more ordinary events. To top the list there is the magic of the first snow. Yes, I know. It won't be long before I'll be wishing it away, or even, perhaps, homebound because of it. For now it brings happy memories, new views in this beautiful city, and the sense of yet another new beginning. Calendars can announce the seasons, nature can give signs of coming "attractions," but the first snow is, for me, always a special moment.
Friday I walked out of the laundromat into a driving sleet storm -- not at all magical, I might add. The forecast had included some chance of snow for Saturday, but that caught me totally unaware. And soaked (even with an umbrella, my constant companion!). And very chilled by the time I reached the flat. Saturday morning brought scattered flakes which stuck, creating a patchwork of red roofs and white snow outside my window, the changing scenery actually distracting as I was working.
In the late afternoon I found my boots, wrapped up in a long scarf, grabbed my gloves, and ventured out carefully for an evening with "the bunch", fun as always. And came out after dinner and conversation to an all-white world. It was real snow. Everything was covered. And of course it invited a snowball fight! This was the good, packable stuff! You knew when you had been nailed. I learned while waiting for the tram home that Pragers do slow down when driving on snow! The cars were inching up or down the hill quite carefully. And the world was beautiful. I was in my own private snow globe, and someone had given it a good shake! A picture book ending to yet another interesting evening.
The restaurant of the evening -- U Karel IV, (Charles IV, a much admired king) is a neighborhood gathering place with really good food, nice low prices, and one convenient tram ride away for me! Gotta love that combination! Along with that, the combination of people and backgrounds and topics adds up to a great evening and a whole new set of things to ponder later every time we get together. A interesting change in the evening was the addition of a couple visitors to the conversational and national mix. One, a Venezuelan business man now living in Toronto, and another a "new" Czech friend of one of my colleagues who just may become a "regular." As usual -- a great evening. And as always, yet another chance to keep assembling the puzzle of life!
The snowballers went on to Arnaud's flat for a post-dinner gathering. He's one of the people I feel so fortunate to know and am so glad that the friendship is deepening. (And yes, it does feel good to know he enjoys being around me also, in spite of our age difference.) I was sorry to miss it, but glad to come home to a - -
Skype call from Matthew and Alexander. Because of all the i'net problems, those calls have been pretty few and far between for the past few months. Alexander is SO tall, and is it wonderful to see them together in the big chair, teasing each other, having a good time, going back and forth in our conversation. The wonders of technology! And it's free. We actually talked for nearly an hour. High point? Beyond just seeing them and being "together", that is. Reading The Velveteen Rabbit together. Matthew had found it in a sale bin, brought it home and saved it for our time together. He was right -- Granne did get chocked up at the memories! (He actually said to A. "You watch your Granne. She's going to - - -" Sometimes it's just not good to be so predictable.) And I'll be waiting my chance to go through some of the generational changes with Alexander at another time. All the 1922 references.... What a great way to keep life connections. And to remind a growing boy about the power of being loved.
Three of us had set up a much anticipated Saturday morning excursion to the Asian Art Museum with Arnaud as a guide (he was an art student in Paris for several years) which fell through at the last minute because of conflicts. I can leave it on my anticipation list, however, and know it'll be great when we're able to do it. Zbraslav is a charming little "village" that is now part of Prague. The Museum is part of a family castle taken over by some former regime, now restored to the family. My understanding is that they have just been granted the whole place back. Pity! Actually good for them, sad for the fate of the museum. And the cancellation gave me some extra work time yesterday a.m. which I promptly squandered!
Today brings another treat -- I'm quite sure this one will happen as planned. I'm having brunch with my T'giving dinner co-hostess. It's time to put the last minute plans together -- that includes how we get plates, knives/forks, and other assorted party requirements from my place to hers. The menu is long and really inviting. And I can hardly believe the time is here. It means Ocean Spray (the fresh variety, that is) better start showing up pretty soon!
I'm sure I've mentioned my terrific flatmate, Thomas. He's great. Three months now, and I'm still in the camp of the lucky few who aren't complaining about this and that and something else with their flatmate -- or just downright totally disgusted. I can't find a complaint. Isn't that terrific. I really enjoy hearing him practice his guitar -- reminiscent of times with Lotte in NYC, listening to her chamber groups rehearsing in the living room. Of course, Theresa and I wanted him at the Dinner, and happily he said yes. And he's bringing his grandmother's corn pudding, which is a staple in their T'giving meals.
If I end up baking half the turkey in my oven because neither hers nor mine will accommodate the whole one, we're going to have quite a juggling act going on here. And then a great Saturday afternoon/evening when it is all put together. I believe we have about 16 people coming -- I do so hope they all come -- and she's a person who has to plan "games." And I'm very happy to let her do it!
Last Monday was a holiday for me -- and the whole Czech Republic. It was Freedom Day, celebrating the beginning of the Velvet Revolution in 1989. Thanksgiving is NOT a Czech holiday -- hence the Saturday dinner. So I enjoyed the last one and will work through this one.
A small further note -- I have yet another new student. How blessed I am with my students, my schedule, and all the opportunities to learn. I begin with this man Tuesday. He's head of HR in the region for a global pharmaceutical. My boss says he's in his 50s, fluent in English, but wants to gain confidence in meetings with native speakers. This will be even more fun!
It is snowing again -- that's probably a good sign to wrap this up and get on with some preparation for the school week. I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving, safety on whatever journeys you and your loved ones are making, good fun, good eating, and the creation of even more good memories. And in these difficult times, I'm going to end with some words from Reinhold Niebuhr which "grabbed" me again this week.
Nothing worth doing is completed in our lifetime; therefore, we are saved by hope.
Nothing true or beautiful or good makes complete sense in any immediate contest of history; therefore we are
saved by faith.
Nothing we do, however virtuous, can be accomplished alone; therefore, we are saved by love.
No virtuous act is quite as virtuous from the standpoint of our friend or foe as from our own; therefore we are saved
by the final form of love, which is forgiveness."
Wishing you a special day devoted to counting once again our blessings and giving our thanks. I will be thinking of you. . .
Regardless of the point of view, this has been some week.
At the moment, the approach of winter is very real. To paraphrase an old song -- in the dark, dark, dark of the morning. As I think about it now, I realize I arrived when it was deeper winter. But after the wonderful spring/summer light, both morning and evening, this is indeed a shock to my system! In addition, when I arrived I didn't have to be up and out quite so early. "Early" is also a shock. My system adjusts to it but complains a lot! And I know it is only going to be colder, darker, and more difficult to get around.
But oh yes -- I'm getting around in Prague. There is no lessening of my joy and contentment just being here. If anything, it is increasing. I love almost every minute of it. I'm even grateful to be sharing in the annoyances of crowded trams or long waits. Once again there are views I'd been missing for awhile. The leaves are down, some removed, some not. And the branches are open to the sky, and the saints, heroes, and yes, probably family members looking down from the niches and perches on buildings.
Continuing with the normal and usual, teaching life goes on, very happily. I have a very full schedule, quietly congratulating myself that in September I taught the most hours of any of the 127 teachers, and in October second most. Martin, my Director of Studies (boss), is one of the most even, genuinely happy men I've ever met. I admire and respect him in so many ways. And he gave me a really nice chuckle when he told me that. My reply was that now that I knew there was a race, I'd give more effort to winning. Seriously, it did feel really good to remember my misgivings and hesitations as I arrived and realize what a long way I've come. And it never even occurred to me that was the extent of my schedule. And how nice that he thanked me for the work!
It seems I'm somewhere beyond the tourist stage and not yet where I want to be with being settled in. I know the language is a big factor in that. This week was my second Czech class, and I must say the teacher is wonderful. Because of the difficulty of fitting into all our schedules, the class is held one Saturday a month for four hours. Oh my, that's a long time! This week there was some change in the attendance -- to be expected -- but I imagine we'll settle down at around 9 people, big range of ages (representative of the teaching staff here, thank goodness) and backgrounds. And yes, Czech is difficult. I'm grateful for Barbora's teaching skills as I learn Czech and as I learn more about teaching by watching her. Bought the books (a couple of us are sharing the cost and the books) and will become serious about homework.
My days are satisfyingly long. Today I teach eight hours, with my favorite beginning to a day. After two trams, I walk along the Vlatava River, looking at the Castle, the Contemporary Art Museum with its bright yellow plastic penguins parading along the shore, the Charles Bridge, the Hunger Wall, and the spires of "New Town" across the River and the gem of a little park with its fountains and monument to the victims of the plague beside me. The roses are gone now, but the care of the park, which is always beautifully manicured, continues. Love the little red "no" circle which allows dogs on the grass and not feet!
And best of all, this morning walk leads to one of my favorite classes -- bright young professional women who are advanced in their English skills. What a way to start a week.
I have one hour -- a cumbersome amount of time -- to do the tram/metro thing again, eat my sandwich on the "walk", and get myself in order for six straight hours at a financial institution. Two classes are one individual each and three are groups of four. It's been interesting to talk with them -- and watch attendance drop because of work pressures -- during this economic crisis. I'm very grateful for the years in banking and business in general as we walk together through the cause and effect conversations. And I'm especially grateful for the New York Times editorials along with a couple other resources.
The rest of the week is a similar story -- transportation, walking, classes, interesting people, some who do homework, some who don't, some who are struggling (like me) and some who are quite at home with a second (or third or fourth) language. Thursday is another very long and full day, with the others all starting early, and all but one ending around six.
Friday night was one of our informal get togethers. This was at a neighborhood pub -- the neighborhood of one of my friends/colleagues, a great young man from France. He's been talking about it as long as I've known him, and now I've been there. He did not overrate it -- it is terrific! I'd passed it weekly on my way to a class, always thinking that it looked interesting. Now I know I was right.
And - - - to the election. Hooray, Hooray, Hooray! ! ! ! ! Arnaud led in raising a glass to "your" new president. The mood at the table, regardless of nationality, was jubilant! and vocal! and thoughtful!
I awakened Wednesday a.m. to my clock radio, set for the BBC, broadcasting live McCain's concession speech. Yes, against all my better judgment, I'd watched some of the results of the proceedings on my computer. Thank goodness I had internet at the time! The speech gave me the answer. And I must say -- I left for class with my head held a little higher!
I've been following the editorials and Op-Ed columnists extra faithfully the past couple weeks. If you haven't read some of the comments (and are interested) you can access the NYT free online. (I'm glad I had it set up to come in daily because a student requested it. I probably wouldn't have thought about doing it for myself.) It has been so good to learn from others so much more knowledgeable than I, and even more affirming, to hear my thoughts and suspicions echoed and re-echoed.
Conclusion on that topic: I'm so grateful for the change and so fearful that some of the support may erode simply because there is so much to be done and it will take so long to make a difference. In many ways the period after the Velvet Revolution was reflected in my mind. Nearly everyone thought everything would change immediately. What challenges he's facing. And even in the middle of the euphoria what ridiculous questions are being raised. But I'm grateful we're at this point! And saddened at some of the lack of progress we reflect as a nation -- IMHO (in my humble opinion).
It is beginning to show signs of morning outside the window, a signal I'm behind in my schedule. As usual, I'm not quite as ready for today (and the remainder -- there is no rest -- of the week) as I'd like to be. But there's always the evening to catch up -- and then another weekend to pick up, sort through, and make some sense out of the papers I've stacked on the coffee table!
I hope your week is equally satisfying, joyful, and most of all, hopeful.
The summer term and the school month ended yesterday. That means I have yet another round of month-end reporting to complete and a new folder to assemble for each class -- all those time consuming tasks which must be completed but which seem to add very little to a sense of accomplishment or the quality of life. It certainly is satisfying when it's out of the way, however, and my deadline is tomorrow evening. The transition also means I'm losing a few very enjoyable classes as their regular teachers return from holiday, and I will pick up a few who have begun a new contract with StJ.
Yes, I continue to be grateful that I am here, so appreciative that StJ hired me, and so thankful for the good, full schedule the Client Relations Managers keep giving me. (I was one of the few folks not complaining about lack of work during the summer, though I also had fewer hours than normal and hope to get that back up beginning Monday!) Each day I find new reasons to enjoy my surroundings in this beautiful and historic city, my varied and interesting colleagues, my marvelous (it seems I keep getting the "best") students, and most of all, the opportunites that just keep popping up. What a incredible space in which to be spending this part of my life -- how wonderfully unexpected and how exciting, even in its most quiet and pensive moments.
And pensive is how I've been lately. We passed an anniversary a week ago, and it has been ever present in my thoughts both in the runup and followup. Did "your" press remind you of the Russian invasion of Czechoslovakia on August 21, 1968? (And that it was the second time in 30 years that the machinery of war filled their streets.) Even having only English, I would have to have been deaf, dumb, and blind to miss it here! In each class I asked only once what they had heard about the event, and without prompting the conversations continued. Only a couple students were old enough to have personal memories -- and they lived in villages where there were very few changes in their daily lives, particularly because they were so young at the time. But there were stories about their parents, stories which seemed to have been hidden away, repressed for a variety of reasons.
One young man told me of finding a collection of all the newspapers articles and photographs of the event as he sorted through his father's belongings after his death, only months before the Velvet Revolution. It had never been mentioned in the home. The discovery prompted an interest in history and sadness that his father had not lived to see the next change.
Asking about 1968 also brought forth stories about 1989. One student told me that his class at school in northern Bohemia had begged to be excused so they could join the demonstrations and celebrations in Prague. Because the day off was refused, they wore red,white, and blue ribbons for days in honor of their "new" country.
Most moving to me, however, have been the photographic exhibits of the event. One is in Wenceslas (as in "Good King. . .") Square (Vaclavski Namesti) where there was also a replica of one of the tanks. Another was at an exhibition space in the City Hall at Old Town Square, a square that has seen so much conflict and managed to come through / bounce back each time, but not without human suffering. I wish you could have been with me to look at the faces in those photographs and help me sort out my impressions and feelings. Czechs are so "white" -- except for the old buildings those tanks could have been rumbling down any American street. Those faces so distorted with horror and anger could have been my neighbors and family. And I cannot believe we "deserve" to be spared! Nor do I believe any people "deserve" an event such as that.
I know -- it's complicated. I know -- we have individual responsibility for the results of our actions, our inaction, our elections, for our silence (and I am probably more guilty than the next) and complicity. I know, I know, I know. And yet I cannot walk away from the faces. I cannot look past the bullet holes still remaining in some of the buildings.
My mind continues to stumble forward as it tries to understand human (and inhuman) behavior. I cannot refuse to hear the mutterings about how things were better under communism or why everything is just fine now. And it is interesting to hear young views of political misconduct, of apparent refusal to recognize the interconnectedness of our world, of how vulnerable they still feel caught between manipulative leaders! Weaving one life is so complicated -- the threads of the warp and the woof seem to tangle constantly, and the pattern certainly is still confusing. How much more complicated when all the other threads are pulled through to make a village, a community. Trying to understand how people learn, how they view the world, and why some need it to be so simple and others can live in such ambiguity has kept me mentally engaged for years now. Seeing those faces does not make it easier. Nor is it any easier to have a different landscape, to hear different inflections and unknown words as I go through each day. I cannot use "different" as an excuse or an apology.
There is so much still churning around in my head and heart. I think of personal friends who have paid dearly for taking an unpopular stance. I look at the photographs and wonder where my face would be, how I would behave if this had been my world. I continue to do what is expected each day -- the things I have promised StJ, my students, and those who have believed in me I would do. There's so much to ponder. . .
I'll continue the journey and hope you'll stay with me. School is about to resume. I can tell by the activity in front of the one on my street -- lots of boxes, teachers taking new items in to decorate the school rooms, lists in front of the building saying who goes where and when. I'm quite sure the tourist season is not over, though it may have peaked. And I know there are lots of village and town festivals and activities planned for the fall. I will keep you posted. There's more to follow. So many new things, interesting people, and exciting events. I hope you're enjoying it also.
definitely not golden. But at least it isn't the sign of something amiss!In this case silence is caused by even more computer problems. First it was over three weeks of lost internet connections. That was remedied, thank goodness, and then the whole computer decided it doesn't know me. Can you imagine it -- your own computer, something that feels as close as your skin, or an appendage, or even, in some cases and at least for me, your brain -- refusing to acknowledge you when you try to say good morning. How dare it! This is just a quick opportunity to touch base, to let you know that all is certainly well, that my love of life in Prague has only deepened. I'm enjoying my summer classes/students/schedule. (I would enjoy it even more if there weren't so many cancellations. That is, however, a fact of life here. Did you know that four weeks is the mandated holiday allotment here? And they do enjoy it!) Overall, though, this is a very nice change and I look forward to the next month also.It has been difficult to say farewell to new friends, some returning to the States for grad school, for retirement, or for another type of work. Others will be going to different countries; this is a way of life for them. In some cases the goodbye is temporary -- they are taking summer holiday (a few to earn enough money to be able to afford this job!) and will be returning in September/October.Then there is the real enjoyment and excitement - - Dasa and Thomas arrived two weeks ago. It is wonderful to have a phone conversation be a local call! How exciting to watch Thomas speak to one grandmother (babicka) in Czech and instantly switch to English with the other. What a joy it is to be listening to his stories, his descriptions of visits to castles, and playing trucks and trains with him again. And what a great weekend we had together. Of course, there was plenty of terrific Czech food, a fun visit with Dasa's aunt and uncle. A highlight of that time was watching Thomas enjoy their family "farm": geese, tractor, plow, chickens, bunnies, lots of fruits and vegetables, all the great things city boys miss! Our weather's been weird -- that's the most used word to describe it. Cold, rainy, then colder with heavier rain.Dasa, Thomas, and Zdenek, her older brother, were coming to Prague today. While I taught they were going to go up Petrin, I believe. It is a tower built to resemble the Eiffel Tower, 60 metres high, 299 steps to climb, and on a really clear day it is said you can see the highest peak in the Republic 150 kilometers away. Then we were going to explore the Charles Bridge (Karlov Most) together and do whatever else looked like fun. Because of a really stormy forecast, we canceled/postponed the visit last night. By noon today -- you guessed it -- the sun was shining and I was feeling awful! Fortunately for my spirits, we just had another harsh downpour and more is obviously on the way. And I know I'll see them, even if only briefly, several more times.Prague is dressed in her summer finery -- lush green "frames" for the baroque facades supplied by interesting trees, flowers hanging over balcony railings and sweeping nearer the street each time I pass, open windows with lace curtains (it's the standard here) blowing in the breezes to a wonderful rhythm they all seem to catch at the same time, tantalizing garden gates now open to find the same breezes. And I must not forget the chickens (and snails) on my Friday trek. Each is getting fatter. (It's obvious what the chickens are eating -- I stopped to watch their peck-peck-peck. It is less obvious for the snails. Whatever their diet, they do grow!)I've had some enjoyable evenings out -- Pub Night once again with colleagues, a regular occurrence at StJ, several quiet evenings of great conversation with different colleagues over some good Czech beer, an interesting but unsuccessful book hunt, and the promise of more of these times to come.And Prague is receiving her spring/summer allotment of tourists with her usual grace and calm. It seems that each time I go out there are more people to wait for, walk around, stand still behind, or generally find a way to move through. I frequently think how grateful I am that I am not a tourist this time. It is such a peaceful feeling to be able to enjoy daily routines in this setting without a rush to see everything at once. And yes, I must get myself moved out and around again. That's the next post, I'm sure.For now, all is well here. I wish the same for you.
What a wild couple of weeks! Lots of ups and downs -- most annoying was that my internet connection was perpetually down. It spends days down and minutes up, and I'm sure we're not finished with this yet! For almost three weeks now it has been unavailable for days/weeks at a time, then returning -- perhaps -- in 30-minute spurts at random times. Reminds me of inserting coins for heat in Great Britain.
One of the things I remember very clearly from an article discussing Culture Shock sent to me as I finished my certification was, I believe, Step 3: Becoming annoyed at things which don't work as you expect. And of course my mental response was that I wouldn't let it happen to me. Frankly, I'd been annoyed enough (mostly quietly and usually only to myself) at things in Durham that I wondered how that could possibly be a problem. Well -- take away my connection and I quickly find out! It is a lifeline for me mentally and emotionally. My family is on the other end, wherever they may be at any time. My friends are around, even when we're not in constant contact. And, of course, it is my connection with information I need from StJ as well as an opportunity to research topics needed for teaching.
This object lesson in the importance of connection and communication has reminded me over and over of my incredible, wonderful grandmother -- homesteading twice in Oklahoma as it was opened for settlers. (Never mind the people who were already living there. And, by the way, some Czechs mentioned our past with the Indians just this week. What could I say . . . ?) What a difference in my choices and hers. My goodness, I can actually see Alexander as we talk on Skype. Almost no one is very far away, when I have a connection, that is.
And an up? I now have all of my visa completed! Hooray. We were notified the processing was complete, and one of the young women from the StJ office made the trip to Vienna to pick them up at the Embassy for Kim and me. I believe I'd already mentioned we couldn't leave the country then return in fewer than 90 days unless it was complete and in our hand. After she received them, we had three days to get a stamp from the Foreign (aka Alien) Police. Of course, they were closed on one of those days, and we had to save the other in case something went wrong. There are lots of stories about how much can go wrong and how awful the day at the FP can be. So at 4:45 a.m. Monday we joined a great hoarde of non-Czechs, some of whom had slept there overnight to be at the front of the line, which at that point was a long distance from where we stood. What chaos. There were even several imitations of a military-style regimentation from a couple people who had obviously taken money from a long list of people on the promise that they would be put at the front of the line. Fortunately, there were others who helped us stand our ground. Actually, just describing the people in my immediate vicinity and the varieties of humanity, humour, and helpful/lessness would take many pages. Police arrived to keep order about 6:30 and the doors opened an hour later. The crush was unbelievable, even with what small semblance of order had been restored. With all the right paperwork -- and StJ made sure everything was in order -- groups of 20 or so entered at one time to receive a number. Sort of a deli counter without food! All the numbers for the day had been given out before 11!
To make a long story with lots of twists, turns, and very interesting people short - - - in only eight hours I was out of there, new visa firmly affixed to my passport. And my words to the young woman who joined us from StJ (just in case we needed any translation) were, "I believe I've waited 18 years for this." It was, indeed, a happy moment. I've been "legal" since arriving, taking required steps at the right time. It's just that now it is all together in one very important place. What a wonderful moment.
I've also learned about hospitals and medical insurance recently. Proof of medical insurance is required for the visa. It took one very long morning, lots of running around, and a significant amount of money to get that completed. The man who did my paperwork was a delight to work with -- gave great explanations and went out of his way to make it all work just right.
You guessed it -- only a week later I needed it. My foot (what else do I need more than my feet for all this running around, huh!) was really severely injured when a woman knocked me off balance and then hit my weight-bearing leg with her little pull cart. Oh my it hurt. One more shortened story -- StJ gave me all the right information, checked out the insurance process, got everything in line for the hospital, where I had to go to the Foreign Office. (There's that word again!) Apparently this hospital is especially good at dealing with EU and other non-Czech speaking folks. I cannot believe how smoothly it all went, almost no waiting, extremely helpful and solicitous people, a great woman doctor who gave good information and instructions. Could not have been better, including the fact that their English was great and they took care of insurance coverage without having to go through reimbursement! Nothing was broken, though it still doesn't work right. I came out with one heck of a wrap that I'm to wear for five days. And I can get around quite well. I am SO blessed. So you and I continue to travel on together.
Oh yes, other changes. This is the time of the year for saying goodbye to new friends and colleagues. Over the past several weeks colleagues who had become new friends have left for other, not necessarily greener pastures. A couple to grad school, a couple to continue their retirement, some looking for another country they want to visit. And yes, there are empty spaces even though our differing schedules meant that we didn't see each other regularly. Certainly the hiring process is in full swing, and there will be other new faces in the fall. But I feel fortunate to have met some really lovely people and gotten to know them even for a short time.
The leave taking and summer break for the client companies combine to bring about a lot of schedule changes. I'm so grateful that the Client Managers have given me some great new people to work with and many of my regular students/companies are continuing through the summer. I just have to get the different routes and times changed mentally. Oh, yes -- this is a right turn, not a left turn today!
As for change - - - it is indeed the constant. Even when the schedule and the days look as though they will be the same or very similar, something wonderful happens. Here it is a new week -- wonder what it will bring!
Travel in peace and with joy - - -
Cobblestones can be wonderful. They present endless variety of colors, patterns, opportunities to stumble, unexpected sights -- pleasant and unpleasant, and often a chance for reflection. Because a serious fall is not something I wish to invite, I find myself looking down more consistently than usual. This was a very good week to keep my eyes on the stones! Some of the unexpected pleasures - - -
A snail whose shell was quite large, larger than the circle of my thumb and middle finger, patiently making its way from the road side of the stones to a lovely grassy area opposite. (S)he was almost there. Considering the distance of the journey in snail terms, the end was in sight but still required quite a bit of traveling. I could not begin to imagine where the journey began. The road behind was a busy four-lane major access. How could it be that none of those tires ended the snail's slow and measured trip? I stopped to watch for a few moments (one of the rewards of being a bit early most of the time) and could not discern any progress at all. Naturally I stopped again on my return trip. Not a snail in sight. I even checked the high grass. I'm glad I didn't see it -- that meant no harm had come, at least on the unprotected cobblestone walkway. And the reflection -- I'm sure you're there ahead of me. I still find myself thinking about journeys, setting out without knowing the end, patience, and just doing what needs to be done.
A young woman cradling her pet in her arms as she walked along a very busy sidewalk. She was crooning and stroking, admiring and enjoying. From a distance it looked as though she had a new puppy, all black and probably pretty cute. And then they were right in front of me. It was a black piglet! Talk about surprises. The piglet and the young woman seemed to be enjoying themselves equally. And they certainly gave me another smile in my day. Prague is a city which loves its dogs! This was a new (to me) variation on the theme. Dogs are everywhere, totally well behaved, often entertaining, and treated like members of the family (sometimes that's good, sometimes not). I wonder if I'll get to see the pig again. The reflection -- I probably haven't seen everything yet; it's wise to maintain a good balance between keeping track of the immediate (looking down) and keeping an eye on the long view (looking up and around); and yes, we each have our own ideas of enjoyment.
Trams in trouble at during commuting time -- not a pretty sight. As I waited for my correct number at a busy tram junction in the middle of several very busy highways, it became apparent that the one sitting on the tracks was not going anywhere soon. My view expanded -- there were others standing still, and they had not yet reached their stops. Clearly the power wasn't working. One of the advantages (also a huge disadvantage) of knowing so little of the language is that there are great gaps in my knowledge of what's happening. That means I can create my own internal version! People were wiggling, squirming, and talking with each other. Some were leaning out of the doors to look around. One "in charge" gentleman from the second coach got out and came to talk with (or perhaps to) the driver. After some time, one, then two, and finally nearly everyone on the trams got off, obviously to find some other way to work. A few resolute folks stayed put! They had a seat and they were not relinquishing it until they were told to. Actually, they may have grabbed a seat when the exodus began. You've guessed the outcome: when the tram was nearly empty the power returned, everyone still in the vicinity scurried to get back on, and the day continued as usual. As for me, I stayed put till my own tram came. The reflection: when is it right to wait and when is action required? And do we ever really know until after the fact? What about leading and following? Where is the line between taking care of yourself and watching out for others? And sometimes there are no known alternatives -- I didn't have a clue how else I could have gotten to my destination. That means I get no points at all for staying put.
Three beautiful private courtyards glimpsed at separate times only because the driveway gates were open. The timing was perfect -- I was at the right spot at just the right time (I acknowledge with continuous gratitude how often that has been the case for me in life as well!) to have full view behind the ordinary facade. As I have noted so often before, in Prague, "ordinary" takes on new significance for me! Each was very different: one had red brick pavers surrounding a covered flower garden, another was mostly lush grass with a few low flowering bushes, and the third an open area with unusual -- to me -- small trees providing privacy for the various doorways. Apartment buildings here are built right up to the street -- the open spaces are enclosed within the rectangle. No front yards here. Privacy is well maintained. There is individuality and often great beauty on the street side. Frequently, however, there is a magical world on the inside. If only I could have gone in and seen the whole, perhaps even looked down from an upper story flat. Again, obvious reflections: our seeming obsession with outward appearance and the magic of discovering unknown individuality behind the "street side" of a person; the apparent randomness and chaos of life's conjunctions; and most especially, the importance of tending my own garden.
I'm still looking up and around while also watching my step. It's another week. I wonder what sightings are just waiting for me to happen by and appreciate their contribution to my life.
Random thoughts have been fighting for space in my brain lately. They seem to pop up at unexpected times and inappropriate places. And because this is the place and way I can share my journey with you, as well as keep a bit of a journal for myself, this evening seems to be the time to bring some order to the cranial chaos. It also is a way to share some of the mixed feelings and unexpected pleasures of every day. This is not inclusive, it certainly is not rank ordered, and I know the minute I click "publish post" I will think of at least five other things that should have been included somewhere.
Things I miss:
-- Family
-- Friends
-- Quick and not-so-quick phone conversations with friends and family
-- A microwave
-- My own washer and dryer. (The laundromat's a great place. I meet fascinating people there. It is, however, also a bit of a hassle and takes time and energy, rain or shine.)
-- Being able to read the directions on the things I buy!
-- Hugging grandsons (and their parents, of course)
-- My car
-- Knowing where to get good, inexpensive food on the run (not necessarily the same thing as take out.)
-- Being connected with the everyday changes in the lives of those I love and miss
Things I love:
-- Radishes and kohlrabi as a snack or a "crunchy" in my lunch bag
-- The unknown songs of unseen birds
-- Life without a car in a place that knows how to do public transportation!
-- Watching the sky change from Carolina blue to storm gray in a matter of minutes
-- Watching Czech children on the tram and on the street
-- Ever present, ever available (darn it) Czech sweets
-- A feeling of belonging
-- New friends
-- Being comfortable in each moment, listening to my own unknown song
Things I'm grateful for:
-- This place and this moment in my life
-- Feeling that I am making a positive contribution in the lives of others
-- Being able to wake up and move out each morning
-- The technology which makes it seem as though the life I left behind isn't really so far away
-- The colors of Prague
-- Milton's blog as it nourishes my spirit at unexpected moments
-- Keeping the pace (mostly)
-- The view of my courtyard
-- All the promises of each tomorrow
-- The support of family and friends, whether they agree with me or not (and even if they think I'm crazy!)
This isn't the end, it's just a beginning. It's just a minor dent in all the things that could/should be included on these lists. Most of all, I'm grateful for the gift of each new day and the chance to continue learning, to keep adjusting my view and testing my values, to see another new slice of life as others see it. I hope you are enjoying the same gift, wherever you are.
