Kutna Hora

I like weird stuff. I think it is the nerd in me. One of my favorite weird travel sites that I like to seek out is crypts. And for a girl who enjoys a crypt, Kutna Hora is a gold mine.

Actually, I should say silver mine because Kutna Hora made its wealth through the mines that once flooded the town with work, visitors and interest. The legacy of that one time wealth is the beautiful Saint Barbora Cathedral that sits on the highest point, overlooking the city.

Now to crypts! Outside of the center, about 2 kilometers, there is a church where a semi-blind monk once lived. The town had experienced wars and plagues and many people had been buried in the church graveyard. So many, in fact, that the bones began to pile up. So the semi-blind monk began his life project: to transform the pile of bones into art in order to remind the worshipers that life is short and we will all be only bones one day so we must do good while on this earth. A chandelier of bones, a coat of arms from bones, a candle holder of bones, and as odd as it sounds it isn't one bit "icky". It does really remind us that this life is temporary, but the works we do live after us.

So, if life is short then get out there and see Kutna Hora before you are turned into a chandelier too!

SP: Came, Saw, Conquered Prague

I have vague memories of high school, most of them involve studying. I was a bit of a nerd. (I guess nothing has changed.) But some of my favorite memories involve my friend SP. She made me laugh, a lot.

And nothing has changed in 13 years! SP came to Prague and we laughed. A lot.

Having a visitor is what I like best about living abroad. I can show off what makes me tick: travel. The plan was to give SP a glimpse into the real Czech. We headed down to wine country in southern Moravia, a little town called Mikulov. It is my little France. Vineyards spread as far as the hills allow you to see. The people have that joviality that comes with uncorked bottles. We spent an evening in a wine cellar with a lovely bottle of Vlašsky Ryzlink (Riesling).

We took a little detour south to Vienna and took in the imperial sights for a few hours. Then on the way home we slept and supped in Český Krumlov, a fairy tale of a city. We toasted to Bohemian beers as a traditional Roma (Gypsy) band played in the corner of the pub.

I hope SP comes again soon. My stomach hadn't been treated to so many Czech dishes and so much Czech beer in years.

Oh, Ohio

I've been silent. I dropped the ball in February and March when it came to my blog. That is due in large part to my jaunt home to visit a new little bundle of life. Her name is Lucy Soell. I've loved her mom, January Newbanks, for years and years. She has held my hand through all the ups and downs life has thrown at us, she makes me stronger.

And now I get to love her little one. I flew back to Ohio for the sole purpose of sitting on Jan's couch and holding little Lucy. And that is in fact what I did most of the time in Ohio.

When Lucy and I weren't bonding, I was in Zanesville hanging out with my mom and little siblings. I was also able to attend my cousin's baby shower and have breakfast with an old, dear friend.

Usually, when I'm in Ohio I feel like I am a visitor. I run around seeing people and being busy. This is nice because I love these people and I love hugging them. But this time I felt like I was home. There wasn't any running, it was just being. I like being when it involves family, a sweet Lucy, a best friend and her husband, pints of ice cream and Becherovka cocktails. Viva Ohio!