We arrived on Tuesday and set off to explore the Old Towne. We found our way to the "hub" of the city, Old Towne Square. We strolled around and found a few of the landmark glass companies that keep shops along the edges of this busy and beautiful place. We walked in and out of stores and galleries that held either traditional Czech crystal or unique Bohemian blown glass. Glass shops are plentiful here but the pieces are different than any we've seen on the trip. I was so excited to be in this city and experiencing a place that has such a strong history and deep pride for the glass art on display.
It started to rain (no, it started to POUR) so we took cover under an awning and had a nice meal. We watched everyone get soaked and enjoyed our dry clothes and good food. This rain has been following us around for the past few days but never really putting a damper on our plans. Instead it has cooled off the daytime temps, which has been welcomed.
On Wednesday we went to see the Prague Castle in the morning and then Kurt's sister Ali and her fiance David meet us to join in on our adventures. We were so thrilled to finally see them and we strolled the cobblestone streets for hours just talking and exploring.
On Thursday morning we all hit the road and headed out to the country to a small town called Nizbor. We went to the Ruckle Crystal Factory and toured the facility. This was the first time I had seen glass art in more of a business setting and I'll admit it left me a bit saddened. While everything this company makes was done by hand, it was hard to see an assembly line of glass production, as opposed to one lone artist working on a piece of art until completion. I guess in my mind I wanted to think that every piece of glass is made by a talented craftsman who is putting their artist expressions into their work, though I knew in reality that is not the ways of a successful glass business. On the upside to the tour I saw glass being blown and used with molds for the very first time, as well as crystal being cut by hand (I was very curious as to how this was done.) I learned quite a bit from this small factory and am grateful for this opportunity. (Even if it felt like I had pulled the curtain back and saw the real Wizard of Oz.)
On Friday we head out for the last leg of our trip Zurich, Switzerland. We are driving through the countryside with Ali and Dave and plan to stop by the Munich Hofbrauhaus along the way. We will spend the last few days of our trip in Zurich (Ali & Dave's hometown) before we fly home on Monday.
MAVERICK WE'RE ON OUR WAY!
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