My blog

Category: General

  • Declutter Like a Pro:

    Have you ever stepped into a home where every closet, cupboard, and drawer was packed “just in case” something might be needed someday? My mother’s home was exactly that. Though it was neat and organized, it was overflowing with things she had kept for years. When she moved into a nursing home, I was left with the overwhelming task of sorting through it all. With my brother in a wheelchair and my family busy with work, I spent months driving eight hours each way, sorting, packing, and making endless decisions. It was exhausting.

    That experience changed me. I vowed I wouldn’t leave my children with the same burden. I started purging my home, determined to simplify my life. The result? A sense of relief I never expected. I didn’t get rid of everything—memories still matter—but I let go of the excess. Donating to a local rescue mission made it even more rewarding, knowing my unused items could help others.

    Want to declutter but don’t know where to start? Follow these three simple steps:

    Step 1: Prepare Your Sorting Tools

    Grab two sturdy boxes and a garbage bag. Label one box “Donate” and the other “Hold for Six Months.” The bag is for trash—because, let’s face it, some things just need to go.

    Step 2: The 80/20 Rule—What Do You Really Use?

    Go item by item and ask yourself:

    • Have I used this in the past year?
    • Will I use it in the next year?

    Most people use only 20% of what they own regularly—so why keep the extra 80%? If you’re struggling with clothes, try this trick: Turn all your hangers backward. After wearing something, return it the right way. In a year, whatever is still backward goes!

    Step 3: Make a Decision and Let Go

    For each item, decide:

    • Keep (if used and needed)
    • Donate (if unused but in good condition)
    • Trash (if broken or unusable)
    • Hold for Six Months (if uncertain—then revisit it later)

    Worried you’ll need something later? You have options:

    1. Use a substitute. There’s always another way to get the job done.
    2. Borrow it. Family, friends, or neighbors might have what you need.
    3. Replace it. If the need ever arises (and chances are, it won’t), you can buy another.

    Decluttering isn’t just about organizing—it’s about creating a peaceful, stress-free home. The less you have, the less you have to manage. I’ve learned that less stuff means more freedom.

    Have you tackled a decluttering project? Share your best tips in the comments!

     

     

  • Berlin’s History at Every Turn

    Traveling from Stuttgart to Berlin took some time, and by the time we arrived at our hotel—located just outside the city—it was already late on a Saturday night. One of the first things we noticed was the convenience of purchasing train and bus tickets directly from the hotel’s front desk. It cost an extra euro, but the ease of access, along with the maps provided by the clerk, made it well worth it!

    A Glimpse into Berlin’s History

    While waiting for the bus the next morning, I read up on Berlin’s history and was surprised to learn that the city dates back to the 1300s. Originally two Slavic settlements on opposite sides of the River Spree, Berlin became a thriving trade hub in 1307. By 1486, it had become the royal seat, and from 1642 onward, each ruling prince contributed to its growth. By the late 1700s, the city’s population had doubled, establishing Berlin as a major center for the German textile industry, particularly in silk and cotton manufacturing.

    Navigating the City

    We boarded Bus #623, which had a helpful closed-captioned screen displaying the date, time, and upcoming stops—especially useful since I couldn’t understand a word the announcer was saying! Our stop was right across from the train station, and with perfect timing, our next train arrived just five minutes later.

    Arriving downtown, we set off in search of city tour bus tickets, but deciphering the map was a challenge. The streets were nearly empty due to the rain, and though we had an umbrella, I was wearing just a lightweight sweater. My husband, the wiser of the two, had brought a hoodie. We eventually found an Italian bistro with open doors, but despite my ability to speak Italian, the employee there didn’t. So, we kept walking.

    Finally, we found the ticket office for the hop-on, hop-off city tour bus. However, the clerk was new and unsure of where the first stop was. He studied a map and pointed us in the right direction—so off we went.

    A Somber Reminder of History

    As we waited for the bus, I took a photo of the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, built in 1895. Badly bombed during World War II, it has been left in its damaged state as a poignant reminder of the destruction of war. A modern tower was later constructed beside it.

    Standing there, I couldn’t help but feel a certain eeriness. Maybe it was all the war movies my dad watched when I was growing up, maybe it was the somber weather, or perhaps it was the weight of history surrounding us.

    Our tour had 15 stops, but we planned to visit only five—focusing on sites that most interested us. One of the most striking locations was the Berlin Wall, or rather, what little remains of it today. Once stretching over 100 miles with watchtowers every so often, the wall stood at about 13 feet high, separating families and friends for 40 years. Though much of the “dead zone” has been rebuilt, a preserved section remains as a memorial to the more than 70 people who died trying to escape.

    I snapped a photo through the bus window, rain blurring the image—a fitting symbol of the tragic past that still lingers in Berlin’s streets.

    Have You Explored Berlin?

    Berlin is a city where history and modern life intertwine in fascinating ways. Whether you’re drawn to its rich past, vibrant culture, or iconic landmarks, there’s something for everyone. Have you visited Berlin before? What historical site or experience left the biggest impression on you? Share your thoughts in the comments below—I’d love to hear about your adventures!

    If you’re planning a trip, stay tuned for Part 2, where I’ll dive into the must-see stops from our city tour. And if you enjoyed this post, don’t forget to subscribe for more travel stories and tips!

  • Discovering Triberg, Gemany:

    A Magical Day in Triberg!

    Have you ever wanted to visit a place but had no idea how to get there? That was us as we set out for an adventure in Germany’s Black Forest. We had a GPS but no set destination—just a desire to explore.

    After some quick research, I found that Triberg, a charming town in the heart of the Black Forest, was famous for three things: its stunning waterfalls, handmade cuckoo clocks, and the legendary Black Forest cake. That was all the motivation we needed!

    Our drive from our apartment near Stuttgart took about an hour and a half (a late start didn’t help). Without a concrete plan, we parked on a quiet street and made our first stop—cake! The café where we had our first taste of authentic Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte has since closed, but rest assured, this decadent treat is easy to find in Triberg.

    If you’ve only had Black Forest cake in the U.S., you’re in for a surprise. The German version varies by region, with some recipes including cherry schnapps (Kirschwasser) and others keeping it alcohol-free. My favorite version, more like a pie than a cake, came from that now-closed café.

    As we enjoyed our treat, we noticed people in elaborate costumes—we suspect they were part of a symphony performance at the convention center near the restaurant. If only we’d known in advance!

    Afterward, we drove past a stunning Gothic church and parked near Triberg’s famous waterfall. At 163 meters (534 feet), it’s the tallest in Germany. Two bridges cross the falls, but hiking to the top wasn’t for me—I have a healthy fear of heights! My husband made it to the first bridge (shown here) but opted out of the second, a rope bridge. I didn’t blame him!

    Next, we set out in search of a handmade cuckoo clock. With so many shops to choose from, we settled on one known for its handcrafted pieces. The craftsmanship was stunning! We splurged on a clock—not the priciest, but a treasured keepsake that still hangs in our home today. Some of the clocks cost thousands of euros!

    Before dinner, we explored a small local museum, which turned out to be a delightful surprise. It featured Triberg’s history, sparkling crystal collections from local mines, and a working miniature train tracing the Black Forest’s railway routes. For half a euro, we watched the tiny trains in action—like kids at heart! The museum also had displays of traditional Black Forest attire, including the region’s famous hats, some even adorned with fruit.

    Dinner was a mix of tradition and adventure. My husband indulged in his favorite—venison (wildebeest)—while I played it safe with schnitzel. The alternative, pigs’ knuckles, wasn’t even a consideration! To my surprise, the schnitzel was excellent.

    The Black Forest earns its name from the dense tree coverage, which allows little sunlight to filter through. At dusk, the trees appear almost black—a hauntingly beautiful sight.

    We had an unforgettable day in Triberg, filled with discovery, culture, and delicious food. I’d return in a heartbeat! Have you ever visited a place expecting it to be “just okay,” only to be completely wowed? Share your experiences in the comments.

  • When Pride Blinds Us:

    Have you ever read a passage of Scripture and realized that, although it was written to a specific people in a specific time, its message is just as relevant today?

    Obadiah 1:3 is one of those verses. Though steeped in history, its truth is timeless:

    “The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who dwell in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; you who say in your heart, ‘Who will bring me down to the ground?’” — Obadiah 1:3

    Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament, written by a prophet whose name means “servant of Yahweh.” Though little is known about him, biblical scholars believe the book was written after the destruction of Jerusalem in 585 B.C. His message was directed toward the nation of Edom, descendants of Esau, who had grown prideful and arrogant.

    Understanding the Context

    Edom took pleasure in the downfall of Judah, their long-standing rival, when Jerusalem was seized. Because of their arrogance and lack of compassion, God brought judgment against them. Their pride deceived them into believing they were untouchable— secure in their own strength and safe in their mountain fortresses. The Edomites lived in modern day in Petra in modern day Jordan. You probably remember it from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

    But no human power can stand against God.

    How This Applies Today

    The pride of Edom is a warning for us today. Pride is deceptive—it makes us believe we are self-sufficient, that we don’t need God, that we are somehow above correction. Nations, groups, and individuals alike can fall into this trap, thinking they are beyond accountability. But Scripture reminds us, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18).

    Our human nature leans toward pride, but God calls us to humility. The path of pride leads to downfall, while humility draws us closer to Him. Jesus Himself modeled this, humbling Himself even to the point of death on a cross (Philippians 2:8). True strength is found in surrendering to God, not in exalting ourselves.

    A Call to Self-Reflection

    Pride isn’t always obvious. It can creep in through self-reliance, defensiveness, or an unwillingness to admit when we’re wrong. The key is recognizing it before it takes root. So let’s ask ourselves: Am I trusting in my own strength, or am I relying on God? Am I walking in humility, or am I clinging to pride?

    Let’s learn from Edom’s mistake and choose humility. Because in the end, no fortress, no position, no power can stand against the authority of God. But those who humble themselves before Him will find grace, strength, and true security.

    How do you guard yourself against pride? Share your thoughts in the comments!

  • Paper or Digital?

    In today’s fast-paced world, anything that helps streamline daily tasks is a win. A few years ago, my husband bought me an iPhone. At first, I only used it to call my kids, unaware of its potential as a time-saving tool. Over time, I discovered that my phone could replace my endless paper lists, making every day errands—like grocery shopping—much easier.

    One day, I came across a meme about creating a master grocery list. Sure, you can buy pre-made lists, but they aren’t tailored to your needs. Plus, who wants to deal with paper when your phone can do the job better?

    Using Your Phone as a Grocery List

    Your phone’s reminder app functions as a built-in list organizer. I use mine for:

    • Medications & Supplements: A quick reference at doctor visits.
    • Household Tasks: A shared list with my husband, so he knows what needs to be done.
    • Groceries: The focus of this post—and a major time-saver!

    Creating Your Master Grocery List

    of writing a new list every time, I built a master list of all the groceries we regularly buy. Here’s how:

    1. Start with Your Staples: Look in your pantry and fridge. List items you purchase often.
    2. Use the Hide Feature: When shopping, simply uncheck the items you need—no paper, no pen, no mess.
    3. Sort by Aisle:
      • My first attempt was alphabetical, but that meant jumping between sections at the store.
      • I switched to numbering items by aisle (e.g., 00.01 Salad for the produce section), keeping them in order for quick shopping.

    Bonus Tip: Grocery Pick-Up for Even More Time Savings

    When my husband and I got sick and couldn’t go inside stores, I discovered online grocery ordering. Many stores offer it for free, and you can:
    ✔ Save frequent purchases for quick reorders.
    ✔ Prevent unwanted substitutions.
    ✔ Pick up groceries without stepping inside.

    For the Paper Lovers…

    If you prefer a physical list, here’s an easy method:

    1. Save a month’s worth of old grocery receipts.
    2. Type them into a master list.
    3. Take that list to the store and organize it by aisle.
    4. Print it out and keep it by your fridge for easy check-offs.

    Do these grocery list tips make sense to you? Or do you have an even better method? Share in the comments—I’d love to hear!

  • Paper or Digital?

    In today’s fast-paced world, anything that helps streamline daily tasks is a win. A few years ago, my husband bought me an iPhone. At first, I only used it to call my kids, unaware of its potential as a time-saving tool. Over time, I discovered that my phone could replace my endless paper lists, making every day errands—like grocery shopping—much easier.

    One day, I came across a meme about creating a master grocery list. Sure, you can buy pre-made lists, but they aren’t tailored to your needs. Plus, who wants to deal with paper when your phone can do the job better?

    Using Your Phone as a Grocery List

    Your phone’s reminder app functions as a built-in list organizer. I use mine for:

    • Medications & Supplements: A quick reference at doctor visits.
    • Household Tasks: A shared list with my husband, so he knows what needs to be done.
    • Groceries: The focus of this post—and a major time-saver!

    Creating Your Master Grocery List

    of writing a new list every time, I built a master list of all the groceries we regularly buy. Here’s how:

    1. Start with Your Staples: Look in your pantry and fridge. List items you purchase often.
    2. Use the Hide Feature: When shopping, simply uncheck the items you need—no paper, no pen, no mess.
    3. Sort by Aisle:
      • My first attempt was alphabetical, but that meant jumping between sections at the store.
      • I switched to numbering items by aisle (e.g., 00.01 Salad for the produce section), keeping them in order for quick shopping.

    Bonus Tip: Grocery Pick-Up for Even More Time Savings

    When my husband and I got sick and couldn’t go inside stores, I discovered online grocery ordering. Many stores offer it for free, and you can:
    ✔ Save frequent purchases for quick reorders.
    ✔ Prevent unwanted substitutions.
    ✔ Pick up groceries without stepping inside.

    For the Paper Lovers…

    If you prefer a physical list, here’s an easy method:

    1. Save a month’s worth of old grocery receipts.
    2. Type them into a master list.
    3. Take that list to the store and organize it by aisle.
    4. Print it out and keep it by your fridge for easy check-offs.

    Do these grocery list tips make sense to you? Or do you have an even better method? Share in the comments—I’d love to hear!

  • Prague Adventure: Part 3

    Prague is a city where history whispers from every cobblestone, where the past and present intertwine in unexpected ways. On our self-guided (and somewhat ambitious) walking tour, we uncovered stories of wonder, tragedy, and irony in three unforgettable places: the Astronomical Clock, the Jewish Quarter, and the Museum of Communism.

    The Astronomical Clock: A Timepiece with a Dark Past

    Nestled in Prague’s Old Town, the Astronomical Clock is an engineering marvel and a storyteller of its own. Just two blocks from our hotel, it was astounding to realize how far we had walked in our eager exploration.

    Built in 1410 by clockmaker Mikuláš of Kadaň and astronomer Jan Šindel, the clock is renowned not only for its intricate design but also for the gruesome legend that accompanies it. As the story goes, the Prague council feared that the master clockmaker might replicate his masterpiece elsewhere. To ensure exclusivity, they gouged out his eyes, rendering him unable to create another. In his final act of defiance, he supposedly sabotaged his own work, stopping the clock for nearly a century.

    At the foot of the clock, 27 crosses mark the site where noblemen were executed after the Battle of White Mountain in 1621. It’s said to bring bad luck to step on them. We made sure not to—out of respect more than superstition.

    The Jewish Quarter: A Haunting Legacy

    No part of Prague stirred deeper emotion than the Jewish Quarter. Established in the 13th century as a ghetto, it confined Jewish residents for over 500 years before they were granted the right to live elsewhere. Walking its streets, we couldn’t escape the somber weight of history, especially knowing what lay ahead for Jewish families during World War II.

    Time was against us, and we could only glimpse a fraction of its history. The Jewish Cemetery alone left a lasting impression—12,000 gravestones crammed into less than 2.5 acres, with the remains of over 100,000 souls layered up to 12 deep. It was a sight both haunting and humbling.

    Next to the cemetery, we visited a museum displaying artwork by children from the Holocaust. Their drawings, frozen in time, carried the sorrow and fear of a generation lost. The weight of it stayed with us long after we left.

    The Museum of Communism: Irony at Its Finest

    Reaching the Museum of Communism required walking through an unexpected gateway—McDonald’s. The irony wasn’t lost on us.

    Inside, stark rooms displayed remnants of a regime that sought to suppress individualism—old typewriters, rigid wooden chairs, and artifacts of a controlled society. The contrast between the oppressive past and the bustling capitalist reality just outside its doors was striking.

    Reflections on Prague’s Past and Present

    Prague is a city of contradictions: beauty and brutality, triumph and tragedy, freedom and control. It’s a place where the past is never far from the present, reminding us to honor history’s lessons.

    Have you ever been to Prague? What part of its history left the biggest impression on you? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

  • Prague Adventure: Part 3

    Prague is a city where history whispers from every cobblestone, where the past and present intertwine in unexpected ways. On our self-guided (and somewhat ambitious) walking tour, we uncovered stories of wonder, tragedy, and irony in three unforgettable places: the Astronomical Clock, the Jewish Quarter, and the Museum of Communism.

    The Astronomical Clock: A Timepiece with a Dark Past

    Nestled in Prague’s Old Town, the Astronomical Clock is an engineering marvel and a storyteller of its own. Just two blocks from our hotel, it was astounding to realize how far we had walked in our eager exploration.

    Built in 1410 by clockmaker Mikuláš of Kadaň and astronomer Jan Šindel, the clock is renowned not only for its intricate design but also for the gruesome legend that accompanies it. As the story goes, the Prague council feared that the master clockmaker might replicate his masterpiece elsewhere. To ensure exclusivity, they gouged out his eyes, rendering him unable to create another. In his final act of defiance, he supposedly sabotaged his own work, stopping the clock for nearly a century.

    At the foot of the clock, 27 crosses mark the site where noblemen were executed after the Battle of White Mountain in 1621. It’s said to bring bad luck to step on them. We made sure not to—out of respect more than superstition.

    The Jewish Quarter: A Haunting Legacy

    No part of Prague stirred deeper emotion than the Jewish Quarter. Established in the 13th century as a ghetto, it confined Jewish residents for over 500 years before they were granted the right to live elsewhere. Walking its streets, we couldn’t escape the somber weight of history, especially knowing what lay ahead for Jewish families during World War II.

    Time was against us, and we could only glimpse a fraction of its history. The Jewish Cemetery alone left a lasting impression—12,000 gravestones crammed into less than 2.5 acres, with the remains of over 100,000 souls layered up to 12 deep. It was a sight both haunting and humbling.

    Next to the cemetery, we visited a museum displaying artwork by children from the Holocaust. Their drawings, frozen in time, carried the sorrow and fear of a generation lost. The weight of it stayed with us long after we left.

    The Museum of Communism: Irony at Its Finest

    Reaching the Museum of Communism required walking through an unexpected gateway—McDonald’s. The irony wasn’t lost on us.

    Inside, stark rooms displayed remnants of a regime that sought to suppress individualism—old typewriters, rigid wooden chairs, and artifacts of a controlled society. The contrast between the oppressive past and the bustling capitalist reality just outside its doors was striking.

    Reflections on Prague’s Past and Present

    Prague is a city of contradictions: beauty and brutality, triumph and tragedy, freedom and control. It’s a place where the past is never far from the present, reminding us to honor history’s lessons.

    Have you ever been to Prague? What part of its history left the biggest impression on you? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

  • Life Lessons Inspired by Biblical Truths

    Do you struggle with a plan for your life? Do you have any guidelines?

    Recently, I came across a meme. The title was Six Important Guidelines for Life. It had an image of old man with a white beard pointing his finger to heaven. (He could have easily looked like Moses.) Under the photo the creator of the meme listed the six guidelines.

    It might have been a Christian thing since the list mentions God, but it was just something I probably snipped from one of my social media accounts because I thought the list was particularly insightful.

    As I began to read the list and think about it, it occurred to me that each of those six guidelines could have come straight from the Bible! The list can serve as a practical guide to emotional, spiritual and relational health, aligning closely with biblical principles and the pursuit of Christlike character.

    Let’s take a deeper look at the list, align it with biblical principles and examine the practical applications.

    When you are alone, mind your thoughts.

    Cultivating mental discipline and guarding against destructive thought patterns can be challenging but are totally doable. Practicing mindfulness and eliminating negative self-talk (don’t even think words that are negative, much less give voice to them).

    When a person focuses more on that which is true, noble and praiseworthy, it can help transform the mind, but it won’t be easy.  Nothing worth doing or being comes easy.

    Scripture verses that speak to this guideline: Philippians 4:8; Romans 12:2; Psalm 1:2.

    When you are with friends, mind your thoughts

    This guideline emphasizes personal relationships, specifically friendships. It’s important communicate to your friends in a way that honors God. Sarcasm, gossip or criticism of any kind could damage a good friendship. Practice active listening and speak with intention to foster deeper… and healthier connections. Be mindful of how thoughts shape character and actions.   Speak with kindness, truth, and wisdom, making certain they are edifying rather than harmful. Gossip, harsh words, or careless remarks can cause division or pain, even unintentionally.

    Scripture verses that speak to this guideline: James 1:19, Ephesians 4:29, Proverbs 18:21

    When you are angry, mind your temper

    Anger is a natural emotion, but can lead to sin. Breathing deep and taking the time to respond with self-control is crucial.

    Managing those moments anger is like exercising a muscle that has never been exercised. It might hurt or may cause relational conflict until the process is ingrained.  Anger, through rash words or actions flowing out without thought can be sinful.

    Identify anger triggers and address the underlying issues. It could be unmet needs or unresolved hurt or something else.  Whatever the case, techniques like deep breathing or journaling may help, but it’s pausing to pray and seek God’s perspective that will prevent destructive and perhaps catastrophic outcomes.

    Scripture verses that speak to this guideline: Ephesians 4:26-27, Galatians 5:22-23, Proverbs 14:29

    When you are with a group, mind your behavior

    Actions in a group setting are a testimony of faith.

    Walk in humility, respect, and love, and put the needs of others first. It speaks to accountability and the impact of social influence of those around us.

    Examine how group dynamics affect your actions so that you can maintain integrity and authenticity. Set boundaries for yourself while during a group event and practice humility which will enhance a positive group environment.

    Scripture verses that speak to this guideline: Philippians 2:3-4, Galatians 5:13, Matthew 5:16

    When you are in trouble, mind your emotions

    Oftentimes, trouble often brings emotional upheaval which then leads to fear, worry, or despair. It can immobilize us. Acknowledge the emotion, but don’t let the emotion control you.

    It is necessary develop emotional resilience by trusting in God. Bring your burdens to Him in prayer and you can rest in His promises.

    It seems so simple, because it is simple. A peace comes from leaving your worries and burdens with Him.

    Scripture verses that speak to this guideline: Philippians 4:6, Isaiah 26:3, Matthew 11:28-30

    When God starts blessing you, mind your ego.

    Pride and self-sufficiency can pop up when blessings increase. It can sometimes lead to pride if we lose sight of who we are in the grander scheme of things.

    Acknowledging God as the source of all blessings is something that must be done to keep a person humble. Focusing the stewardship of the blessings one has and how to use God-given gifts to serve others will reinforce humility and ultimately more dependence on Him. Staying humble ensures that we glorify Him.

    Giving thanks for the blessings is crucial to continue to foster a state of humility.

    There are apps for your phone or your computer that are helpful in ensuring you foster gratitude.  Here they are:

    Glorify  (It offers daily devotionals, guided prayers, and a gratitude journal to help strengthen your relationship with God.)

    Abide (A Christian meditation app that includes guided gratitude meditations, prayers, and scripture-based content.)

    Pray.com  (Offers prayer plans, Bible stories, and gratitude journaling features to help you focus on the blessings God provides).

    Scripture verses that speak to this guideline: Peter 5:6, James 1:17, Proverbs 3:34, Luke 12:48

    I’d say the list totally aligns with Biblical principles as it encourages balance across thoughts emotions, behaviors and relationships. The practical applications encourages us to foster spiritual maturity by applying biblical wisdom in our daily life. If there are struggles, we can develop actionable steps to improve ourselves.  based on the list that will get us closer to the goal of realizing the guidelines in our lives. Ultimately, having a framework such as these guidelines will help us live out our faith with boldness.

    Do you struggle with any of the guidelines listed?  Comment below.

     

  • Prague Adventure-Part 2:

    Being in a city that my daughter said was her favorite in all of Europe encouraged us to visit, so you can imagine how every sight, every person, every building inspired our interest. Prague, if you get the chance, is a must see city!

    We decided to take a six hour tour of Prague. Part of it was a walking tour, part of it was by tram and part of it was on a boat with lunch included. Because we knew we would be walking a lot, we decided to park our car where we started the tour In Wencelaus Square. We were fortunate that it was a terrific day. Sunny but not too warm!

    Imagine our surprise when a colorful brigade of vintage American cars in pristine condition paraded into the square. Apparently, they were used to take visitors on tours of the city. That’s what we should have done.

    But, finding where the tour started and how to buy the tickets was a challenge. The pamphlet said to look for the person with the yellow umbrella in Wencelas Square. Pretty vague if you ask me. Especially since there were quite a few of those yellow umbrellas poking up above the different crowds of people.

    The tour was an overview of the city and would serve us well so that we could decide where we wanted to spend our second day in a little more depth. We looked and found a lady with a yellow umbrella, and she directed us to a place across the boulevard to buy the tickets. We had time since the tour didn’t start until 10:30 and it was only a little after 10. After buying our tickets we walked back across the street to the center of the boulevard. While waiting, we talked with a mother and daughter who were visiting Prague.

    Our tour guide, Nina, was fantastic. She not only spoke excellent English, she had a terrific sense of humor and was very knowledgeable about her city.  She told us the story of  King Wencelas who is the Patron Saint of the Czech people.  We know King Wencelas from our beloved Christmas Carol, Good King Wencelas.

    What was interesting was that the Czech people had never heard of one of our beloved Christmas Carols!  The words were written by John Mason Neale and published in 1853. The music originated in Finland 300 years earlier. The Christmas carol is unusual as there is no reference in the lyrics to the nativity.

    King Wenceslas was the king of Bohemia in the 10th century. He was a devout Catholic and was assassinated by his brother Boleslaw and his supporters. Wenceslas was raised as a Christian by his paternal grandmother while Boleslaw was raised as a pagan by his mother. Wencelas’ Saint’s Day is September 28th. St. Stephen’s feast day was celebrated on the 26th of December which is probably why the song is sung as a Christmas carol.

    The day went from bad to worse because we assumed (wrongly, of course) that we’d spend one third of the time on each activity listed in the pamphlet.  The boat ride lasted about a half hour, and lunch an hour (which was fun). The tram lasted about twenty minutes. The rest of the time we were on foot. By the time we got to the castle we could barely walk. We were not prepared to walk as much as we did.

    So, if you travel to any European city, wear the most comfortable walking shoes you have so as not to aggravate your feet on those marathon tours.  Opt for the hop-on, hop-off bus tours if the city has them. We used them in many European cities and would use them again because we found it easier to get around. Unfortunately, at the time we lived in Germany, Prague did not have them… but they do now.

    In the end, we had to take a tram back to the starting point because, unknown to us, the tour ended at the castle. We had to find our way back on our own which was a shock, and another lesson learned.

    Thankfully, there was a person on the tram who spoke Italian and directed us to which trams we had to take to get back to our car in Wenceslas Square.

    By the time we got back to our hotel, our feet had taken a beating. Not even Advil helped. All in all, while our feet hurt, we were grateful to have visited Prague.

    And we learned a valuable lesson: don’t take a walking tour or any kind of tour without asking specific questions!

    Would we go back again? In a heartbeat… only the next time we’ll use different transportation and ask more questions.

    Have you ever a travel mishap while on vacation? Share your experience below.