Helmut the Gnomes' first appearance

I'd like to introduce you to our traveling companion, Helmut the Gnome. Here he is enjoying a light drizzle on Charles Bridge with Prague Castle in the background.

Stay tuned for Helmut's tour of Eastern European landmarks.

When the lights go down on the city

After a long day battling the rain we stopped inside a market that sold all kinds of Czech crafts such as handmade soaps, lotions, wooden puppets, and all sorts of other authentic Czech pieces.  Just as we finished picking out which items to purchase, the power went off and the whole street lost electricity.  Of course, as Americans we just wanted to know... can we still buy this stuff?

The staff there was very helpful and got to work calculating the prices by hand with candlelight.  Of course, we found this to be blogworthy so we asked the girls if we could take their picture while they finished the calculations.  They were so excited that they had us take several pics to make sure we got their "good sides".  They immediately pulled out an Iphone and found me on Facebook and sent me a friend request.  We promised to post the pics on Facebook so they could have a copy.  

The first picture is taken with flash, so you can't really see how dark the store was.  The second picture more adequately represents the situation.  

In case you're wondering, we got out of there with our wares.  Not sure how long or why the power was off.

I don't think we're in Kansas anymore...

As we wandered through the alleys of Old Town Prague, we came upon the most peculiar museum EVER.  We simply couldn't pass it by.  "IT" being the Sex Machines Museum.  What is that you ask?  This is not for the faint of heart.  Republicans... this is your warning, turn back now.

It's 3 stories of museum dedicated to "mechanical apparatus" from ancient to modern times... use your imagination.  No, not even your imagination can deliver the full impact of this museum.  

The best 250 crowns ($12) I've spent thus far.   While looking at one of the "exhibits," and assuming we were the only English speakers in the room, Stacie said "What would you do if something like that came at you?"  Without missing a beat, a random man replied "run, run far away.  Do not look back, just keep running."  We both laughed until our sides hurt.  I think I may have nightmares tonight.

Plaster?

This afternoon I stopped into a shop in Vysehrad park to check out the wares. Shortly after being greeted in Czech by the shopkeeper, I hear him mumbling something in pain just outside the back door. Next thing I know he is sitting at the desk with a small white box in hand and saying something about plaster. I'm thinking plaster... really? He looks at me and says "in UK you say plaster." (Seems he thought I was from the UK). After closer inspection of the box, I looked at him and replied "in the states we say band aid!"

My Journey to Praha

We departed ATL a little over an hour behind schedule due to an oil issue with the aircraft; however, once that was checked out and resolved we were on our way. I do enjoy the perks that come with flying business class across the pond - the continuous offerings of food and wine, good selection of music and movies, and the new duvet like blankets.
I enjoyed meeting and chatting with my seatmate, Diana from NC, who is giving a presentation in Prague today. I also had the pleasure of striking up a conversation (some might call it flirting) with Stephan from Vienna and his friends/business partners Peter and Martin. Hope to hear from/meet up with Stephan in Vienna next week, if not before.
Due to the delay out of ATL, we arrived in PRG this morning about an hour behind schedule. Adrian, my driver, was waiting for me as promised in the arrivals hall. I felt a bit car sick (okay, it was actually a bit more than car sick...) while riding in the backseat of the Peugeot mini-van; however, I arrived safely at the Lida about 40 minutes later. I'm grateful to Peter, Jan's (the owner) son for taking the time to provide information about Praha, public transport, neighborhoods, must see sites, and dining options. All this while I enjoyed a pot of green tea and some delicious bread. Going to head upstairs to unpack.
It's a beautiful Spring day today... planning to walk to Vysehrad to the park and go to Josefina for dinner. Cheers!

It's Time to Fly...

Let the adventure begin. I'm off to DEN with a connection in ATL before arriving in Prague Thursday morning. Talk to you in Prague...

Seeking Recommendations for New Camera

Lots to do before I leave in a mere four days... One thing high on the to-do list is to buy a new camera. I've been needing to replace my Olympus for some time. Looking for a pocket, point-and-shoot in the $200 - $300 range. Any suggestions?

Anticipation

By this time next week, I'll be cruising at 35,000 feet with my friends at Delta in route
DEN-ATL-PRG. Hoping to find myself on a reconfigured Boeing 767 with lie-flat seats in business class. My back would certainly appreciate it.
I cannot wait to see the Charles River Bridge.