I’m In Love

Dear Frank,
You’re gonna love this wonderful bunch of coolness. Yesterday, the handyman was up on a ladder hanging some drapery rods for me. I know what you’re thinking – he asked if I’m a good kisser. Nope, (thank God) it was I who asked a question this time, and it wasn’t THAT one.

I felt free to say to him (since my grown children are nowhere around to stop me from being politically incorrect) “You have a beautiful accent. Where are you from?”

With a big grin, he started to tell me the answer. Wait! I wanted to guess and he seemed to think that was a great idea. “Sprechen Sie Deutsch?” I asked, and his answer was in German, but I wasn’t convinced. So, pulling up something I learned just recently, I said “hello” in Czech. “Dobrý den!” With that, he lit up. “You guessed it. I’m from Prague.” So began our conversation about his family and about my upcoming trip to his country.

Frank, that’s my news! Departing for Europe this Wednesday, I’m thinking you can hop over to meet me, to be a part of the adventure. I’m going to some areas I’ve never visited.  Off to the Czech Republic, Austria and Italy — and that means three different languages, two different currencies and lots of exploring to do over 23 days.

“The most beautiful in the world is, of course, the world itself.” – Wallace Stevens

I’m in love with the whole plan. This trip couldn’t have come at a better time, don’t you agree?  The daily news these days (no matter the source) can be too much to digest all at once.  A change of venue can make such a difference, giving a new perspective. Travel reminds me that I’m part of a bigger whole, not just the small patch I inhabit.

Frank, even the preparation is lots of fun – reading endlessly, poring over my language apps, and planning what to pack. Think about it. Do you want to meet us on the Isle of Capri? Or would you rather meet me in Salzburg to hear some Mozart? How about Vienna for Weber’s Der Freischütz.

In Prague, there’ll be the Night Concert by Candlelight with organist Robert Hugo performing Bach, Mozart, and Händel. We’ll take a night cruise on the Vlatava River— you’d like that.  And I hear the jazz scene is stupendous!

The following week, we’ll hear Dutch violinist Janine Jansen perform Dvořák on her Stradivarius with the Camerata Salzburg Chamber Orchestra.

I do want to insert here – slightly off-topic – that my recent cataract surgery went really well (despite the embarrassing moments afterwards while still drunk on Valium, when I complimented Dr Herring just way too much).

I mean really, what must it be like to, as a profession, give new sight. The results of the two surgeries have taken me by complete surprise. I can read EVERYTHING, both near and far. All set for sightseeing. As Batti once said in Fern Gully, “I can SEE – it’s a MIRACLE!” Remember this?

Even still, these little mother-of-pearl opera glasses are going with me for the concerts and opera. Pretty, huh!

Speaking of packing, here’s the deal. When I told Bess what I’m taking, she, (the naturally glamorous creature that she is) exclaimed, “Mother, are you kidding me? NO ONE on the Amalfi Coast will be wearing boring black and grey.”

She whipped out her phone and showed me a photo of a woman on the sands of Capri with beachy hair, big sunglasses (like the ones you wear, Frank) a long, gauzy, red, flowing, ethereal number, with gold strappy sandals flung over her shoulder.

“That looks JUST like me. I can do this!” I said excitedly as I ran to my closet with arms flapping. I quickly assessed the situation, discovering I had a few things that might work, then flung them out on the bed. I tapped my foot with hand on hip and began to imagine the level of glamour I would achieve.

Enough about clothes. Take a look at my itinerary! Next Wednesday I’ll fly to Prague overnight, meeting my friend Stephanie upon landing. (Traveling with Stephanie is like having your own personal travel agent/tour guide).

We’ll spend about a week in Prague, then off to Český Krumlov for four days. Enroute, we will tour these majestic castles: Křivoklát, Karlštejn, and Zvíkov. I plan on wearing good, nerdy, super-supportive shoes and taking lots of photos.

Then, back to Prague for a few more days, touring more castles along the way: Hluboká and Český Šternberk.

After spending twelve days in the Czech Republic, Stephanie and I will say “Na Schledanou!” (or something like that) as we wave goodbye to Prague and to each other, parting ways. She’s going to a place in Slovenia with lots of “l’s” and “j’s” (Ljubljana) and I’m headed to Austria.

Taking a train first to Salzburg for four days then to Vienna for a few more, I’ll walk the streets of places I dreamed about when I was 20.

This will be a special, solitary, emotion-filled part of my trip. Years ago, I had worked to become fluent in German and dreamed of spending time in Austria. It’s interesting how dreams can follow you around – relentlessly, lovingly nipping at your heels until you give them the attention they deserve.

Afterwards, I’ll fly to Rome to meet my Bess. Off we’ll go to Capri, Sorrento, Ravello and more, to zip around for a week (well, maybe not “zip” exactly. After all, at that point she’ll be six months pregnant) as we tour the Amalfi Coast.

What a lovely week we’ll have, seeing a magnificent part of the world together. It’s the perfect way to complete this 3-week adventure.

Time to pack. See you soon!

Jen to nejlepší, Mit herzlichen Grüßen,
Un abbraccio grosso,
Love,
Jane

P.S.  For this 3-week excursion, I’m packing a super-minimalist wardrobe in only a carryon and tote, thanks to Alex Jimenez, who has always been my go-to source for travel planning.  Take a look!  http://www.travelfashiongirl.com