London's Retreat

Our journey home was mostly uneventful. We flew from Prague to London arriving at almost midnight into Gatwick Airport where we found some remarkably comfortable chairs near a Starbucks to sleep on. Good ol' Starbucks with their comfy sofa chairs...a marked improvement over the usual airport benches with the arm rests that you have to avoid. Despite the bright lights and the video game that constantly replayed the same song (Don’t Worry Be Happy) throughout the night, it was not a bad night's sleep-for an airport.

We woke up early the next morning and made our way to Heathrow airport by train. It was nice to see a little of the city. We were driving as the sun was coming up so all the little square houses and the bare trees took on the pretty pinkish glow of sunrise. We made it to the airport quickly and had plenty of time to kill before our flight since it had been delayed for 30 minutes. We finally got on the plane but then had to wait another 45 minutes while they called for Mr. So-And-So to please identify himself. Eventually we got off the ground and started heading west over the Atlantic. I was looking forward to getting to New York. Just after we had gotten settled and the flight attendants were about to start their first drink round, the captain got on the intercom and said, "Sorry for the incontinence, but we are going to need to return to London." We all grown and wonder why we have to turn around and then he gets back on to say, "There is a discrepancy between our passenger list and the checked luggage. Given the current security level we cannot proceed and have therefore been recalled to London." The plane makes a big sweeping turn and we start to make our way back.

We were by this time, about an hour into the flight so this return means that we will have to fly back for an hour and then retrace our steps adding 3 hours to our trip. I was a bit bothered, but understood. Once we get back above London the captain comes on again, "I don’t know how long we'll have to wait to land; we are not scheduled for a gate so we make have to run circles for about 15 minutes or so." By this point everyone is getting annoyed and even a little worried. Can you fly over the Atlantic with a half a tank of fuel? After a few minutes of "circles" the captain comes on, "It turns out that there was a clerical error....we have been given permission to continue on our way. " I was partly relieved, somewhat amused and also a little concerned. If we had to go through all this trouble to come back, don’t they want to make sure there is not a problem...or at least top up on fuel?

As it turned out there was no need to worry. The flight was fine, it went by pretty smoothly for me since it was not very full and I ended up with a 4- seat row all to myself! I slept most of the way. We were greeted in New York by Ryan's parents who took excellent care of us throughout out stay.

Mozarts Opera House

We've been in Prague for a few days now. Jerry (Ryan's uncle) has been spoiling us with comfortable beds, hot showers, delicious food and all the inside information on Prague's many historic buildings, churches and castles. We've been having a spectacular time!

This city is oozing with history...everywhere you turn there is some ornate building that was built a thousand years ago and has survived countless wars over the millennium. There are buildings that have housed kings and queens, poets, artists and composers over the ages. Last night we went to an opera in a theatre that was used by Mozart. It was both Ryan's and my first opera. Jerry treated us to box seats so we had our own little nook to spread out and enjoy the show. What a treat! We saw Figaro, a comedy love-triangle complete with a few good twists to keep you on your toes. It was very entertaining. I kept wishing that I could understand Italian so I could focus on their singing instead of reading the screen that provided translations in Checz and English. (Opera with subtitles-Go figure.) We had such a great time.

Today we took a train (where nobody was squatting on the tracks to use the toilet) to a neighbor town to see an old church that has been decorated with thousands of skulls and bones. Quite artistic, really. I'll have to add some pictures, because it’s something that must be seen to be appreciated. Yesterday, we went to see some of the most popular places in Prague: the castle with lots of tall spires that sits on a hill overlooking the city and an old church near the castle where we climbed to the top of a tall tower (where Rapunzel would have been kept if she lived in Prague). We ate goulash (yes, it really exists, and is delicious) for lunch, crossed the Charles bridge (where you can get a great picture of the castle) and visited a secret park where Ry found a peacock, on our way to the theatre.

One side-note about Prague (and apparently Europe in general) is that it is a very pet-friendly place. You can (and people do) take their dogs with them into restaurants, shops and even on the bus, train and trolley! I'm so jealous, I wish we were as accommodating with our pets, it would make getting a dog so much easier! (But it wont stop me from getting one anyway-I've waited long enough). Everywhere you go you see people and their dogs. It’s great!

Ahhh Paris...

It’s strange to step back into a place where you don’t look odd at all. We got off the plane and immediately noticed that NOBODY noticed us. What a relief! They didn't even care that I was wearing a strange pajama-looking outfit with sparkles on the front!

Being in Europe after spending so much time in India has been such a treat! We strolled through the Lourve and saw the Mona Lisa; she does indeed watch you as you walk across the room. We stood and stared at the Eiffel tower, and took a few pics too, since that is what you're supposed to do. We studied the thinking man at the Rodin museum and went to a church service at Notre Dame. We had baguettes, brie and eclairs at the most gorgeous park filled with fall leaves and bright flowers and ate croissants and hot chocolate for breakfast. They really know how to make a good cup of choco! We also tried fondue, paninis and crepes at the little cafes spread all across the city. I loved Paris! It’s a beautiful city with friendly people. I know the French have a reputation for being rude but I didn't notice any hostility toward English speakers. Everyone was extremely kind and helpful, even though our French wasn't up to par.

The only mishap on the trip was a blowout on my right flip-flop. Both had previously broken, and been repaired in India, but the most recent repair didn't last too long. (I should have gone to the man on our street in Lucknow who does such good work.) Anyway, this meant that we had to limp around until we could fine a decent pair of shoes to buy...decent being useable & affordable. That is one negative about Paris, its extremely expensive! Everything costs more and the dollar isn't worth as much as the Euro so you lose out there too. Not to worry, we found a pair of shoes (pretty cute ones too) and went on our merry way across Paris.

Vive la France!