GMC in Europe 2008

Related entry: Pickpockets in Prague

Remember the old Batman show with all the ker-pows, blam and ooof graphics during the fight scenes?  John and I were walking back one lovely morning to our hotel in Prague when an overgrown child gyspy, ok, maybe just some 20 something punk, walked by, reached into John’s pocket and man, he just didn’t see it coming.  Too bad the graphics were missing but I think I can say that the moves we pulled were just too fast to add graphics.  Guess it was all those Bond movies too…must tell mom that the boob tube came in handy!

John and I walked away totally unscathed, unafraid and feeling quite proud of our tag teaming that helped vanquish the potential thief.  We taught him a lesson he won’t soon forget…never underestimate the power of two guys with grey hair after a few Pilsners!  We made sure he would never bother any of you again! 

See you at the gym or the bar!  Rich

After close to seven thousand miles traveled and ten days on the road, the GMC Europe touring group returned home safely this evening.

For about half of us, the day started with a 5:30 a.m. (CEST) wake-up call. (That would be 11:30 p.m. EDT, yesterday.) We were packed, through with breakfast, and on our bus by 7 a.m., and from the hotel straight to the airport, where we boarded a 9:25 a.m. flight to Amsterdam. Of course, it was delayed by 10 minutes, which only cut into the four-hour layover time.

We departed Amsterdam at about 3:15 p.m. CEST (9:15 a.m. EDT), and touched down in Boston at 5 p.m. EDT. As I write this, having arrived home about an hour ago, I’m a little surprised to acknowledge I’ve been up for the past 24 hours. Where did the time go?

Of course, there will be much to write, and much to show you…but we did want all of you reading the blog to know we are back safe and sound.

A very short post (because our bus awaits) to let you know we all arrived safely in Prague. We had no internet access in Salzburg, but many stories queued up and waiting to share with you.

Thanks for your encouraging comments!

Well, I must tell you that connections are everything!  As it so happens my partner’s college-age daughter spent considerable time in Prague last summer and was kind enough to pass on her impressions.  Her report was most enthusiastic.  The following are some verbatim excerpts:

Language:  “Most people speak english, though knowing some czech is nice”.  Some suggested key terms spelled phonetically: 

“Dob-ry-den” means “good day, pardon, excuse me”.

“De-koo-yoo” is “thank you”.

(more…)

Hi ya’ll!  Counting down the hours!!!!

I have been warned that the Gypsies in Prague are world-renowned pickpockets.  They are audacious, fast, smart, and subtle.  For example, swarms of 6 children will gather around you and simultaneously rifle through every pocket and parcel you have, and scatter before you even know what’s happening.  Areas that are especially targeted are tourist magnets such as the marketplace, and the Charles Bridge at night.  My friend suggested keeping money and credit cards securely around your neck in front of you, not around your waist - keep nothing valuable in your pockets - don’t burden yourself down with packages or luggage - try not to look vulnerable, kind or lost - and be very very aware.

A Roman Catholic friend has asked me to visit The Infant Jesus of Prague, located in the Church of Our Lady of Victory.  The statue dates back to the 1600’s and is venerated throughout the Hispanic world.  See http://www.karmel.at/prag-jesu/english/firsten.htm for more complete information.

Today’s Times features Prague in Travel section