Visit to My Dad's Homeland, The Czech Republic

The day after we returned from Monaco, we headed to my dad's original home, the city of Prauge in the Czech Republic. Google map directions estimated that it would take 6 hours to drive to Prague, but it took over 10 with traffic! That was a long time to be in a car, especially if you hadn't been in one since Christmas! When we finally arrived, it was late, so we went straight to bed. The next morning, we went out to see some of the city, but right after we took this picture, it started pouring rain!

Me and my parents with the palace & cathedral in the background...

Due to the rainy weather, our morning sightseeing plans were ruined, but in the afternoon, we went to the airport to pick up a church group from Virginia. My dad was leading this group on a mission trip to Sokolov (about two hours west of Prague) and Nate, my mom, & I came along to be a part of the team. On our way to Sokolov, we made a stop in a famous town called Karlovy Vary. It is known for it's natural hot springs. Two somewhat recent movies were actually filmed here: Last Holiday and Casino Royale. Both really good movies!

Nate and I in front of a hot spring that was shooting up super high!

More natural hot springs that you could drink from... this one, at 72 degrees Celcius, was piping hot!

Nate, walking through the front of the building which served as the casino in Casino Royale.

The colorful square in front of the "casino."

The next day, we went to the church that we worked with during our time in Sokolov. The people were so wonderful and kind. It was a joy to work with them. This is a picture of the mission team and some of the church members.

During the week, we visited classes in the Sokolov area schools to share about American culture and to give the students an opportunity to practice their English. We also invited the students to come to our sports clinics in the afternoon and to English conversation time in the evening.

Nate & I in the classroom.

Growing up, I joined my dad's mission teams a few times, but this was Nate's first time speaking in front of students from another country. He did an excellent job. The students were really engaged when he spoke. They especially liked to hear about American sports and Nate was the perfect person for that!

When we left, some of the students were still waving to us from the window. We were the first American visitors to ever visit their school, so I think the kids thought it was really neat that we came.

Their classrooms look down at this pretty square, which was also in the film, Casino Royale.

The town, Loket, also had a beautiful castle... so of course we had to stop for a quick photo!

It was so picturesque... right next to the river.

In the afternoons, we had a blast playing all kinds of sports with the students... flag football (Nate's area), baseball, lacrosse, and of course, tennis! I was sad that I didn't get to see Nate in action because I was on the tennis court, but I had someone snap a couple pictures for me.

Flag football was a hit!

Tennis was quite popular too! I had a great time teaching and goofing around with them... they would laugh at me whenever I would try to speak Czech!
In the evenings, we had some great time of discussion with the Czech students. Some of their English was phenomenal! We were able to talk with them about their lives and share our faith with them. Most were very receptive and open, which was great. Over the days that we were there, we were able to make some good connections and now we can even keep in touch through Facebook!

After almost a week in Sokolov, it was time to head back to Prague. Here is a picture of Prague from the top of the castle hill.

We walked through beautiful gardens and parks. I'm not sure why my mom is waving. Maybe Nate was videotaping behind me...?

We visited Prague's biggest cathedral, St. Vitus. Construction on this cathedral began in 1344, but the very top of the church was only finished in 1929!
The inside is one of my favorites of all the cathedrals that we have visited across Europe.
The stained-glass windows were beautiful. Click on this picture to see the detailing.
Nate liked this door:

Nate on the Charles Bridge. Supposedly it's good luck to rub this guy, John of Nepomuk... look how the coloring is different from where everyone has rubbed him!

Old Town Square. One day, I would like to take a horse ride... any takers?

Cathedral in Old Town Square.

For dinner, we met my dad's side of the family who lives there. Here I'm with my cousin, Esther, and her two little blonde cuties, Isabella & Beatrice.
Group picture in front of the Old Town Square Clock.

Click on this picture and look at all the people looking up at taking pictures of the clock... crazy!!

They are taking a picture of the 12 disciples moving by the window.

Charles Bridge in the evening.

My mom and Nate on Charles Bridge at night... in the rain.

On our last day in Prague, we took it easy and went to a musical at the Opera house. It didn't really keep my interest and the seats were unbelievably comfortable, so I had the BEST nap. It was hilarious because I honestly had no idea I fell asleep. Here I am all refreshed after my nap! It was so neat to be in the Opera house where Mozart once sat.
The Opera House, all lit up at night.
Last night in the square after an amazing Czech dinner!

The Palace, Cathedral, and The Charles Bridge at night... simply beautiful.