Final Countdown

The timer has been set. We are leaving for the UK on June 10th and will visit our family there until June 20th. Then back to Atlanta!

Must say there is an air of apprehension around here. How will we part from the City of a Hundred Spires? (perhaps with a couple of real estate magazines tucked under arm)

Outside our tall open window, vibrant people are chatting over a barely-touched beer. One of the girls sporadically sings opera (and sings it well.) I am watery eyed after saying a last naschledenon to the housekeeper (who, BTW, could be a perfect 36-26-36 model and yoga instructor on the side.)

It's just a regular day and Lucas and I have already gone to a large and beautiful English-style garden that is rich with history, culture and peacocks. You should hear Lucas's impression. It's hilarious and spot on! Some sort of mystery fruit grows there on large vines - a cross between an avocado and a fig. Any guesses?

This morning's agenda also included apple streudel and a cappuccino at a patio table while horses trotted by pulling carriages. (Though I much prefer the traditional honey cake - wait until you try it.) Then we walked through the old town square and wound down a narrow cobbled-stoned street to a "Bric-and-Brac" store and played with the antique cars and trains offered to us by the shop owner.

Next we found ourselves in Anagram, a cozy bookshop, reading children's books. (Embarking on A Thousand Splendid Suns is not alleviating my wistful state of mind.) On our way home, we picked up sandwiches from the bakery and ate them on the curb.

All of this before nap time!

The beauty and character of Prague can not be exaggerated. Knowing its shadowed communist history I had this strange idea of a Gotham-like city with the occasional beautiful building. No, there is not a square inch in this city that is not a feast for the eyes and soul.

But I am looking forward to our Gardenia bushes blooming back home - there's nothing like sitting half naked on a warm, breezy Atlanta night and drinking in their scent.

And most of all, I'm looking forward to four very special Grandparents. Toddlers will be toddlers, even in Prague. Example: Lucas just picked up a random coffee cup and is currently chugging the murky black remnants. I need a vacation!