Saturday night I ended up going with some people who work at the hostel for Mexican food. Yeah, you're thinking "Mexican food in Prague!?" but it had to be done. If you know me, you know my deep deep relationship with Mexican food. 3.5 weeks apart was too much to handle and Frank (from Prague) and his wife Christina (from Arizona) swore that this place was the real deal. Given Arizona's new immigration law inspired by the amount of Mexicans in that state, I think Christina is a pretty good authority. So the 3 of us, along with Preston and Biggs the dog, had a pretty delicious dinner. I didn't love the tortilla soup but the burrito I had and the taco I tasted were pretty great.
At some point during dinner Preston bought a round of tequilla shots. That led to meeting up with a guy named Milan (hope I spelled that right) and heading down to the river to drink and etc. We hit up another bar where we overheard a man talking at the top of his lungs about religion. I am not a religious person but I do enjoy learning about people's beliefs and stances. This man happened to think that, of all religions, Jews believe in the most "disgusting God." He didn't really explain why but he said it over and over. He also said that most Jews are atheists and they're ok with him but the others, they're disgusting. If I hadn't thought the man was completely irrational I may have tried to discuss his reasoning. Instead, Preston tried to interject and, although the anti-semite ignored him, a young girl promptly began following him around the bar begging him to email her. Classic.
And then the rain came...
At first it was just a drizzle, then it was rain, and then it was periodic downpours. If I felt the need to go for a run in Prague, it was satisfied that night. Luckily I had a mom-inspired ziploc for my cell phone but unfortunately I was wearing a white shirt and my new shoes. Even more unfortunate is trying to find a cab in Prague with a wet dog. Needless to say, my shirt didn't serve much purpose and my shoes, although waterproofed, no longer look brand new. Regardless, it was one of the most fun nights I've had on my trip. I don't think I've laughed that hard in a long time and, if not for the blisters on my feet, I don't think I would have minded the rain at all.
Yesterday the rain continued for a bit. I met a guy named Steve in the hostel common room and we met up to go through the Jewish area, the Jewish museum, and the Jewish cemetery. I found some Goldners on a wall in one of the synagogues - notably a Ludvik (my grandfather was Ludwig) and a Herman (that was the name my mom gave my dad when she couldn't recall his name after their initial meeting). Although I couldn't read the inscriptions on the headstones, I was touched by the cemetary and especially so by the rocks and pebbles that had been placed on the reachable ones. (In the Jewish religion, you don't leave flowers when you visit a grave, you leave a rock. I don't know why, but that's what it is).
We then headed up to the castle and explored the Cathedral and the grounds. It was a bit chilly still even though the rain stopped so we tried some hot red wine before heading back down the hill. It was like warm apple cider but better. Speaking of cider (the alcoholic kind), I had a bottle yesterday at some cute little street fair and drank it on our walk to the John Lennon wall (basically a wall that started during Prague's tumultuous times as a call for peace and now it's totally legal and acceptable to add your own message). The John Lennon wall was followed by some delicious potato soup and a Pilsner (also delicious) and finally a chance to chill back at the hostel.
I was beat and had a bit of a headache but I was not going to pass up my czech food dinner. I went with Preston, and Steve met us a bit later, (yes...Philly people, Preston & Steve, get it? Haha!) to Preston's favorite Czech place. I don't think I've ever had beef so soft. The bread dumplings and potato pancakes were excellent as well. Let's not forget yet more beer and Preston's choice of a round of sambucca shots. Bleck. Does any one remember the last time I had a sambucca shot? The correct answer: it was the night I earned the "wild bobcat" nickname. Luckily, last night, I just went to bed.
Today the weather is gorgeous. It's cool and clear. I wandered my way south of the city center then over to the river and back again for a few hours. Preston told me it would be too far of a walk...well, he underestimated my love of and ability to walk forever. And now I'm back in the old town center people watching and soaking it all in. I think some ice cream might be necessary soon.
In all my conversations with Preston and Steve the topic of what I want to do both professionally and personally has come up. It's funny because my thoughts feel so much clearer lately but I still can't give a good answer to those questions. I was able to definitively say that I haven't closed the door on marriage (after discussing my divorce) but it's hard to explain how I'd like to be a lawyer/scuba shop owner/teacher/permanent traveler when asked what's next. I define myself as a lawyer quite easily. I guess I just have to figure out how to make it what I love.
Just realized I should go pack my stuff up so I don't miss my flight tomorrow...who knows where I'll end up tonight. Oddly, I'm craving asian food.
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