There and back to Czech (22-25/8)

Traditionally we spent a night in Plzeň had dinner together at the old town’s U Salzmannů that we both enjoyed. Here Maarten told me about his wish to live in Czech Republic permanently. He said he loves hearing people speaking Czech, he wants attend a Czech school and that he actually dislikes the Dutch language! Well, I’m sure that his wish to live close to his favorite babi is of a great influence, but still, he always finds a way how to surprise me.
Walking back to the hotel we had to cross the old square and I took him to the outer altar of the St. Bartholomews church to touch the head of an angel that is supposed to bring good luck.
Without doubt to him this was a truly magical moment.


Next day we finally arrived to babi’s and Maarten got all answers to his never-ending questions such as “what are the doggies going to say, when they see me?”




They were all happy to see each other again so I left the next day for Plzeň to meet up with my past school friends. Unfortunately I got stuck in an awful traffic jam just outside of Prague and because the tropical heats afflicted Central Europe those days, without an air-conditioning it must have been at least 45 °C in the car!

Luckily chilling out at the many terraces of downtown Plzeň with my friends made all well again.

I was afraid the Plzeň's football fans will keep me up that night as there was an important match between Plzen en Copenhagen. But heavy showers, hail, lightning, thunder and strong wind chased almost all the fans away from the square where thousands were watching the match on a giant screen. What a storm!

Even though I was happy for my hometown to beat the Danes I didn’t get much sleep that night, but somehow, miraculously I got safe home the day after not even feeling tired.

A tree full of memories

This pine tree in my hometown, Valcha, was chosen as the 2010 City of Pilsen Christmas Tree and will be decorated and lit in the Republic Square this holiday season.

“The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein

Once there was a giving tree who loved a little boy.
And everyday the boy would come to play
Swinging from the branches, sleeping in the shade
Laughing all the summer’s hours away.
And so they love,
Oh, the tree was happy.
Oh, the tree was glad.

But soon the boy grew older and one day he came and said,
"Can you give me some money, tree, to buy something I’ve found?"
"I have no money," said the tree, "Just apples, twigs and leaves."
"But you can take my apples, boy, and sell them in the town."
And so he did and
Oh, the tree was happy.
Oh, the tree was glad.

But soon again the boy came back and he said to the tree,
"I’m now a man and I must have a house that’s all my home."
"I can’t give you a house" he said, "The forest is my house."
"But you may cut my branches off and build yourself a home"
And so he did.
Oh, the tree was happy.
Oh, the tree was glad.

And time went by and the boy came back with sadness in his eyes.
"My life has turned so cold," he says, "and I need sunny days."
"I’ve nothing but my trunk," he says, "But you can cut it down
And build yourself a boat and sail away."
And so he did and
Oh, the tree was happy.
Oh, the tree was glad.

And after years the boy came back, both of them were old.
"I really cannot help you if you ask for another gift."
"I’m nothing but an old stump now. I’m sorry but I’ve nothing more to give"
"I do not need very much now, just a quiet place to rest,"
The boy, he whispered, with a weary smile.
"Well", said the tree, "An old stump is still good for that."
"Come, boy", he said, "Sit down, sit down and rest a while."
And so he did and
Oh, the trees was happy.
Oh, the tree was glad.


PS: pics courtesy of Daniel Beran, MF DNES

Going Czech

The day after we are back at Schiphol. We are going to visit our Czech grandma ‘babi’.

Maarten is excited about all the animals and pets they have. It’s really pouring the first couple of days.

Maarten loves the mushroom hunting with ‘babi’ and he is quite successful too.


He has enough friends to play with. But he still so scared of children smaller than him! I hope the preschool will help to solve this problem.


This time I really have to visit my home town Plzen. I’m planning this already for years! Sorry ‘babi’ and Maarten we have to pack again and...travel by train another 6 hours!!!
Not a very pleasant trip but I’m happy to see all the familiar places again. I have to admit I’m a bit disappointed. I probably had too high expectations about the improvement of the town.





Anyway it’s wonderful to see all my friends after so many years. It feels like there were no years of separation at all. I’m very fortunate.

You won’t believe that but this is the very first time I have a sitter!!! ‘Babi’ with ‘teta Vladka’ manage Maarten very well. It feels so good like I'm some 10 years younger and I sure fully enjoy the nightlife ;-)
Though to be honest…on my way home through the night streets of Plzen I already looking forward to snuggle next to Maarten.
The morning is less lyrical when Maarten wakes me up at 3 o'clock.