This will be the second night spent at a Czech family's home on the outskirts of Prague. The homeowner's name is Doctor Mayer. He runs this small pension. He has one cute, friendly little girl who greeted us with a "dobry den", and two cute sons. Dr. Mayer found us at the train station and invited us to see his home. For a large room, cable tv, internet, bathroom with soap, breakfast and sauna, it is the equivalent to $12 US DOLLARS! (and cold drinks for extra korunas)

I am watching German MTV right now and there is a rap video..yes, German rappers. Its distracting me.

Today I explored Zamek Konopiste, the royal castle where King Ferdinand and his family (the last of the Hapsburg royal family) lived. We had a private tour since there were no other English speakers on the particular tour at that time of day. That meant special treatment! The Czech girl giving the tour gave us more time than we payed for, and let us walk in places where people normally can't go, and showed us actual items (photographs, hairbrushes, toys, everything!) The castle itself is unreal. It was built in the 1200s! There is a moat around it and trees, very green grass, and gardens with statues.

Konopiste is in the Czech countryside outside of Prague. There are chestnut trees, birches, daisies, and beautiful open fields and forested areas. Dr. Mayer's villa is in the country also. I awoke this morning to the sound of roosters crowing. I've made friends with the family cat, Pepino. I love orange cats.

Interesting people can be found on trains. On the tram back from Konopiste, I felt a tiny tap on my shoulder. When I turned around there were two big green eyes staring up at me. It was a very young Czech boy. I smiled at him and his adorable curious little face just kept watching me with my forehead against the window pane.

On the opposite side of the aisle, a girl, maybe four years younger than me sat down. I noticed she was crying. She faced the corner wall and covered her face with her hands, sniffling. I wanted to go over to her, poor girl, and ask her to tell me what was wrong, to comfort and hug her, but she probably wouldn't have understood much English, and I don't know enough Czech to hold a conversation.

It rained today. It was grey and cold outside, but still so beautiful. More beautiful than ever.

departure - arrival