What's She Up to Now? Jody's Life Blog

August 17--Prague/Terezin

Howdy Everyone!

Still in the Czech Republic, we'll be using blue and red again since their flag is red, white, and blue. The prompt is in blue and I'll be typing in red.

August 17th Prague

Choices are yours today, I'm offering options for you.

Explore one of the Czech Republic’s most beautiful fortress-palaces on this 4-hour trip to Konopiste Castle from Prague. Travel through central Bohemia by coach and tour the chateau-like building, used as a private residence by Austria’s Archduke Franz Ferdinand, whose assassination in 1917 led to World War I. Discover how the original 13th-century fortress was rebuilt several times; admire the collections of weaponry, tapestries and art; learn about the lives of the Archduke and his family, and finish with a stroll around the glorious, statue-dotted gardens. Highlights Visit the beautiful Konopiste Castle on a half-day trip from Prague Discover the castle’s history and rich artistic heritage with your professional guide Walk through the romantic garden area and see the beautiful rose garden Travel in a comfortable coach and enjoy Bohemia's picturesque landscape

Read more about Konopiste Castle Half-Day Trip from Prague - Prague | Viator at: https://www.viator.com/tours/Prague/Konopiste-Castle-Half-Day-Trip-from-Prague/d...

History Buffs
Take a humbling lesson in the horrors of World War II on this day trip to Terezin from Prague by rail. Traveling with a professional guide, follow part of a rail line used to transport Jewish prisoners to the former Nazi deportation camp, a converted 18th-century fortress where many thousands died at the hands of the Nazis. Tour the barracks and compound of the Main Fortress; visit the museum, cemetery and columbarium; and learn how the Nazis presented the camp as a lively Jewish community to dupe official Red Cross observers. Highlights Day trip to Terezin concentration camp by rail from Prague, with a guide Tour the haunting Main Fortress camp, where thousands of Jewish people were held during WWII Travel on the same train tracks used to transport prisoners to Terezin from Prague Explore the museum and see the former barracks, cells and SS offices Visit the poignant Jewish cemetery, crematorium and columbarium Learn how the Nazis presented Terezin as a thriving community to
WWII Red Cross monitors Stop at Bohušovice rail station from where many Jews were taken on to Terezin

Read more about Terezin Concentration Camp Day Trip from Prague by Train - Prague | Viator at: https://www.viator.com/tours/Prague/Terezin-Concentration-Camp-Day-Trip-from-Pra...

Take your taste buds on a journey around some of Prague’s best drinking haunts on this 5-hour evening Prague beer tour. With a local guide, visit five iconic bars and pubs, including a microbrewery, as you learn about Prague’s long-held passion for beer. Head into the trendy Žižkov district and Prague Old Town and team your tastings with classic Czech ‘tapas’ such as hearty pork chili and pickled sausage. Get insider tips on the top brews to try, and hear fascinating stories about Czech culture from your knowledgeable guide. Highlights 5-hour Prague evening beer tour Enjoy Prague’s thriving bar scene as you explore the city by foot and metro Taste different beer styles from highly acclaimed Czech microbreweries Try a variety of favorite local brews paired with typical Czech beer snacks Hear stories about Prague’s culture and history from your guide

Read more about Prague Beer and Czech Tapas Evening Walking Tour - Prague | Viator at: https://www.viator.com/tours/Prague/Prague-Beer-and-Czech-Tapas-Evening-Walking-...

We're leaving at one am and doing the last sleeping passenger train out of Prague. We'll be on the train for 5 hours, we'll have time to crash once we arrive if you need more sleep, swim or hit the Catwalk Fashion Bar.

Well, I hated having to decide between the castle and the WWII prison camp, but eventually the prison camp won out. I chose the prison camp because, especially since Iraq, I have a fascination with war and a special need to see that America is right in getting involved in the affairs of others. I think WWII shows that clearly. Of course, we have Japan to thank for dragging us in, but whatever. lol I believe it's important to the outcome of WWII that we were involved.

I wasn't interested in what sounded to me like an educational pub crawl. lol I don't like beer anyway. Plus, after 5 drinks, they'd be carrying me. Hahaha But I did get to hear how much fun other folks had when they went. I am a bit jealous I didn't get to try the snacks (pickled sausage? no idea such a thing existed...lol) and some of the stories were interesting, but all in all, I'm glad I didn't go. Though that microbrewery DID sound pretty awesome...

I also got to see and hear stories from the castle. That was really cool and I hated missing out, but I had to pick (and don't regret my decision). It's AMAZING to me that something built in 1280 is still in liveable condition! I bet that contractor is pretty proud! lol I got to see pics folks took on their cell phones and that place is super awesome! Apparently Hollywood thought so too since they used it to film part of The Illusionist in 2006. Cool!

Anyway, to the choice I made...Terezin. It's crazy how when the Red Cross came out to see it (didn't know they did that), it was presented as a thriving Jewish community. Wow! Really?!? Crazy! I bet those guys nearly died when they found out what was REALLY going on there later. Talk about having a HUGE life regret! I'm sure they never got over that! Another interesting thing is that not only did the prisoners go without food or enough food much of the time, but they were also deprived of water. Interesting. There weren't just water fountains in the barracks like there are in the U.S. military barracks.

When in Germany, I visited Dachau, one of the most notorious camps. There were similarities between it and Terezin. For one, both had the German phrase, "arbeit macht frei" or "work sets one free" inscribed above the entrance. Personally, I'd have totally fallen for that, at least at first. But I guess that's why they put it there.

One of the most touching things on the trip was the pictures drawn by kids in the camp. Though I didn't even really think about kids being there and certainly didn't consider they'd ever have drawing implements, but still, the drawings are haunting. The other bizarre thing that's almost disturbing is that, at least for me, I can't feel the horror or death. It "feels" like any other place I've been. I experienced the same thing at Dachau. I felt like I should be able to "feel" all the death and sadness there, but I can't. To me, that's almost sad in itself. Misery of that depth should permeate time and space, in my opinion.

When I got back, I was tired from the day-long trip, but SB Musing suggested since we were leaving at 1 am, maybe we should just stay up. That SEEMED like a good idea at the time. But it turns out, I'm not as good at staying up late as I used to be. lol She did a great job of trying to keep me engaged, but ultimately I gave up. I have no idea how I pulled all of those 30 hour duties. lol Anyway, maybe she made it, but I sure didn't. Too bad too, as I fell asleep about 30 minutes before I had to get up, so it just made me more exhausted. lol



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