Through the Windshield

We spent two rainy weeks in Pennsylvania before driving south to our Florida home. I was sitting in the car at a rest stop and although the skies were gray I was delighted by how softly the raindrops splattered on the windshield, smudging the fall colors in view.

Not too long after we arrived home I opened up the picture and when I looked closely at the detail - wow! It almost looks painted. And really, it was painted on my windshield, by the rain. A lovely consolation gift for the sunshine fasting.

I spy a tramvaj

We said goodbye to Prague - this year. But the people and personality of this hauntingly romantic city have wrapped around our hearts and I don't doubt that we will return again next year. Red-tiled rooftops, red trams and red cheeks from uphill walking are just a few of my favorite things!

Legging it

This type of incline is not uncommon in Prague. You can get some mighty fine looking legs without even meaning to! I took this picture before I got to the top of the stairwell. Halfway down you can see the "h" sign, which is for a restaurant entrance. These steps are near where we are renting a flat. The spectacular views of Prague's red-tiled rooftops and gothic spires are well worth a few stairs.

Power Flowers

There are lots of flower boxes in Prague and red flowers provide a powerful punch of color against the earthy tones of the buildings and cobblestones. When this woman in red stood in the doorway of this  castle complex bistro it was too much for me to resist.

White Benches

It was a quiet day at Prague castle (Pražský hrad). And sometimes sunny too. There was something special about these empty white benches that appealed to me. I hope they appeal to you too! And then from my original I experimented a bit.

I've been fascinated by flat colors and their effect on the form and depth. I could use a little training, but until then I will wield the airbrush recklessly!

Morning adventure collage

We decided to get adventurous on our morning walk today and climbed above the Strahov Monastery. As we strolled along a wooded path I glanced to my left and - wow - what a lovely view had fallen out of the trees! I was so pleased I whipped out my trusty camera.

 We continued  walking out to the street toward the garden at the top of Petřín and spied a bit of graffiti. Look closely.The only addition is the face. A door or window was removed and filled in leaving room for an artistic eye and a can of spray paint to transform it into design. Cool huh? Much better than 99% of the lame graffiti I've seen around the city. 

We arrived at the rose garden and stopped to smell them! Ahhh. A bit past their prime, really, but nevertheless fragrant and beautiful.

 Then we jumped onto the funicular for a drop down one stop to Nebozízek and the pathway through the park that would take us back home.

I don't want to get lost

Riding my bicycle in New Jersey growing up, I wanted to get Lost. Because, of course, I had my fabulous street map in my back pocket waiting impatiently to be consulted. In Prague I have no desire to get lost outside the old city center, amongst the Soviet-era housing blocks, modern houses and everything in between. So I ride the tram.

Saturday we took the #22 towards Bila Hora. We got off randomly and walked through a little park into a neighborhood with small streets and houses. We met two friendly cats and spied a curious young child. Lovely, bright flower boxes punctuated old, sagging homes looking decrepit adjacent to modern ones with sharp lines. A quiet weekend to send children into their backyards to play.