Saturday, September 22, 2012

Africa in Prague?

One of the Czech families in our school invited me to go to the zoo with them last Sunday.  I didn't exactly know what to expect, but it turned out to be a full out safari!  Here's some pictures from our day....

In the first section of this zoo, the animals roamed free with a few fences here and there.
You were required to stay in your car but could drive among them.
I really felt like I was in Africa!
                                     

An antelope on the side of the road...



Look how close they are to the cars!

These zebras came right up to our car.
We had the window down but had to quickly close it when one
zebra tried to poke his head in and say "Hello"!

Needless to say, we had to be careful and sometimes drive off-road to get around the animals.




We followed this herd for a while and then had to carefully maneuver around them to continue on our way. 

Almost close enough to touch!







The giraffes weren't as free, but they seemed content in their little area.


Our last stop was to see the baby tigers.
This part of the zoo you could access by foot, since these animals lived in enclosed habitats. 
 
Aliska, who graciously invited me to join her family on this outing.
Her daughter is Anna, a third grader at CISP.

Anna's dad and I eating goulash in a bread bowl
I had a wonderful time at the zoo/safari park!  The Lord blessed us with a beautiful day, and we had some good conversations throughout the day.  At the end of our trip, I was able to talk to Aliska about her spiritual state.  She was very transparent, but clear that she is not interested in having a relationship with God.  Please pray for her and her family, as well as many others here in Prague that do not know the Lord!  I praise the Lord for His grace in giving me the opportunity to talk about Him during our trip.  I am reminded of Isaiah 55:10-11, where He says His words will never come back void and will accomplish the purposes He has set.  Amen.  He is faithful and He will do it!



Monday, September 17, 2012

A little bit of exploring...


So this past Saturday I decided to venture out into Prague on my own.  It was a great adventure and ended at a great little cafe that I plan to visit again.  Just wanted to share a few pictures from the day!


The Prague Castle

Charles Bridge



Beautiful tower at the entrance to the Charles Bridge

King Charles IV, the man for whom the Charles Bridge is named

Locks of Love on the bridge

The most famous statue on the bridge is of Jan Nepomucky, a priest who was drowned
for refusing to betray the queen's confidence to the king.  Those who touch the
bronze plaque on this statue are supposed to have good luck. 


A friend recommended a little cafe near the bridge.
To my surprise, none of the numerous tourists I saw at the bridge were in this place.
I had the whole thing to myself for the first hour!
                                   

I had a delightful morning eating honey cake, drinking coffee, and reading some C.S. Lewis.
So thankful for this time to rest up for the new week!


WWII memorial



The next day some friends and I decided to visit the Prague castle and "eiffel tower" for the first time...



The view from the tram we took to get to the top of the mountain
We walked through some lovely rose gardens on our way to the tower.

                                     


Being elementary teachers, we could not pass this maze up!







The Hunger Wall was a project King Charles gave the people when they were starving and had no work.
Although it has no real purpose, it gave the people a way to work for food.


Prague miniature Eiffel Tower.  It sits at same height as the actual tower in Paris,
but only with the mountain's height included.



Inside the castle grounds.
Apparently the president of the Czech Republic lives somewhere here.

The initial view is breathtaking.  Pictures simply can't do justice!







Becca, Me, and Kelly in front of a little shop  on the castle grounds.
Not sure how a tall person can fit inside!


A row of shops called "Golden Lane"

View of Prague from the castle





Saturday, September 8, 2012

Firsts in Prague

Here are some fun firsts in Prague...

First Kava! :)

First sunset from the roof of a flat overlooking all of Prague!

Photo booth trip for transportation "open card."
This allows me to pay for public transportation in bulk

First Tesco trip.  Tesco is the Czech equivalent to Walmart.
Only difference- no car and you must bring your own bags!

First attempt to make dinner in my new apartment

Peppers, broccoli, sausage, garlic, and onions.
It wasn't half bad. :)


To be continued...