again Friday for new x-rays. Probably the best description of my feeling now is “cautious optimism”. I know I’m getting better; I just don’t know what my lungs look like.
I begin teaching part time Monday. Am I ready? Probably not as ready as I think I am. And I know I will have to watch the energy level carefully. I’ve been warned about overdoing, and I’m paying attention. A trip to StJ yesterday taught me how quickly I can tire. Again I am so blessed. And so very grateful.
And yes, I want to keep counting these anniversaries, creating new memories, enjoying new friends, and sharing it all with you. It is a new experience to consider it all from this healing cocoon. Now I must get on with doing it! A new year with all its possibilities, just waiting to be lived. . . .
Have a wonderful February – spring is coming!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Once again - - -
- - - the sound of silence. Written, that is. And this time I’m not as “ok” as I’d like to be. I’ve spent the last two weeks abed, quite sick with pneumonia. Surprised me! I will say that during the first (really awful) week, the “p” word never entered my mind. Now I know the fever/ chills were a symptom; I just didn’t know then. Moral of that story – don’t wait for the obvious!
To make a long story short, last Sunday – in a really bad snowstorm which left things snarled for the next 3 days! – I got myself to the hospital (I’ll explain that later) where it seems I surprised even my doc. Another “once again” – I’ve been so fortunate with docs and treatment here. Older man with really good English, consulting in three fields, just happened to have the Sunday duty. After x-rays (roentgen) and a quick blood test, he confirmed I was really sick. Yup. Problem: no room in the inn. He strongly suggested the hospital next door (where I had my surgery), but since he left the door pretty widely ajar for me to come home, I of course did that. I'm glad I did, but it was a quite miserable week, just doing what he said to do and sleepingsleepingsleeping.
I was a little improved Friday, but yesterday seemed to be a turning point. Frankly, I miss some of the lovely hallucinations, both visual and musical! What a pity I had to get this old to “enjoy” those sensations.
I’ll taxi myself back out there today – once again it’s snowing – and get current readings. He prescribed only one week’s meds, which might be changed today, depending on progress. The new “twist” on the usual drugs: he also asked me to use an herbal tea just for pneumonia. Czechs are quite conversant with and reliant on herbal supplements; they are part of the regular “pharmacy” stock and are recommended in response to over-the-counter questions. And work!
I’m taking a o'nite bag with me – he said he might want me to stay this week. My brain wasn’t working – didn’t even occur to me until Saturday that I’d have received IV antibiotics there. Duh. The story till now: I’m doing fine, getting better, and still housebound!
My flatmate has been wonderful. Who knew he’d have three “home health aid” stints! My appreciation is unlimited! Besides being an all-round gentleman, he’s such an interesting person and great conversationalist. Once again – I’m blessed. And yes, I’m missing all my classes, right at exam time.
If you’re not interested in a few brief differences in Czech and US medical systems as I’ve experienced them, then skip to the end. I’m getting better and will be fine – and will write more soon.
If you are interested, here’s a rather disjointed personal commentary about how it works here. Of course I’ve been following some of the health care debates/concerns in both countries, of course I have very strong biases about it, and I’ve also been listening to quite a few of my students on the topic. As with every system, this one has its detractors and personal stories of dissatisfaction and problems. On the whole, I find it pretty workable and I’ve been very gratified with “all” my interactions.
First, yes I am insured. I have to have insurance to get a visa. (I’d rather not be using it, thank you very much!) I cannot have Czech insurance – it’s only for Czechs; Mine is from some large EU company that StJ works with/directs us to. Czechs usually pay 30 crowns ($1.66, today’s rate) to see a doctor. I pay everything upfront at a different rate, and then if the insurance allows it, I’m reimbursed. I also have a quite different charge for prescriptions than Czechs.
Very often, though not always, doctors are gathered at a “poliklinika” (pretty obvious translation), different offices, most specialties represented it seems. I have a “GP” (ok-but-not-good English) as my basic doc, renews prescriptions, etc. They’re in the offices M-F. On weekends you go to a hospital (Czechs may know about places with weekend hours that I just haven't looked for).
When I went out last Sunday (also when I was injured) I was in seen in “ambulance”, which is the equivalent, it seems, of US non-trauma emergency and has nothing to do with a mode of transportation! It’s (skeleton) staffed 24/7, each in their own department. I’m sure there are places which are like US ER setups – emergency vehicles, life-threatening situations, etc. – but I’ve only been on the “right” side of those doors, thank goodness. When I leaned on the counter and said “I’m sick”, I was sent to internal medicine. They make all the rest of the choices, sending me to x-ray, doing their own blood work. (Last time it was surgery, again with x-ray and then its own sonogram.)
I chose to return to Homolka Hospital both because of their reputation (for what I need) and their good English. Trust is one thing – a good thing to have; comfort level is another, and I needed it also. Czechs and their doctors are not used to (by their own admission) asking and answering questions. You know me well enough to know I certainly will have those. And it was only through some extended conversation that the doc really moved into the pneumonia sphere, primarily because of complicating symptoms. So once again, communication takes the prize!
Another thing Homolka has is a superb “Foreigners’ Reception” – yep, great English and wonderful attitudes, unfortunately also M-F. (It’s good next door at Motol Hospital, which is a major teaching hospital, also.) They shepherd me through each next step, very reassuring, especially when you’re feeling terrible.
Every poliklinika and hospital has a lekarna (chemist/pharmacy). They’re also “everywhere” to fill prescriptions, provide information and “special” over-the-counter cosmetic and/or health items, like the herbal teas. Not at all like CVS or WalMart.
As for money – my last visit cost 2180 Kcs ($120.84) everything included. It was interesting to see that on the invoice it stated how many degrees my docs have :-) I must add that I (and most of my colleagues) don’t even think in terms of USD since we don’t earn USD. (And often when making a purchasing decision I think in terms of how many classes I’d teach for that item.) You gotta admit, from the world I knew that price is a bargain!
Once again – I’ve gone on too long. I’m sure you can tell I’m fascinated by the medical world here, just wish I weren’t seeing it from the inside. But I can tell I’m on the mend – the very fact that I cared about and then could sit up to write this affirms that. I promise more later. And I hope you’re having a very interesting side trip while I’m taking this part of our journey together.
Peace and joy to you.
To make a long story short, last Sunday – in a really bad snowstorm which left things snarled for the next 3 days! – I got myself to the hospital (I’ll explain that later) where it seems I surprised even my doc. Another “once again” – I’ve been so fortunate with docs and treatment here. Older man with really good English, consulting in three fields, just happened to have the Sunday duty. After x-rays (roentgen) and a quick blood test, he confirmed I was really sick. Yup. Problem: no room in the inn. He strongly suggested the hospital next door (where I had my surgery), but since he left the door pretty widely ajar for me to come home, I of course did that. I'm glad I did, but it was a quite miserable week, just doing what he said to do and sleepingsleepingsleeping.
I was a little improved Friday, but yesterday seemed to be a turning point. Frankly, I miss some of the lovely hallucinations, both visual and musical! What a pity I had to get this old to “enjoy” those sensations.
I’ll taxi myself back out there today – once again it’s snowing – and get current readings. He prescribed only one week’s meds, which might be changed today, depending on progress. The new “twist” on the usual drugs: he also asked me to use an herbal tea just for pneumonia. Czechs are quite conversant with and reliant on herbal supplements; they are part of the regular “pharmacy” stock and are recommended in response to over-the-counter questions. And work!
I’m taking a o'nite bag with me – he said he might want me to stay this week. My brain wasn’t working – didn’t even occur to me until Saturday that I’d have received IV antibiotics there. Duh. The story till now: I’m doing fine, getting better, and still housebound!
My flatmate has been wonderful. Who knew he’d have three “home health aid” stints! My appreciation is unlimited! Besides being an all-round gentleman, he’s such an interesting person and great conversationalist. Once again – I’m blessed. And yes, I’m missing all my classes, right at exam time.
If you’re not interested in a few brief differences in Czech and US medical systems as I’ve experienced them, then skip to the end. I’m getting better and will be fine – and will write more soon.
If you are interested, here’s a rather disjointed personal commentary about how it works here. Of course I’ve been following some of the health care debates/concerns in both countries, of course I have very strong biases about it, and I’ve also been listening to quite a few of my students on the topic. As with every system, this one has its detractors and personal stories of dissatisfaction and problems. On the whole, I find it pretty workable and I’ve been very gratified with “all” my interactions.
First, yes I am insured. I have to have insurance to get a visa. (I’d rather not be using it, thank you very much!) I cannot have Czech insurance – it’s only for Czechs; Mine is from some large EU company that StJ works with/directs us to. Czechs usually pay 30 crowns ($1.66, today’s rate) to see a doctor. I pay everything upfront at a different rate, and then if the insurance allows it, I’m reimbursed. I also have a quite different charge for prescriptions than Czechs.
Very often, though not always, doctors are gathered at a “poliklinika” (pretty obvious translation), different offices, most specialties represented it seems. I have a “GP” (ok-but-not-good English) as my basic doc, renews prescriptions, etc. They’re in the offices M-F. On weekends you go to a hospital (Czechs may know about places with weekend hours that I just haven't looked for).
When I went out last Sunday (also when I was injured) I was in seen in “ambulance”, which is the equivalent, it seems, of US non-trauma emergency and has nothing to do with a mode of transportation! It’s (skeleton) staffed 24/7, each in their own department. I’m sure there are places which are like US ER setups – emergency vehicles, life-threatening situations, etc. – but I’ve only been on the “right” side of those doors, thank goodness. When I leaned on the counter and said “I’m sick”, I was sent to internal medicine. They make all the rest of the choices, sending me to x-ray, doing their own blood work. (Last time it was surgery, again with x-ray and then its own sonogram.)
I chose to return to Homolka Hospital both because of their reputation (for what I need) and their good English. Trust is one thing – a good thing to have; comfort level is another, and I needed it also. Czechs and their doctors are not used to (by their own admission) asking and answering questions. You know me well enough to know I certainly will have those. And it was only through some extended conversation that the doc really moved into the pneumonia sphere, primarily because of complicating symptoms. So once again, communication takes the prize!
Another thing Homolka has is a superb “Foreigners’ Reception” – yep, great English and wonderful attitudes, unfortunately also M-F. (It’s good next door at Motol Hospital, which is a major teaching hospital, also.) They shepherd me through each next step, very reassuring, especially when you’re feeling terrible.
Every poliklinika and hospital has a lekarna (chemist/pharmacy). They’re also “everywhere” to fill prescriptions, provide information and “special” over-the-counter cosmetic and/or health items, like the herbal teas. Not at all like CVS or WalMart.
As for money – my last visit cost 2180 Kcs ($120.84) everything included. It was interesting to see that on the invoice it stated how many degrees my docs have :-) I must add that I (and most of my colleagues) don’t even think in terms of USD since we don’t earn USD. (And often when making a purchasing decision I think in terms of how many classes I’d teach for that item.) You gotta admit, from the world I knew that price is a bargain!
Once again – I’ve gone on too long. I’m sure you can tell I’m fascinated by the medical world here, just wish I weren’t seeing it from the inside. But I can tell I’m on the mend – the very fact that I cared about and then could sit up to write this affirms that. I promise more later. And I hope you’re having a very interesting side trip while I’m taking this part of our journey together.
Peace and joy to you.
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