I am happy to report that I arrived safely and soundly on Saturday (Despite flying on what seemed to be the oldest plane in the United fleet. It was awfully cramped and to top it all off we did not have airconditioning until we were in the air for a few minutes.) Upon arrival in Prague’s airport I was greeted by my new supervisor Beth who helped me with my things (did I mention my 87-lb suitcase?) to my flat. I have a very sweet set up to say the least: a one bedroom with hard wood floors, a blue-tiled bathroom, washer/dryer, dish washer, dry bar, pull-out couch, satellite TV, DVD player, and stereo system. Wow, writing all that down I admit I feel like an ugly American. Of course, all of those creature comforts are not necessary, but I must say it’s very pleasant.
On a separate note, I have been warmly welcomed by the staff here in Prague. It’s actually quite refreshing to be in a building with lots of windows (and therefore light!) and is rather green. The building has a quite an interesting history, with its former occupants members of the Old Guard.
I also attended church this weekend and spent time with an Albanian friend Fredi who I met when I was an intern in Tirana during the summer of 2004. We walked and walked and walked (which is what one does in Prague). Fredi was rather impressed by my ability to keep going so I informed him of my father’s speed walking upbringing.
Walking around Prague wasn’t all pleasantries. As I perused the streets in search of some of my old haunts I passed by group after group of drunk Brits and Germans here on bachelor “stag” weekends. Confronted with these rambling blokes, I realized Prague definitely needs a lot of prayer. On one hand it is such a beautiful city with just about every style of architecture on display, but on the other hand, I am reminded of the many aching, broken, searching hearts here and that this is a city surrounded by much darkness.
Last night I was treated to a wonderful dinner at a new swank place called, Sahara, not too far from where I live. I have to say after maintaining a relatively vegetarian diet the last few days that it was delicious to bite into succulent roast chicken and Greek-style potatoes in just the right amount of olive oil and seasoning. I only wish my salad included some nice wrinkly dark mediterranean olives. Some of you know my rule about olives being wrinkled. If they aren’t wrinkled, they just don’t cut it with Xaviera (For those of you who don’t know, Xaviera is my adopted middle name since at work I am CXF).
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