Perhaps, a pair...

(I was standing there waiting, when I saw the mirrored door.)

But he has the bigger camera.

The neighborhood was Karlin (of Praha)

"It was such an area, and this area was very, very interesting from a social point of view. For instance, it's funny, but between the wars and even before the First World War, the prostitutes from Karlin were very expensive because they knew manners. The bourgeoisie lived here together with workers, and there were no social problems. The whole spectrum of society lived together in Karlin. Of course, after the 1950s new people came here, and at that point social life in Karlin was decaying. But anyway, there were still nice cabarets, there were small theatres, and some good pubs."

PRAGUE: 2011 April
The Grand Finale of Joon's ten-day European Excursion (where Sara unsuccessfully tries to kill company with road trips through five countries [Note: apparently Koreans from Chicago are hardy folks]) was beloved Prague, selected by Joon as a destination. I've been there a few times before and was happy to go, but not jumping out of my skin in excitement. However we were completely overwhelmed with its gothic beauty and tapestry of colors, delighting in simple finds around every corner. I've decided this is my favorite city in the world. It has yet to disappoint.

(a view from our balcony in the neighborhood of Karlin)

(hanging over the said balcony)

(when you take a timer picture but forget to check the zoom)

(the mini parked on the street, even though I've heard lots of auto theft stories from Prague-- our pension owner said it was fine-- Karlin was compared to Prenzlauer Berg in Berlin)

(we could not stop hanging out the window)

(the real living geranium in the window of course reminded me of my mom who loves geraniums for as long as I can remember, but her favorite variety is the martha washington)

(someone who lived in our apartment complex)

(I was in love with these clocks, and they were so convenient since I do not wear a watch or carry a phone)

(our room had delightfully odd decor, including barack-in-a-jar)

(walking in a park- there were lotsa parks and hills)

(somewhere on a side street)

(my keens fit right in in Prague)

(Czech is a little like English with funner letters)

(these were super-yum)

(love the trams but did not ride any this time)

(a black and white building made me think of my mom Kathy too)

(hanging out the window again with zoom in effect)

(Cruella de Praha)

(most of the people were really cute, or at least very interesting)

(a fairy tale city)

(we had a beer on this hill)

(mirrored windows sind uber convenient)

(train station where I've arrived in the past)

(these are from the window again)

(a cafe in Karlin we ran into, way away from the tourist center)

(they had just opened it 2 weeks ago)

(admiring James Brown, we think)

(we would've eaten at the first place but they were closing and directed us to come here instead, Charleston)

(it was pouring and lightning and I loved it because I always think rain is romantic)

(we had the best mushroom gnocchi here)

(hanging out the window again)

(wet trains from the window)

(naked Commie soldier babies)

(for Carrie, my owl loving sister)

(I love crumbling buildings)

(these actually tasted almost exactly like my Grandma Agnes Smetana's Czech Kolaches-- except for the powdered sugar on top)

(I liked that orange truck even though it looks red in this photo)

And then after 4 months of training, I couldn't run the marathon

The Damn Left Foot. It was not to be. No cooperation; still not normal, so I knew there was no way a 26.2 miler was in my future.

I went to Prague anyway, and met up with RnD. (That's Ross and Dee.) Hopped the train.

Found out Friday that I am the "Hot Ginger" and Amber (Captain Carlson) is the "Hot Blonde." She thinks of herself as a redhead and I think of myself as a blonde, but I think the soldiers are more correct... Tee hee hee.

The arena/hall where we went to pick up my marathon packet. I figured I may as well get the t-shirt since I paid 75 Euros for registration. Does not look like any arena I know!

The arena inside, where the magic was... After I picked up my packet, I saw a sign that the marathon was sold out. The website stated registrations couldn't be transferred... but I asked and they said I could. So I just stood there a while. About 15 minutes... and then a group of four Irish guys came up looking for registration. They all said, let Davey have it! Day of entry registration was 100E but I sold it for 75E. I figure it was better karma to do it that way. He was delighted and kissed me on the cheek. After his friends called him a "dirty old man" he kissed Dee too. They said, "What about dad?" (Meaning Ross.) He didn't get a kiss. They were all sweet. It was a good experience, and boded well for the rest of the weekend.

Alleyway just by RnD's apartment. In old town.

The 5-level dance club that's been there for years. We went here in 2001! Crazy shit.

Praha's famous clock.

Here's where I would've started the marathon. I watched it instead. It was mass chaos as always, and then a gunshot, the release of blue and white balloons, and Bedrich Smetana's The Moldau filling the square. It was so perfect, I almost cried.

I don't know what this is.

Oldtown, and that's the clock on the left.

Oldtown at night.

That's the castle on the hill. I didn't get up there. Was too lazy, but will next time. I was there in 2001...

Charles Bridge early in the day. (Note the lack of hoards of tourists...)

Where I got my second coffee of the day.

Sculpture of keys.

Water station that I didn't have to get water at... I'll admit, watching the runners made rather happy that I hadn't had to drag myself through the entire 26.2 miles.

Adorable car.

Neato windshield wiper.

They have commie buildings here too!

Waiting to leave... I was soo tired. And sore feet, being relegated to my knee high boots, which are not so kind to the bottom of the feet.


Back at work today, soldiers galore. I expect much of the same the rest of this week...

If you have not heard the Moldau, I hope you listen to it now:
(I first heard it in a music class at the Univ of ND, and have never forgotten its beauty.)