It been a long time since I've posted to the blog -- I´m way behind!

A week ago Thursday, we all caught an early morning flight from Keflavik to Munich. In Munich, a driver we had hired picked us up in a van, and drove us the four hours to Prague. This turned out to be the cheapest and definitely the easiest way to get us and all of our luggage to Prague. Despite a few minor glitches (not having enough of the right kind of money and not knowing where our hotel was), we did finally arrive in one piece!

Our hotel, the Metamorphis, is right in the old town center of Prague. Close to everything, great views, very comfortable.

Bohemia

Overlooking Prague from Petrin Hill ... it´s a bit hazy

We spend the next few days doing a lot of walking, popping in to little cafes and shops, visiting old churches, going on a tour of the Jewish quarter, and hiking up to a castle and park on a hill overlooking Prague.

Relaxing in the courtyard ... Gloria prepares a delicious lunch in our room ... Ed works on the blog.

Old art and modern art

Interspersed with our days in Prague, we took time to visit with relatives in the country south of Prague. It was a nice break from the bustle of the city to take a train out into the countryside.

The train route passes through many small picturesque towns.

My many-times removed cousin Klara picked us up at the train station. We passed through more little towns, fields, and woods. The roads are lined with fruit trees, mostly cherry and apple, with fruit free for anyone to pick. We stop and pick a basket of sweet dark cherries.

We arrive in Sedlec for a family reunion. Honza had put the word out, and relatives came from towns all around Bohemia to see us. We spent the day visiting, eating, and traveling in a convey from one home and garden to another. Mid-day we took a break and went for a swim in a nearby lake.

Ed and Gloria checking out the garden in Sedlec

Freshly picked cherries and currants ... and a sampling of the fare at one of the homes we visited

My great-great-grandfather´s gravesite, on the family farm in Sedlec

Ed talks shop with Petr at the family business, producing all sorts of intricate metal components for export.

A swim in the lake, and relaxing in the warm sun.

Family portrait

Looking at family photos

Some of my relatives (Eva´s side of the family) come to visit us in Prague.

Honza, the family organizer, and Ed synchronize their electronic devices for easier communication.

Another house, another delicious meal