Birthday

Today I enjoyed one of the loveliest of birthdays. After torrential down pours on Saturday- albeit nothing on par with what is happening in Pakistan and China -  the sun broke out in Prague. I wasn't 100% sure what the day might hold for on my way to church in the morning a pigeon came within inches of well, you know what. 

The sun held out throughout the day and allowed me and 12 friends to enjoy the beautiful garden of the restaurant formerly known as John and George's next to the Lennon wall in Prague. While I've been there a couple of times, it was the first time for all but one friend. 

The birthday crew

Everyone was pleased with their food - quiches, thai noodles, salmon, balsamic chicken, blueberry crumble cake. But most of all, everyone was taken in by the garden's special atmosphere, with its carpet of green grass, statue alcoves, flowers, birds, and Romanesque walls. 

The highlight of the afternoon had to be my friend Liz's birthday dance. I'm not sure my friend Alice got it all on video, but if she got even a portion of it and posts it on YouTube, it is bound to go viral. Think TGIF sing a long with the addition of cheerleading choreography. And, imagine a loud American breaking out in song and dance amidst peacefully dining Europeans (and a few American tourists). Since my eyes were on Liz, I did not have a chance to look at our neighbors' faces. According to my friend Zannah, the Czech customers at first were totally shocked, but by the time Liz concluded her masterpiece they were all smiles. As for me, I had tears coming down my cheeks. Wow. You had to be there. 

Liz and I on Charles Bridge

After lunch, we headed over to Kampa island park, next to the Vltava river, and plopped down and ate cupcakes and drank South African vino. It was PERFECT. Thank you Lord for an amazing day. My heart is truly joy-filled tonight. 

Together with Liz and Zannah on Charles Bridge