CZECH IT OUT!

After a few beautiful transitions through the countrysides of Switzerland and Austria (ok so we were asleep for most of them), we have arrived in Prague (Praha) and were warmly greeted by a friend of a friend whom came to find us at the train station. Adela quickly taught us the transit system and even a few words in Czech. As soon as we hit the fresh Prague air we were pleasantly surprised by the great weather, not typical for this time year has been a popular statements by the locals all over Europe. We have been grateful for this as well. We have truly enjoyed staying in Prague with their family and getting lost in the streets.

Lokal Czech Cuisine

Part of the love of traveling has been that we have not only followed our hearts but our stomachs as well. So it just so happened that this weekend the Czechs were having their local food festival in Prague and all the best restaurants attended. The diverse food selections really highlighted their desire to improve food styles from their typical dense cuisine, but of course you can't go wrong with a Czech Pilsner. It was a beautiful day to wander the gardens of Prasky Hrad (Prague Castle) and enjoy various tastes of food. One our favorites was a fruit dessert (not excluding our daily dose of gelato) from a restaurant called Lokal which could have fit right in Portland. Here are a few photos from the event. Enjoy!

History in motion

It is hard to wander around Prague with out running into hoards of tourist from every part of the world trying to capture their piece of photographic history. One of my favorite things is to sit back and observe the on goings in the streets and how other travelers take in the moment. Prague is alive with culture, food and a depth of history that emphasizes the youth of the America.

Jewish Prague

Starting the tour of the Jewish synagogues made history leap to the present as we walked around the Jewish area into the Pinkish synagogue and were struck with all the names on the wall representing those who were lost during the holocaust. When entering the room there is only the sound of the sombering organ music and people shuffling about quietly whispering numbers in shock 19, 35, 14, 27... ages of those who had passed. A small section of the museum had art work from one of the camps that children had drawn during there time there, the one that still lingers in my memory was one in a shape of a tear drop with faces of people with blue eyes representing the utter sadness that was seen.

Austria

After much time traveling we were craving a bit of relaxation and non destination for a few days. We were very lucky to land in Austria with my brothers friends Adam and Astrid and their whole family. They opened their homes and we were welcomed into the daily life in Linz and the countryside of Asha. The main agenda was to not have an agenda therefore we happened upon a birthday party for Renate (Astrids mom), French lessons (a wonderful group of ladies who have met for about 10 years who “learn” French and enjoy French beverages :) and great conversation on the love of travel and food.

We spent the first day biking around the countryside along the Danube and partaking in the traditional hydration stops (Radler to be exact-beer with lemonade mmmmmm) . I have become accustomed to this way of life and think it should become part of the Portland local scene as well (although the HUB does have a Radler we need them along all bike paths-my goal upon return)!

Amongst the resting we took a day and wandered into Linz for a movie and art walk on the roofs of local buildings.

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