Pastels in Mockba.

Proof we were indeed in Moscow.

One of my all time faves!

Last night was our final evening in Praha. We got a bit lost on our way back to the hotel and came upon this wonky building pictured above. I don't know what it is, don't really care, just think it is fun. Quite a contrast to the rest of the architecture of the city. Have I mentioned that Praha is rather expensive? Not as much as London, but still. We ordered two americano's at the airport this morning, and they were FIVE DOLLARS each. Not even 12 ounces worth, either. Last night I wandered through a department store in Wenceslaus Square, and was astounded at the prices. The merchandise was comparable to, say Mervyn's or Kohl's, but the prices were more like Macy's or Nordstrom, or even higher. Weird.

We arrived in Moscow this afternoon and I immediately proceeded to take a nap. Followed by dinner in one of the hotel restaurants* then back to the room to cuddle up to my computer. This is what happens when I pass the two week mark while traveling: I hibernate in the hotel and am determined to find nothing else interesting nor amuzing ever again. Until tomorrow. Should be a rockin' party in Red Square what with Boris being dead and all. I am SO there.

*ok, so the restaurant: apparently the waitstaff here has apprenticed with the good and kind and ever-attentive waitstaff in India, as they are expert hover-ers, watching every move a diner makes. Quite frankly, this pisses me off as much in Moscow as it did in Bangalore. I understand that culturally it must be thought of as a good thing, but all it does is make me feel like a captive animal in a zoo. Good thing I didn't start scratching my bum and throwing feces.

Um, ok, a cute cuddly cartoon teddy bear with an assault rifle? Oh, I get it, communism has something for everyone, from kids to grown men! No wonder it was such a big hit.

On our second day in Praha we rode the subway to the area near Praha Castle, walked up the hill to it, then wandered through. It is more like a village than what I would normally think of as a castle...many impressive buildings rather than a single one. We then meandered back to the subway and took it to the old jewish section where we toured a synagogue and an ancient graveyard. Inside the synagogue many thousands of names have been hand painted on the walls as a remembrance of the tens of thousands (or more?) who were murdered during the Nazi era but for whom there is no grave. These names cover all the interior surfaces of the building, downstairs and up, and represent a small evidence of what we are capable of doing to one another.

Another section was a generous display of artwork, and a few toys, done by children during that era. What struck me the most about it was not the art but rather my own heart; the display room was not large, and many of us there were. I was ready to leave, and yet there were people shoulder to shoulder with me on every side. They were not concerned with getting out of my way, as I felt they should be. As I excused my way brusquely through, I was realizing how immediately my self interest manifests, and how I wish that were not the case were I REALLY put to a test...a real test, not just clueless people in my way at a holocaust museum.........Indications are not good......God help us all, me especially (or would saying "you especially" be less selfish? if so, then by all means, you first).

Barbie made it to Prague Castle! Who knew?

St. Vitus church in the background.

St. Vitus church inside Prague Castle. The Castle is more like a small town rather than one building.

Cappucino break.

Shutters on a puppet store.

What
Souvenir
Would
Jesus
Buy
?

A jewish cemetary spanning many centuries.

Vintage cars may be hired for sightseeing tours. We walked.

Giddy-up!

I can never resist a cool clock.

Hhhhmmmmm........