Bohemian Escapade

It felt like a dream when I awoke.  I couldn’t believe I was in a luxurious suite here in Prague.  For the past two years I had been contemplating taking a vacation, but it was always something that would hold me back.  Tuesday evening after work I went out to dinner with Richard, my boss and close friend, and we got talking.  He was telling me about his last vacation and where he hoped to go this year.  I remarked on how lucky he was to have the time for all these escapades.  Richard put down his wine glass and cast an intent look on his face.

“Grace, what’s the point of living life if you never take the time out to discover and enjoy it, “he said.

“Besides I barely ever plan these holidays, they’re always at a moment’s notice.  It’s not really that hard booking a flight last minute and packing a bag,” he said smiling.

“You should do it.  I’ve known you for the last three years and you’ve never taken a holiday. You need to have some fun girl!”

 Throughout the entire night Richard’s remarks got me thinking.  I lived a pretty dull life other than these dinners we had a couple of nights a week.  But when the weekend approached I’d go out to get the shopping and then spend the rest of the two days in my pyjamas reading or surfing the web.  I barely went clubbing and as for boyfriends, well let’s just say I haven’t had any good experiences with them.  The last guy I was with had problems with commitment while the other one, the one my mom absolutely fell in love with, was a complete and utter freak.  I think he suffered from OCD. 

Once we had dinner at his house, it didn’t go too well, he spent the majority of the night cleaning and washing and more cleaning and washing.  After all these train wrecks I decided I needed a little me time.  I needed to find myself, soon I cut off all ties to my social life, but I knew I was missing something.  Could Richard have been right?  Maybe I do need to take a holiday, be a little careless, and most of all have some much needed fun.

That night I went home and took out my globe.  I know nowadays everything is online especially a map, but I loved this globe.  My dad bought it for me when I was a little girl, the vintage style.  Since then I’ve always treasured it and even more after the passing of my father.  I hadn’t a clue what I was looking for so I did something childish.  I closed my eyes and rolled the globe until it stopped.  When it did I placed my finger on it and opened my eyes.  I’d chosen Czechoslovakia.  It was pretty ironic I‘d picked Czechoslovakia as only this morning I was reading an article on how bohemian designs and Prague.  Since it was spring time the weather wouldn’t be so bad either. 

I sat down on my bed and fished my laptop out of its case and began my search.  Luckily I found a great deal with hotel stay at the Four seasons hotel.  Since I hadn’t taken a real vacation ever I decided now was as a perfect time as ever to splurge.  I got out my notepad and began making a list of what I needed to buy for my trip.  The next morning when I called Richard he was over the moon.  He couldn’t believe I’d finally taken the plunge and made a sudden decision.   We met up for coffee at the Bergdorf and he accompanied me to the Galleria to get my shopping underway.  In the evening we went out for dinner and he told me not to worry about work and to go for as long as I needed.  That’s when I let the cat out of the bag...and he was dumbstruck.

“Actually, um, I may not come back any time soon so I should probably resign, “I said.

“What do you mean you aren’t coming back?” Richard exclaimed with clear surprise on his face.

“I said to take a holiday not to leave the company, Grace.”

I told Richard I wasn’t in any rush to return therefore I had no return date.  Instead of leaving him hanging with one less publisher it’d be best if I resigned and he looks elsewhere.  After various questions about my plans he finally agreed and told me not to worry about hiring a car as he’d take me to the airport tomorrow. 

Once I boarded the plane it all felt real.  I was finally taking this trip.  The idea of being in a foreign country with no plans and no time limits filled me with excitement.  I could explore to my heart’s content.  If I wanted to spend the entire day in a museum or in a cafe somewhere I could do so.  For the first time in my life I felt free.

I felt absolutely wonderful lying in bed.  I could get used this lifestyle, no work, no commitments, and staying in bed past obscene hours.  Finally I decided it was time to venture out of my room.   My room was the epitome of perfection.  The bedding was exquisite and the amount of pillows I had made me think I could get lost in them.  The carpet under my feet felt so soft and cushiony I could probably sleep down here.  There was a beautiful vintage style dressing table the sort I’ve dreamt of buying for my bedroom, but never got around to it.  I’d wasted so much time on my career that I hadn’t the time to treat myself.  There was also a balcony in my room.  I remember when booking the hotel room they said something about a balcony overlooking the Vltava River.

 When I stepped out on to the balcony I was at a loss of words to describe the magnificence.  It was picturesque. The river seemed to extend far into the city and centred on the Stromovka Park.  This was one of the largest parks and well known here in Prague.  High up from my balcony I discovered a green oasis filled with ponds, mature trees, children’s playgrounds, and finely manicured green lawns, great for an afternoon read or a romantic stroll.  I could imagine myself lost in this beauty every day over and over again without tiring.  On the far end of the swan filled Vltava River was a tall looming gold tipped tower and with gargoyles positioned on both ends.

An hour later I was standing outside the hotel with a map in hand.  I found the quickest route of getting to the park and set off.  Prague was a bustling city.  I managed to cross the street without killing myself.   Even though like there were street lights it seemed as if the drivers in this city had their own perception of when to go and when to stop.  It was complete mayhem amidst the crossing guard blowing his whistles inconsistently and drivers yelling at him and each other in the Slavic language.

 I decided to stop by the cafe and grab an iced tea.  Even though spring had only began it seemed exceptionally warm today.  Luckily the cashier spoke small bits of broken English so we were able to communicate.  He was a nice chap, maybe in his teens.  Once we had my order figured out in a matter of minutes I had my drink in hand and he bid me farewell with his sweet smile....dimples and all.  

Since I wasn’t in a rush I sat down with my drink and looked outside.  There was a small open market across the street and people were milling about.  One vendor had just arrived and was unloading his truck with all his fruits and vegetables.  A little girl was with the man, probably his daughter.  She was pulling a crate of apples towards the stall.  Finally succeeding she took a seat on a nearby stool and grabbed an apple from the crate which she began eating.  Soon the man had finished setting up his stall and took a seat next to the little girl and gave her a hug.  Nearby an old man was walking up the cobblestone street with his cane in hand.  He looked over towards the cafe straight at me and tipped his hat like a gentle man.  I gave him a timid smile.  I never had a man do this before.

 When I looked up again he was looking towards the church next door.  He had a faraway look in his eyes for a while until he broke out in a smile.  I wondered what had happened.  My questions were soon answered.  A petite looking woman came walking towards him and the man began smiling.  Her walk sped up a bit until she was soon in his arms.  I caught his eye again and he smiled then looked at the woman with a twinkle in his eye and bent down and kissed her softly.  Then they walked off hand in hand.  I figured this was his wife.  It was nice to see there were still some very happy people in the world.

With this thought I left a tip for the waitress, stood up, and ventured out.  I followed the map and was soon standing in front of the entrance of Stromovaka Park.  The park entrance was magnificent, just like it said it would be in the brochure.  Walking through the park gates I was over taken by the beauty.  New York has Central Park and Prague has Stromovka.  On one side there were great big hills laden with the most beautiful green grass I could imagine and down below was a pond filled with swans and a bridge over head.  There was a couple standing on the bridge close together in deep conversation.  Seemed like a lover’s tiff from my side.  Nearby I could hear the laughter of children.  

When I turned around there was a great big castle, Bohemian style of course.  The castle had a great mass of stairs which was filled with tourists and kids running up and down.  A little girl was waving to me from up above the castle.  I waved back. 

Walking through the park I found a path that led off towards the palace.  The park lies near the wonderful Governor’s Summer Palace, which gave the area the feel of a royal hunting ground.  The path led towards a hill.  Once reaching the top I was taken aback by the view.  I hadn’t realized how high up I’d come because I was looking down at the palace.  I took out my cell phone and starting taking a few snaps.  This entire day had been filled with breathtaking moments like this one.  It all seemed like a dream come true and I was on over load amassed in all this beauty.  I put my phone away and sauntered over the pond nearby.  There was a family of ducks and ducklings swimming about.  They looked so cute. 

Nearby there was a statue of a man who looked a bit familiar.  Walking over I read the inscription and realized why.  This was the famous Czech poet and writer Julius Zeyer.  When I was in University I’d done a piece on his poetry and writing and all throughout high school I was in love with his work.  Underneath the inscription was a verse from one of his famous poems.  As I began reading the line I heard someone clear their throat behind me.  For a few seconds I was frozen, afraid to turn around.  

Here I was standing on the top of a hill, away from people, in a foreign country with a stranger behind me. For all I knew he could be a killer instead of a harmless pedestrian. I had to be careful. I slowly put my hand in my pocket and took out the pen I had. If he was some nutcase I could easily stab him with the pen and make a run for it I thought.

“Jste v pořádku,” he said.

I turned around pen in hand, and ready to attack. The man in front of me was big and burly. Kind of like those Texas boys I met up with last year who next to me seemed like giants.

He was peering at me and repeated the same words. He looked concerned.

‘I’m sorry I don’t speak Czech,’ I replied.

He broke out in a smile.

‘But I speak English,’ he answered back.

‘Are you in trouble or lost? He questioned with concern.

I was relieved he spoke English, but still a bit hesitant.

‘I’m not lost or in trouble,’ I replied.

‘I found this path and decided to see where it led. I was only admiring the scenery.’

‘But why are you here?’ I asked.

I don’t know why I asked such a silly question; probably out of fear. Again he smiled.

‘Well I hope you don’t think you’re the only one who can revel in this beauty,’ he said spreading his hands toward the scene affront.

‘I hope you didn’t think I was some crazy man either,’ he asked candidly looking over at me.

‘Only because I can see you clutching on to that pen,’ he said pointing to my hand.

I looked down wondering what he was going on about until I saw the pen in my hand.

Throughout our whole exchange I had completely forgotten about my ‘weapon.’ From our conversation I figured he was pretty safe to be around. His body language was relaxed and he seemed like an ok guy. So I put the pen away and smiled.

‘My name is John,’ he said moving towards me he extended his hand.

‘Hi John, I’m Grace,’ I said shaking his hand.

He walked over to me, next to the statue, and read the inscription out loud and looked over at me.

Suddenly I felt very uncomfortable. I hadn’t planned on any company. John was smoking a cigarette by the pond. I thought it would be rude to leave without saying goodbye. While I was dwelling on whether I should say anything or not he had already turned around was facing me.

I smiled and said, ‘Well I should be going now, I've got somewhere else to be.’

‘Ok, well it was nice meeting you Grace and since I take it you’re a tourist I hope you enjoy the rest of your stay,’ John said.

‘Thank you, I said smiling, ‘take care.’

I followed the trail and began my walk down the rugged path. It was a good thing I had worn my flats instead of heels or else I would have been in a major rut. On my way down I thought about John. I knew he was just some random guy on the top of a hill, but there was something about him. I couldn’t place my finger on it. He was different. Lost in my thoughts I almost bumped into a little old man and his dog who were coming up the path. Soon I had reached the bottom and was standing in front of the park entrance. The park had quieted down compared to earlier. No screaming children and fewer tourists.

I crossed over and slowly made my way to the cafe I’d been at earlier. I ordered myself a nice baguette and an iced coffee and sat down in the seat overlooking the road outside. And what a sight it was out there in the cobble filled streets. The last of the market vendors had packed up and cleared the area. People were milling about, probably making their way home after a long days work.

A couple of school girls had emerged from the corner road, walking hand in hand and giggling away with not a single care in the world. I could feel the remnants of a nostalgic smile forming around the corners of my lips with the memory of when I was their age. Parading around the world like I owned it with everything at arm’s length and seeming and being absolutely perfect. The rays of the sun set seemed to be enveloping the entire road in its bright red colors. As the light transpired through the windows of the cafe, blinding me for a second, someone tapped on my shoulders. I turned around and there he was my companion from the hills above, John.

‘Hey Grace, didn’t fancy seeing you here,’ he said smiling.

I smiled back. He had a mug, filled with the most heavenly aroma of hot chocolate ever, in one hand and a plate filled with chocolate covered cupcakes in the other.

‘Would you mind if I sat next to you,’ John asked.

‘Of course I wouldn’t. Don’t be silly, take a seat,’ I said.

John took the seat next to me and began taking a sip of his drink. He turned around and offered me a cupcake.

‘This is a peace offering from me for ruining your quiet moment up there in the hills,’ he said smiling ever so sweetly.