Hi Everyone,
Today, I'm writing from my family's home in the US! The trip over was pretty good and comfortable (well, as comfortable as is possible in a full plane!), and I was very happy that the airline was able to fulfill my gluten-free meal request so well! My meals were actually better than the other passengers' in the economy section! I have made a few trips, in the past, where the airline didn't have any food for me at all...the excuses being: the meal was left at the airport, wasn't in the computer, or they fixed fish and other things that I'm also allergic to! But this time, the food was great and I could eat most everything they served! Having such good food helped me to arrive at the final stop in a fairly good condition, and my first night in the US was spent at a hotel since I got in so late Monday evening. My parents came to get me the very next morning--early! And we had a 3 hour drive back to the house.
This time, the psychological transition from the Czech Republic to the US seems to be a little bit easier than I had expected. I am still pretty discombobulated due to the culture change, the language, etc. We stopped at a super Walmart on the way home, and I experienced sensory overload in a big way! The stores back in Prague offer a lot of variety, but still not nearly the variety we are used to in the US. I have gotten used to what we have back in Prague--not having to make so many choices has become my habit, but seeing all the products at the super Walmart was very overwhelming just due to the sheer volume of choices available! When I was trying to find the things I needed, I kept walking right past them...literally not seeing them...due to the sensory overload! Dad was laughing...it was a bit irritating for me! Thankfully, I didn't need too much...so it didn't take too long and we were finished at Walmart. I am afraid staying longer would have driven me to the brink of insanity (well, I might already be there--it would have pushed me over the edge!)!!
Our family house looks about the same, except for all the new plants my parents have been busy planting! They have been busy with some improvements to the yard and inside the house...but these haven't been hard on me at all..I once lived in this house where my parents are now living...and its OK...it still feels like home, but with my Mom's adept redocrating touch, the house is looking very fine, now! My parents have brought a breath of fresh air to this house...it is very pleasant and comfortable...peaceful and relaxing. I'm happy to be here again...thankfully, too, my Mom and Dad haven't changed too much since I last saw them...they are in pretty good health and very active...so they have not aged at all!!
One of my daughters is here, home from university, and I can see many changes in her! They are all changes for the better...the changes that are common in early adulthood. We will be spending some time together walking, playing her Wii and talking...I'm looking forward to time together. My other daughter will come in a week or so...and then we'll all be together. My husband will be joining us, too, and also my brother! So, I will have a lot of family time on this trip! And that's OK with me! Oh, and I'm making up for lost time with Pal and Jade, too...Jade has already kissed me...and Pal was happy to see me...he's been my pal for many years...and the bond we have has not changed at all...that is also very comforting for me on coming home again.
So, for now, on my second day back home, the transition seems to be going a little bit smoother...so maybe I'm making some progress, too...each trip brings more experience, and better understanding of what happens when making these transitions between my two home countries! I'm learning more about myself, and how to deal with these culture transitions...that's something that needs to happen to help me with the evolution of this new phase in my life!
Well, that's all for now...you all have a great day!
God bless,
Sherry :0)
http://czechoffthe beatenpath.googlepages.com
(c) 2008 by czechoffthebeatenpath
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
Going Home
Hi Everyone,Today I'm off to the US to see my kids and family, and my dog, Pal! It will be great to see everyone--I've not been home for almost 6 months! Many things change in that amount of time. When you leave for that long, and then go back, you expect that all will be as you left it...everyone will be the same as when you last saw them. Psychologically, this is what you expect. So, sometimes going home after a lengthy time can bring a bit of a shock when you meet your family and friends again. It is the same for those you left behind...when they see you again, they will notice changes, too. This is the part of living away from everyone that can be challenging. Its not quite as hard when you use the webcam to visit with everyone, or when you exchange pictures back and forth. Still, there are changes that pictures can't capture...like the kids being more grown up, etc. So, I'm wondering what changes I will find when I get home...and wondering what changes everyone there will notice about me! It will be interesting, I'm sure!
Anyway, that's all for today...I'll be back on Wednesday with a regular post! You all have a great day!
God bless,
Sherry :0)
PS The picture (above) is of my dog, Pal (the Golden Retriever/Chow mix), and my folks' dog, Jade. This was taken on Pal's birthday this year--our family has birthday parties for the dogs...and cats...it's fun and we and they really enjoy it! Pal loves presents...At Christmas time, he will even open presents that aren't his! And Jade has the fastest tongue in the West!!! She loves to jump up and surprise people with a kiss! She aims for the lips, for some reason...and she's fast, let me tell you! She got my husband when we were home last...he was on guard, except for one time...she ran past him and kissed him as she went by! :0)
http://czechoffthebeatenpath.googlepages.com
(c) 2008 by czechoffthebeatenpath
Photo property of S. A. Vacik
Friday, July 25, 2008
La Rambla, Port Vell, and Poble Espanyola--Barcelona, Spain
Hi Everyone,
Today I will finish talking about Barcelona by writing about La Rambla, Port Vell and Poble Espanyol. These are some very fascinating places in Barcelona, and were the last places we visited in that beautiful city on our walk from Parc Guell.
La Rambla is a major street, going from the Placa Catalunya (the main plaza in the center of Barcelona) all the way down to the sea, and ending at the Columbus Monument, at Port Vell. La Rambla is about 1.2 kilometers long, and is tree-lined, with a pedestrian mall in the middle. The street is lined, on both sides, with theaters, hotels and restaurants, and the pedestrian mall (in the middle) is filled with stalls that sell everything from small pets to flowers and jewelry. The day we were there, the street was pretty crowded! I've heard that this place is a bit of a pickpocket haven, but we had no trouble. Prague is also known for pickpockets, so you learn how to keep your valuables safe! Anyway, we walked down this street all the way. There were so many sights to see--from all the people to street performers! The street performers were mostly "living" statues. They were in various costumes (see pictures above) and most of the time they are completely still. But, if you talk to them, or give them money, they will move and respond to you! They were fascinating to watch! We also found many stalls along the "mall"...they were selling flowers--and small pets! The pet stalls were all pretty clean and the animals looked to be in good health. We found small animals, such as hamsters and gerebils, and birds--lots of birds! The stall keepers were selling parakeets, chickens, etc. They were also selling fish of all kinds! I enjoyed stopping to look at these stalls--I love animals! Farther down the street, near the end, we came across stalls selling jewelry and t-shirts and other things. There was a good breeze coming off the sea, so it was quiet pleasant walking, even in the midst of the crowd! Another market, St. Josep's Mercado, is just off La Rambla. It is a great place! The market is filled with everything from fruits and vegetables to meat and seafood. I think you could find most anything you wanted in this line in that market! Everything was clean and arranged in appetizing displays.
My husband and I walked all the way down La Rambla, till we got to the Columbus Monument, which is on the southern end of La Rambla, on Port Vell. This monument is dedicated to Christoper Columbus, and it is said that the monument is placed near the site (on the port) where Columbus returned after his visit to the Americas. The monument was built for the Exposicion Universal de Barceona, in 1888. It was made so that Columbus would be pointing west, toward the Americas from his perch, but in fact, he is pointing east! The Columbus Monument is very grand--please see the pictures above.
After viewing the Columbus Monument, we crossed the street and finally found ourselves at the end of La Rambla, and on the coast--viewing the Mediterranean Sea! This was my first time to see the Mediterranean (on the ground)...well, it was the port, but still the Mediterranean! Port Vell is very pretty--it reminded so much of Corpus Christi! There is a famous bridge there, Mare Magnum, which leads out over the port to the Mall of Espanyola. Here, you can find the aquarium and IMAX theater, along with shopping. This is actually a continuation of La Rambla. My husband and I didn't go across the bridge as it was very crowded, but it was inviting! Instead, we walked along the shoreline and took some pictures of the marina. It was a nice place to stop for a break from all the walking we did that day!
We walked and walked that day, so long that my feet were beginning to feel like blocks of lead! But we stopped and rested at a nice small outdoor restaurant--it was a small tapas place. They are everywhere in Barcelona. You can find everything from seafood to hamburger and fries at these places, and the prices are not too bad. The food we had was pretty good. After this, we set out, again, and this time walked toward the National Palace, on a mountain called Montjuic.
In order to get up to the palace, it was necessary to walk through a plaza-like place, called Av. Reina M Cristina. We got there, only to find a huge Harley-Davidson rally that was taking place in the plaza (see pictures above). This was really something--to be in Spain...and to find a Harley rally there! Thankfully, it seemed to be more of a rally for families, than just a biker rally. We decided to walk through the rally as that was how we were to reach our next stop! The people were all pretty regular and normal--there was lots of cerveza, of course, but there were no fights or anything going on (at least when we walked through). It was interesting--so many people and motorcycles everywhere! We felt like we were in the middle of a giant bee hive! But we got through OK, and got to the other side of the plaza...where it was possible to see the National Palace on top of the mountain. And to get to the top, all we could see were stairs and stairs and more stairs! Fortunately, there were also some escalators, otherwise I would have had a very hard time with all those stairs and numb feet! The reason for the escalators is that the Olympic Park for Barcelona is also on the top of this mountain.
Also on top of the mountain is an open-air museum, called Poble Espanyol. This is a park that was built for the Barcelona International Exhibition in 1929. It was built as a model village, and has elements of Spanish architecture that can be found all over Spain. Some 100 Spanish architectural styles are represented in this village. It was a long climb up, but it was worth all the effort when we finally did reach this place. It costs a few Euros to get in. Once inside, you can roam around at will--and see many small shops and restaurants. I've heard this place called a "tourist trap," but even so, we enjoyed seeing all the different styles of buildings--they are put together in a very harmonious way. As you wander the windy streets, you can also come up on small squares with fountains and lots of plants...it is very pretty, charming, and restful in this place!
By the time we finished touring Poble Espanyol, it was getting late--past supper time. My husband and I were hungry, so we stopped and got some simple food to take back to our hotel. It was fun shopping in the local grocery stores there! We did this from time-to-time as the prices were better than you find at the more tourist-type shops. After shopping, as we were walking back to our hotel, it began to rain! This, when Barcelona has been in the midst of a terrible drought! We were OK as we had our umbrellas...and we managed to reach the hotel before the downpour started! This was our last night in Barcelona.
We very much enjoyed our stay in Barcelona--I fell in love with the wine called Lambrusco--it was my first time to try it...it was great! Anyway, Barcelona is a beautiful sea-side city with a wonderful mix of culture. I would highly recommend Barcelona as a place to have a great vacation and to see some of the most historical sites in Spain!
Now, I'm getting ready for another trip--this time back to the US! I'll be spending some time with my family and my dog, Pal!!! I'm really looking forward to seeing them. My husband will join me later, so our family can all be together for a few days! I'll keep blogging while I'm away...and maybe share a little bit about my home there, in the Rocky Mountains.
You all have a great day and a great weekend!
God bless,
Sherry :0)
http://czechoffthebeatenpath.googlepages.com
(c) 2008 by czechoffthebeatenpath
All photos property of S. A. Vacik
Today I will finish talking about Barcelona by writing about La Rambla, Port Vell and Poble Espanyol. These are some very fascinating places in Barcelona, and were the last places we visited in that beautiful city on our walk from Parc Guell.
La Rambla is a major street, going from the Placa Catalunya (the main plaza in the center of Barcelona) all the way down to the sea, and ending at the Columbus Monument, at Port Vell. La Rambla is about 1.2 kilometers long, and is tree-lined, with a pedestrian mall in the middle. The street is lined, on both sides, with theaters, hotels and restaurants, and the pedestrian mall (in the middle) is filled with stalls that sell everything from small pets to flowers and jewelry. The day we were there, the street was pretty crowded! I've heard that this place is a bit of a pickpocket haven, but we had no trouble. Prague is also known for pickpockets, so you learn how to keep your valuables safe! Anyway, we walked down this street all the way. There were so many sights to see--from all the people to street performers! The street performers were mostly "living" statues. They were in various costumes (see pictures above) and most of the time they are completely still. But, if you talk to them, or give them money, they will move and respond to you! They were fascinating to watch! We also found many stalls along the "mall"...they were selling flowers--and small pets! The pet stalls were all pretty clean and the animals looked to be in good health. We found small animals, such as hamsters and gerebils, and birds--lots of birds! The stall keepers were selling parakeets, chickens, etc. They were also selling fish of all kinds! I enjoyed stopping to look at these stalls--I love animals! Farther down the street, near the end, we came across stalls selling jewelry and t-shirts and other things. There was a good breeze coming off the sea, so it was quiet pleasant walking, even in the midst of the crowd! Another market, St. Josep's Mercado, is just off La Rambla. It is a great place! The market is filled with everything from fruits and vegetables to meat and seafood. I think you could find most anything you wanted in this line in that market! Everything was clean and arranged in appetizing displays.
My husband and I walked all the way down La Rambla, till we got to the Columbus Monument, which is on the southern end of La Rambla, on Port Vell. This monument is dedicated to Christoper Columbus, and it is said that the monument is placed near the site (on the port) where Columbus returned after his visit to the Americas. The monument was built for the Exposicion Universal de Barceona, in 1888. It was made so that Columbus would be pointing west, toward the Americas from his perch, but in fact, he is pointing east! The Columbus Monument is very grand--please see the pictures above.
After viewing the Columbus Monument, we crossed the street and finally found ourselves at the end of La Rambla, and on the coast--viewing the Mediterranean Sea! This was my first time to see the Mediterranean (on the ground)...well, it was the port, but still the Mediterranean! Port Vell is very pretty--it reminded so much of Corpus Christi! There is a famous bridge there, Mare Magnum, which leads out over the port to the Mall of Espanyola. Here, you can find the aquarium and IMAX theater, along with shopping. This is actually a continuation of La Rambla. My husband and I didn't go across the bridge as it was very crowded, but it was inviting! Instead, we walked along the shoreline and took some pictures of the marina. It was a nice place to stop for a break from all the walking we did that day!
We walked and walked that day, so long that my feet were beginning to feel like blocks of lead! But we stopped and rested at a nice small outdoor restaurant--it was a small tapas place. They are everywhere in Barcelona. You can find everything from seafood to hamburger and fries at these places, and the prices are not too bad. The food we had was pretty good. After this, we set out, again, and this time walked toward the National Palace, on a mountain called Montjuic.
In order to get up to the palace, it was necessary to walk through a plaza-like place, called Av. Reina M Cristina. We got there, only to find a huge Harley-Davidson rally that was taking place in the plaza (see pictures above). This was really something--to be in Spain...and to find a Harley rally there! Thankfully, it seemed to be more of a rally for families, than just a biker rally. We decided to walk through the rally as that was how we were to reach our next stop! The people were all pretty regular and normal--there was lots of cerveza, of course, but there were no fights or anything going on (at least when we walked through). It was interesting--so many people and motorcycles everywhere! We felt like we were in the middle of a giant bee hive! But we got through OK, and got to the other side of the plaza...where it was possible to see the National Palace on top of the mountain. And to get to the top, all we could see were stairs and stairs and more stairs! Fortunately, there were also some escalators, otherwise I would have had a very hard time with all those stairs and numb feet! The reason for the escalators is that the Olympic Park for Barcelona is also on the top of this mountain.
Also on top of the mountain is an open-air museum, called Poble Espanyol. This is a park that was built for the Barcelona International Exhibition in 1929. It was built as a model village, and has elements of Spanish architecture that can be found all over Spain. Some 100 Spanish architectural styles are represented in this village. It was a long climb up, but it was worth all the effort when we finally did reach this place. It costs a few Euros to get in. Once inside, you can roam around at will--and see many small shops and restaurants. I've heard this place called a "tourist trap," but even so, we enjoyed seeing all the different styles of buildings--they are put together in a very harmonious way. As you wander the windy streets, you can also come up on small squares with fountains and lots of plants...it is very pretty, charming, and restful in this place!
By the time we finished touring Poble Espanyol, it was getting late--past supper time. My husband and I were hungry, so we stopped and got some simple food to take back to our hotel. It was fun shopping in the local grocery stores there! We did this from time-to-time as the prices were better than you find at the more tourist-type shops. After shopping, as we were walking back to our hotel, it began to rain! This, when Barcelona has been in the midst of a terrible drought! We were OK as we had our umbrellas...and we managed to reach the hotel before the downpour started! This was our last night in Barcelona.
We very much enjoyed our stay in Barcelona--I fell in love with the wine called Lambrusco--it was my first time to try it...it was great! Anyway, Barcelona is a beautiful sea-side city with a wonderful mix of culture. I would highly recommend Barcelona as a place to have a great vacation and to see some of the most historical sites in Spain!
Now, I'm getting ready for another trip--this time back to the US! I'll be spending some time with my family and my dog, Pal!!! I'm really looking forward to seeing them. My husband will join me later, so our family can all be together for a few days! I'll keep blogging while I'm away...and maybe share a little bit about my home there, in the Rocky Mountains.
You all have a great day and a great weekend!
God bless,
Sherry :0)
http://czechoffthebeatenpath.googlepages.com
(c) 2008 by czechoffthebeatenpath
All photos property of S. A. Vacik
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
The Barri Gotic--Barcelona, Spain
Hi Everyone,
After visiting Parc Guell, my husband and I walked all the way down to the other end of town, to the Barri Gotic. The pictures from "Out and About in Barcelona" show some of the things we saw along the way. The walk was pretty long, but we enjoyed it! Barcelona is one of the prettiest cities I've ever seen. It is an incredible mix of ancient and modern culture and architecture, with parks and monuments scattered throughout the city. The people there are also very helpful to tourists--we had to stop and ask for directions a couple of times (yes...my husband will occasionally ask for directions!). Most people we encountered seemed to have a smattering of English and were happy to help us. Eventually, we found our way to the Barri Gotic, which goes from La Rambla (a major street in downtown) to the Mediterranean Sea.
The Barri Gotic (Gothic Quarter) is the center of Barcelona, and is a charming maze of narrow, winding streets and very ancient buildings. This is where the city originated in the first century--it was colonized by the Romans. It's even possible to see some of the remains of the Roman wall that once circled this city, as well as two towers that guarded the gates of the city, and to see part of an aqueduct! You can find these on the Placa Nova. When visiting this area, you feel as if you've stepped back in time; many of the buildings are from medieval times. As you walk the narrow maze of streets, you encounter many small shops and restaurants and tapas bars--all scattered along the streets and in various small plazas that open off the streets. There are also some museums and very old churches in this area.
We wandered around this area for a good 2-3 hours, but we could have easily spent an entire day there! Many of these buildings still have apartments in them...you can see laundry hanging from many balconies and windows! Along with the buildings you also see the resident pigeons! There are so many nooks and crannies on the buildings that the pigeons find easy homes here! As we were walking some of these streets, I noticed that many people, who had laundry hanging outside, had covered their laundry lines with sheets of plastic. I'm bettering they did this in order to keep the pigeons and their droppings off the clean clothes! This just made the area more charming, in my eyes...to see that people are still living (and fighting pigeons) in this place, and have been since Roman times...that was pretty amazing!
There is so much history here...you can almost see and hear those who once walked these streets. The place has the feeling of a vast tapestry, with many fine threads from many cultures woven together to produce the Barri Gotic. One of my favorites things to see there was a portion of the Roman walls on the Placa Nova. I have always wanted to see ancient Roman buildings and ruins, and on this trip I finally had that chance! I not only saw them, but touched them! That was a thrill! I'm hoping one day to see Rome...that will be the ultimate thrill for things Roman. But till then, I was very happy to finally see something of ancient Rome in the Barri Gotic of Barcelona!
I would highly recommend everyone to see the Barri Gotic. Spend time walking the streets and feeling the history here, and then visit the churches and museums--you won't be disappointed!
That's all for today...you all have a great day!
God bless,
Sherry :0)
http://czechoffthebeatenpath.googlepages.com
(c) 2008 by czechoffthebeatenpath
All photos property of S. A. Vacik
Monday, July 21, 2008
Parc Guell--Barcelona, Spain
Hi Everyone,
Things are about back to normal here! That virus seems to be on the way out--finally! Today, I've been busy cleaning, getting groceries and running errands--trying to get everything caught up again! Now, those things are done, and I am ready to sit down and work on the blog and tell you some more about Barcelona!
Barcelona is full of beautiful parks. We had time to visit one while we were there--Parc Guell. Parc Guell is another very famous creation of Antoni Gaudi (he also created La Sagrada Familia), and it is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This park is situated on a hill, El Carmel, in the northern part of the city, in the Gracia neighborhood. Parc Guell was purposed by Count Eusebi Guell (for whom the park is named). His intention for the park was that it should be a housing development for the very rich. A place to "get away from it all"--away from the crowds and pollution in Barcelona--a place to relax and revitalize, while not being too distant from the city. The park was intended to be a neighborhood with shops, mansions, and gardens. Gaudi worked on the housing project from 1900 until 1914. Unfortunately, the housing development did not materialize, and the park was bought by the city in 1922, turned into a municipal garden and opened to the public.
Parc Guell is an excellent example of Art Nouveau architecture. Gaudi filled the park with symbols from ancient history and poems, Cataluna nationalism, and religion. You would think this would give the park a heavy atmosphere, and yet, it is completely the opposite! The park is a very fanciful place--the buildings and pavilions seem like they are filled with excitement and energy. Gaudi created a very positive atmosphere in this garden park! You almost feel as if you are in some fairy tale! Even so, Parc Guell is a place where you can sit and relax and feel very at peace. It is incredible to see how Gaudi was able to accomplish such an atmosphere in the park. Originally, the hill was known as Montana Pelada (or Bald Mountain) due to the fact that the mountain was only covered in scrub brush and was almost bald! Gaudi transformed the place with his creative and far-seeing spirit.
Park Guell is also an excellent example of working with the environment, rather than against it. Gaudi held a very deep respect and love for Nature as God's creation. He was ahead of his time by working with the elements presented on the hill. Gaudi worked with the land, and used recyled materials to create this beautiful park. All of the mosaics in the park were made with broken ceramic tiles, cups and plates--all factory waste! He also used the natural rock of the hill to create the buildings and sculptures. This, back in the time when factories were ruling everything, and polluting the environment in a very big way!
The park entry is free, and there is also the Gaudi Museum you can visit for a fee. It is a wonderful place to go and relax, even when the park is so crowded (as it was the day we were there!). There are two pavilions (upper and lower), some winding garden paths, flowers and trees everywhere. I would highly recommend everyone to see this on a visit to Barcelona. Be sure to wear some good shoes, as there is a bit of a hill to climb to get up to the park. But, the walk is well-worth the effort...you will rewarded with enchanting sights!
That's all for today...you all have a great day!
God bless,
Sherry :0)
http://czechoffthebeatenpath.googlepages.com
(c) 2008 by czechoffthebeatenpath
All photos property of S. A. Vacik
Friday, July 18, 2008
Out and About in Barcelona
Hi Everyone,
I'm still sick and so is my husband. Whatever we caught has been pretty wicked. I've been sleeping most of the time, and am now starting to feel a bit better, but my stomach has started rebelling. It looks like I'm making some progress! But I'm not up to doing a regular post, yet, so today I am posting more pictures from our trip to Barcelona.
Barcelona is a beautiful city--filled with trees, flowers, and mopeds! There are mopeds everywhere! It reminded me of Italy with all the mopeds! They are parked everywhere you go...and the roads are full of them! Barcelona is also filled with many beautiful buildings. I've included some pictures of these, too.
Next week, I'll tell more about the city, and post more pictures of the places we visited.
I hope you all have a great weekend!
God bless,
Sherry :0)
http://czechoffthebeatenpath.googlepages.com
(c) 2008 by czechoffthebeatenpath
All photos property of czechoffthebeatenpath
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Sick in Prague
Hi Everyone,
I'm going to make this a short post for today...I'm sick--and so is my husband. I'm not sure if we caught this before our trip or while on the trip, but it's not fun. It seems that we have caught some virus that causes a severe headache (like a migraine) and causes some digestive problems and body aches. It is really hard to even see to type due to the headache. So, please come back tomorrow...I will try to have a regular post about Barcelona, with pictures, then.
You all have a great day--and stay healthy!
God bless,
Sherry :0)
http://czechoffthebeatenpath.googlepages.com
(c) 2008 by czechoffthebeatenpath
I'm going to make this a short post for today...I'm sick--and so is my husband. I'm not sure if we caught this before our trip or while on the trip, but it's not fun. It seems that we have caught some virus that causes a severe headache (like a migraine) and causes some digestive problems and body aches. It is really hard to even see to type due to the headache. So, please come back tomorrow...I will try to have a regular post about Barcelona, with pictures, then.
You all have a great day--and stay healthy!
God bless,
Sherry :0)
http://czechoffthebeatenpath.googlepages.com
(c) 2008 by czechoffthebeatenpath
Monday, July 14, 2008
Barcelona--La Familia Sagrada
Hi Everyone,
I'm back home, in Prague, after the visit to Barcelona, Spain last week! My husband and I had a great time, though we only had a couple of days to try to see the sights. We literally walked 11 hours one day...about 8 hours another day! Needless to say, we are pretty tired out from the trip, but it was worth it!
Today I would like to tell you about one of the most famous buildings in Barcelona--Temple Expiatori de La Sagrada Familia. This is a famous cathedral that was begun in 1882, and is still under construction to this day, 126 years later! This sounds extraordinary, but its true, and when you visit this place, its also understandable why the building of this beautiful cathedral is taking so long. This project was taken over by Antoni Gaudi, also known as "God's Architect." Gaudi was inspired by nature and used Nature's designs in his creations. This is clearly evident when visiting la Sagrada Familia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
La Sagrada Familia is intended (by Gaudi) to share the complete story of the Christian faith in stone. Viewing the Sagrada Familia truly is like reading straight out of the Bible. Gaudi used nature and symbolism to help tell the story in ways that are awe inspiring. I have never seen anything quite like this before in my life. I had a wonderful Spanish teacher in my senior high who taught us not only the Spanish language, but also about the culture. She introduced us to Gaudi, Picasso, Miro, etc. So, I had some idea of who Gaudi was and what he did. I have seen some pictures of his works, but the pictures do not do justice to Gaudi's creative mind. La Sagrada Familia is one of the most well-known of Gaudi's works, but Barcelona is filled with many buildings that he made. Gaudi was a very prolific and creative man. I realized this when viewing la Sagrada Familia in person.
We were able to view two of the facades of the building--the Passion and the Nativity facades. The Nativity facade was done by Gaudi...and it was build with rock from Montserrat. This facade shows the Annunciation, the Nativity, with angels announcing Christ's birth, and even the story of Herod's cruelty when he ordered all the male babies to be killed in Bethlehem. This is all beautifully done. The Passion facade is done in a completely different style, but it is also very moving and dramatic. This facade shows the complete story of Christ's Passion. The art is done in a Cubist style, which is not my favorite, but here, it is done very movingly. The details are amazing, right down to the rooster that crowed three times. The work for this facade has been done by Josep Maria Subirach. Gaudi died before he could work on this facade himself.
The inside of la Sagrada Familia is also as astounding and moving as the outside facades. There is much construction going on inside, but you can still see much symbolism here, too, and also aspects of Nature. One of the most splendid aspects of the inside are the pillars. When you first look at them, you notice they are very beautiful. As your gaze wanders upwards, you begin to see that the pillars are actually trees holding up a leafy canopy! The canopy has windows in it that allows for light to come through, just as a real canopy in Nature does. The trees resemble the plantains you can see all over Barcelona! The middle area of this canopy is done in gold...very pretty.
When we were finished viewing the interior of the Sagrada Familia, we wandered outside and found the museum entrance. The museum was really interesting, too, as it showed some of the drawings and plans and models for the cathedral. There is also a picture of Gaudi--he is buried in the crypt of the Sagrada Familia. The projected date for finishing the Sagrada Familia is in the year 2026.
The whole experience of viewing this cathedral left such an indelible mark on me. It is somehow very moving, in person, and very powerful...it is truly difficult to put into words what feelings come from this place. I wish it would be possible to visit la Sagrada Familia again when it is finished...it will truly be an even more awesome sight in that time.
That's all for today...in my next post, I'll talk about some of the other sights we saw in Barcelona. You all have a great day!
God bless,
Sherry :0)
http://czechoffthebeatenpath.googlepages.com
(c) 2008 by czechoffthebeatenpath
Photos property of S. A. Vacik
Thursday, July 10, 2008
News Update
Hi Everyone,
Here's a link to a very good article about the possible missile radar base in the Czech Republic. This article gives a little bit of background information, along with the facts on the current situation.
Have a great day!
God bless,
Sherry :0)
(c) 2008 by czechoffthebeatenpath
Big News from Prague
Hi Everyone,
Just a quick note--the big news from Prague, the past couple of days, has been the deal between the Czech government and the US that will allow the US to build and maintain an anti-missile radar base in a small village not far from Prague. Here there is a lot of controversy in the Czech Republic and surround countries about the base being placed in Europe. About 3/4s of Czechs are against this radar base, but their government wants to go ahead anyway. Also, the Polish decided to not have a US missile base on their soil. The Russians are up in arms about this and see it as a threat to them...they see this radar base as being against them. Thhe deal between the US and the Czech Republic was signed, in Prague, the day we left for Barcelona.
Sorry for this short bit of information..It will be interesting to watch how all of this plays out. You can read about this news if you visit http://www.praguemonitor.com and news sites like http://www.cnn.com and http://www.reuters.com and many others that cover world news.
Have a great day!
God bless,
Sherry :0)
Hi from Barcelona!
Hi Everyone,
We made it safe to Barcelona on Tuesday! The trip took about two and half hours from Prague, and the flight was pretty good. We had some slight turbulence when leaving Prague, but it was only a few minutes, and then the plane was at cruising altitude and the ride was very smooth! The only surprise on the flight was that it wasn't completely full! There were empty seats here and there...which made for a more comfortable ride!! There were a couple of very pretty sights on the trip to Barcelona--the Alps--very beautiful--I even saw a huge glacier winding its way down one mountainside! The other sight was the Mediteranean Sea!
The Mediteranean Sea...I saw the it for the first time on our flight to Barcelona! It is vast and beautiful. The sun was out, and the sea was a very deep blue when seen from the air...very pretty. As we flew over the water, it was possible to see many boats and ships--some huge tankers--that were on the way in to port. As we neared the airport, the scenery was so similar to flying into the airport at Corpus Christi, Texas (on the Gulf of Mexico)! I was shocked...if I hadn't known better, I would have thought I was in Corpus! The only difference between flying in to Barcelona were the mountains that ring the city. There are definitely no mountains around Corpus Christi!
The airport in Barcelona is very big, but it is pretty easy to find your way around. All the signs are in Spanish and English, and other languages, so we had no trouble finding the way. We did have to ask directions to the bus, but the people there were very friendly and gave us good instructions--we found the bus OK! This airport, like other major airports around the world, is full of stores and restuarants...I even saw that Mexican food is offered there! The airport is a very lively place--it was pretty crowded...but it is nice and clean.
Our bus took us to Plaza Catalunya...near the city center. The ride through town was pretty impressive--there is a mix of modern and very old buildings, which lends a charming aspect to the city. Once you near the city center, most of the buildings are older...very pretty. We chose to walk from the plaza to our hotel--which was about an hour's walk. Walking allows you to see more and to also get your bearings when in a new place! We had a very good map, plus I had found the directions to our hotel online, so we didn't get lost. Our walk took us from the very busy business center, to a more residential area that is also very busy, but not as crowded as the business center! All the streets are a bit windy and pretty. The apartments are on top, with stores on the main street...and here, too, people like to hang flower baskets on their balconies--it is very pretty to see all of these bright colored flowers in the center of the city!! We also walked through many small plazas that are like small parks--people sit out on benches in the day time, enjoying the passersby and small kids are playing...and pigeons abound!!
The hotel is very nice and very modern...very clean. Our room is great--with air conditioning, a huge bathroom, flat screen TV, king-sized bed. The only thing that I don't like is that they charge for the Internet. It is 12 Euros for 24 hours of connection! So, this will most likely be the only post I will make from here! Otherwise, the hotel, the food, etc are all really nice!
We came here for work, so my husband and I haven't been out sightseeing yet. That will come tomorrow and Saturday. We will be walking all day and taking lots of pictures!!!!
Anyway, that's all for now...you all have a great day! See you next week, from our home in Prague! I'll be writing about our adventures and the sights we see...and have a lot of pictures to share!
God bless,
Sherry :0)
http://czechoffthebeatenpath.googlepages.com/
(c) 2008 by czechoffthebeatenpath
We made it safe to Barcelona on Tuesday! The trip took about two and half hours from Prague, and the flight was pretty good. We had some slight turbulence when leaving Prague, but it was only a few minutes, and then the plane was at cruising altitude and the ride was very smooth! The only surprise on the flight was that it wasn't completely full! There were empty seats here and there...which made for a more comfortable ride!! There were a couple of very pretty sights on the trip to Barcelona--the Alps--very beautiful--I even saw a huge glacier winding its way down one mountainside! The other sight was the Mediteranean Sea!
The Mediteranean Sea...I saw the it for the first time on our flight to Barcelona! It is vast and beautiful. The sun was out, and the sea was a very deep blue when seen from the air...very pretty. As we flew over the water, it was possible to see many boats and ships--some huge tankers--that were on the way in to port. As we neared the airport, the scenery was so similar to flying into the airport at Corpus Christi, Texas (on the Gulf of Mexico)! I was shocked...if I hadn't known better, I would have thought I was in Corpus! The only difference between flying in to Barcelona were the mountains that ring the city. There are definitely no mountains around Corpus Christi!
The airport in Barcelona is very big, but it is pretty easy to find your way around. All the signs are in Spanish and English, and other languages, so we had no trouble finding the way. We did have to ask directions to the bus, but the people there were very friendly and gave us good instructions--we found the bus OK! This airport, like other major airports around the world, is full of stores and restuarants...I even saw that Mexican food is offered there! The airport is a very lively place--it was pretty crowded...but it is nice and clean.
Our bus took us to Plaza Catalunya...near the city center. The ride through town was pretty impressive--there is a mix of modern and very old buildings, which lends a charming aspect to the city. Once you near the city center, most of the buildings are older...very pretty. We chose to walk from the plaza to our hotel--which was about an hour's walk. Walking allows you to see more and to also get your bearings when in a new place! We had a very good map, plus I had found the directions to our hotel online, so we didn't get lost. Our walk took us from the very busy business center, to a more residential area that is also very busy, but not as crowded as the business center! All the streets are a bit windy and pretty. The apartments are on top, with stores on the main street...and here, too, people like to hang flower baskets on their balconies--it is very pretty to see all of these bright colored flowers in the center of the city!! We also walked through many small plazas that are like small parks--people sit out on benches in the day time, enjoying the passersby and small kids are playing...and pigeons abound!!
The hotel is very nice and very modern...very clean. Our room is great--with air conditioning, a huge bathroom, flat screen TV, king-sized bed. The only thing that I don't like is that they charge for the Internet. It is 12 Euros for 24 hours of connection! So, this will most likely be the only post I will make from here! Otherwise, the hotel, the food, etc are all really nice!
We came here for work, so my husband and I haven't been out sightseeing yet. That will come tomorrow and Saturday. We will be walking all day and taking lots of pictures!!!!
Anyway, that's all for now...you all have a great day! See you next week, from our home in Prague! I'll be writing about our adventures and the sights we see...and have a lot of pictures to share!
God bless,
Sherry :0)
http://czechoffthebeatenpath.googlepages.com/
(c) 2008 by czechoffthebeatenpath
Monday, July 7, 2008
Packing Chaos!
Hi Everyone,
Today is the day before we leave...and it has been a bit of chaos! That's normal the day before a trip. Our small flat has been strewn with clothes most of the day as I've been trying to decide what to pack for myself. It was very easy for my husband...he told me which shirts and pants he wanted...now they are ironed and ready to go! My stuff is mostly ready, but it has sure been a process getting to that point!
Along with packing, I had a hair cut this morning! Don't ever schedule a hair cut before you leave on a trip! My appointment was scheduled before we knew I would accompany my husband on this trip to Barcelona. I could have changed it, but forget in the midst of work and other things! So, I had the hair cut this morning...and now feel a bit like a shorn sheep! My hair is difficult on a good day, but even more difficult after its cut! It will look very unruly on this trip, that's for sure!
We leave tomorrow morning, bright and early! It looks like our flight will be about two and half hours long! That's not too bad, but then we have to travel on to the hotel. It will be an adventure!
That's all today...I will try to post while we're in Barcelona! And next week, I'll have more details and pictures to share from our trip!
You all have a great day!
God bless,
Sherry :0)
http://czechoffthebeatenpath.googlepages.com
(c) 2008 by czechoffthebeatenpath
Today is the day before we leave...and it has been a bit of chaos! That's normal the day before a trip. Our small flat has been strewn with clothes most of the day as I've been trying to decide what to pack for myself. It was very easy for my husband...he told me which shirts and pants he wanted...now they are ironed and ready to go! My stuff is mostly ready, but it has sure been a process getting to that point!
Along with packing, I had a hair cut this morning! Don't ever schedule a hair cut before you leave on a trip! My appointment was scheduled before we knew I would accompany my husband on this trip to Barcelona. I could have changed it, but forget in the midst of work and other things! So, I had the hair cut this morning...and now feel a bit like a shorn sheep! My hair is difficult on a good day, but even more difficult after its cut! It will look very unruly on this trip, that's for sure!
We leave tomorrow morning, bright and early! It looks like our flight will be about two and half hours long! That's not too bad, but then we have to travel on to the hotel. It will be an adventure!
That's all today...I will try to post while we're in Barcelona! And next week, I'll have more details and pictures to share from our trip!
You all have a great day!
God bless,
Sherry :0)
http://czechoffthebeatenpath.googlepages.com
(c) 2008 by czechoffthebeatenpath
Friday, July 4, 2008
Barcelona--Something for Everyone
One of the nice things about living in Prague is that the Czech Republic is literally in the heart of Europe. It is fairly easy and inexpensive to fly from here to other major metropolitan areas around Europe. My husband and I are preparing for our trip to Barcelona next week...so its a busy time with all the "to do's" before the trip! But, I've been trying to set aside some time to do a little bit of reading about Barcelona. There are many travel guides online, such as Fodor's, Frommer's, Lonely Planet, and even the Travel Wiki. There is also a website, called Virtotourist.com, where you can see many pictures of some of the famous sights in Barcelona. Each of these websites offers many details about Barcelona, along with a look at the city's history, where to shop and stay and eat.
Barcelona is an ancient city--legends tell of the area orginally being settled by Carthanginian Hamilcar Barca (father of Hannibal) in the 3rd century BC. Later, in 15 BC, the city was taken over by the Romans. Barcelona is the secong largest city in Spain, and is the capital of Catalonia. The city sits on the Mediterranean Sea and has a long maritime history, and beautiful beaches. Barcelona is famous for its architectural works by Antoni Gaudi and Lluis Domenench i Montaner, and is also famous for being the home of the renowned artist, Pablo Piccaso. It is full of museums, ancient and modern architecture...and truly looks to be a place that offers something for everyone.
My husband and I are really looking forward to having some time to spend in this city...it looks like a beautiful place that offers many sights to see, and many cultural opportunities, along with gorgeous parks and beaches. And it looks like we will be doing a lot of walking while we're there!
There is more to tell, but that's all for today...I've got many errands to run this afternoon. If you would like more information about Barcelona, please click on the links (above) for the travel guides--they are very interesting and helpful!
You all have a very happy and safe 4th of July!
God bless,
Sherry :0)
http://czechoffthebeatenpath.googlepages.com
(c) 2008 by czechoffthebeatenpath
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Packing Light
Hi Everyone,
This summer is going by so fast! Where is the time going?! The Fourth of July is almost here already! That means lots of people will be traveling about now. Planes, cars, trains, ships, camels…you name it, and people will be using it for going somewhere! My husband and I are getting ready for a trip to
Packing is also becoming a little more challenging with all the new baggage fees the airlines are charging to help cover the rising cost of doing business. There is a lot of confusion for everyone getting ready to travel. I did a little bit checking to see if baggage fees have changed for travel in
So, my husband and I can still take two big bags (each) on our trip to Spain; that is, according to the airlines! But, according to my husband, we will pack two small carry-ons…that are easy for us to handle and manage. We will probably each take a backpack, too. I have so many meds, a portable nebulizer, etc. to take with me that I will definitely need a backpack. And then we will have a computer along, too…that is necessary for both of our jobs! My packing will have to be more in the same way as people are packing for travel within the
So, now I’m trying to decide what to take for our stay…how many of what and what colors, etc! Planning for this kind of a trip can be tricky, but it can certainly be managed! I’ve had to travel in this way before and it was actually pretty easy and nice—just like the professional travel advice columnists advise us all to do! I packed clothes that had a similar color theme—it was beige and white, on that trip. I had two pairs of shoes—one for skirts/dresses and another comfortable pair for walking. Most of my clothing was plain, but I packed some colorful scarves to help give some color to my outfits, and also used some simple jewelry as accents. That trip was about a week long (with a fancy banquet included), and I managed to pack one skirt, one dress, two pairs of capris pants, and four shirts. That was it! I must share one of my secrets, though…I did laundry in the bathroom sink! It wasn’t too hard to hand wash our clothes…being summer time and the fabrics were thinner. Also, I tried to take things that didn’t need too much ironing and I had packed a couple of plastic hangers and some clothes pins…along with a small zip-top bag of laundry soap! Here’s another tip: if you wring the clothes out in your bath towels, it will keep the clothes from dripping all over everything…be sure to hang your towels to dry…they are still clean and can be used for drying yourself after a shower later!
My packing will be much simplified if I use these same ideas for our upcoming trip. It will make my suitcase much lighter, and be much easier and safer than having to lug around multiple bags! And my husband will also be happier and easier to travel with!
Do any of you have a helpful packing hint? Please be sure to share it with us!
Well, that’s all for today…you all have a great day!
God bless,
Sherry :0)
http://czechoffhebeatenpath.googlepages.com
© 2008 by czechoffthebeatenpath
Clipart from Microsoft
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