November 2019
As a young woman, I remember listening to my grandmother talk about her trip to Prague. She filled my impressionable, adventurous mind with images of places and sites I had never even imagined. As I stood on Charles Bridge, looking over this lovely city, it was as if my grandmother were standing beside me. I felt her nearness as if she were my traveling companion. I have thought of her a thousand times – each time I made a new discovery or when I wanted to turn to her in the delight of capturing that “perfect photo”. Oh how I miss her today.
Etched engravings adorn the walls of the buildings in the garden
Highest military service – to guard the entrance to the castle which is still the working seat of the government today 
City of a 1000 towers
Doors of Prague
Those of you who know me, know that I am fascinated by the doors in the different places that I travel. Here are a few that are indicative of Prague.
My favorite door was actually an elevator of sorts. Very scary ride in the dark on this continuously moving set of boxes! 
The Sunday after I arrived was the 30th anniversary of the fall of Communism in Prague. The city prepared a massive celebration. And it all took place on the street in front of my hostel. I was so privileged to attend this celebration. (See my FaceBook post for amazing videos of this celebration.) Before this day, I can’t say that I have spent much time thinking what it must have been like for the citizens of the countries that were held in it’s tight grip. However, after walking the streets, listening to the passionate plea of the people to never forget what they endured, my heart has been touched and my mind enlightened. I have seen first hand on this journey what years of oppression, fear and hunger can do to a people – and even generations beyond. How grateful I am for my freedom to live and worship. I fear that as a country, if the US continues down its current course, we too will one day know the same kind of oppression, hunger and contention laced with hopelessness. I pray we will wake up and fight for the democracy we have come to take for granted.
Sunday, November 17, 2019
I stayed in the Downtown Hostel for almost two weeks. It was a perfect location and I had come to love the staff and people. Most days, I would wake up and explore the city. Often taking the free tours at the hostel or a river cruise or sometimes just wandered around photographing. I would then work during the afternoon, taking a break at dinner time to attend a cooking class or eat with my new friends.
Czech dumplings – boil, remove plastic and slice 
Dumplings with vegetable puree and cranberry sauce
Food in Prague
The food in Prague varies quite a bit. I prepare most of my meals in the kitchen of the hostel, but do enjoy a few meals out a week. There is a lot of variety because of the number of tourists. There is authentic Czech food which usually involves potatoes in some form, all breakfasts are geared to international travelers and include many options and then there is a lot of really good street food as well. Oh! and the bakeries… There is fresh bread at every meal and it is delicious. Here are some samples.
Hot chocolate comes in many shapes and sizes 
Hot chocolate on the street
Hungarian goulash in a bread bowl 
Cabbage and bean stew with potatoes
Gingerbread street vendors 
How many ways can you make gingerbread?
Bread baskets at every meal 
Cinnamon pastry filled with chocolate
I attended the Prague Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and was so happy to find a group of like minded people who were in the same routine as my ward back in the US.
I attended Relief Society where we made beeswax candles and clay ornaments in preparation for Christmas. I was invited to their Thanksgiving celebration The bishop’s wife was from Provo, Utah and in honor of her traditions, he catered in an authentic turkey dinner! That was great fun and I was so happy to participate. I attended Sunday Sacrament services and enjoyed the “English Sunday school”. The people of the Czech LDS ward speak 3 languages. Czech, Slavic and English. All of the talks, classes and commentary are translated either by the missionaries or by the members. It is quite a feat to include everyone and their languages.
Beeswax candle making 
Making clay ornaments for Christmas
Authentic Thanksgiving dinner 
Three subway transfers to get to church
The Czech Republic is home to some of the most faithful and loyal saints in the world. There are a group of older members who stayed faithful to their knowledge and beliefs for over 40 years during the Communist rule. Because they were not allowed to worship together, they would hold yoga classes where they taught Christ-like attributes and principles of love and kindness. When the country opened back up 30 years ago, they rejoiced and membership exploded. How difficult to remain faithful without any outside support or help. It amazes me the fortitude and strength of the human spirit. I had the privilege of speaking to two of those faithful members and hearing their story and journey of faith over their lifetime. So inspiring!
As it turned out, the Freiberg Germany temple is located only 2 hours from Prague. The following week was Czech week at the temple and I decided to take the journey with my new Czech friends. The accommodation center was available and I packed my bags for a little “detour” to Germany – because I can! That is the absolute beauty of traveling this way. At any point, when an appealing opportunity becomes available, or I hear about a new place I want to explore, I can pack my back and in 10 minutes, can be available to change my plans and explore something new.
Living All In 