lulu
If you’ve heard of only one place else in Czechoslovakia it is likely to be Prague, a city of amazing contrasts.
Unlike many of the cities visited on our river cruise, Prague was not damaged during World War II meaning that the Old Town is intact. Away from it, everything is newer, more modern indicating that Prague is a thriving 21st century city.
Though Prague is full of attractions, what I liked best was wandering the streets paying attention to all that was going on whether it was men restoring an aging facade,
meticulously relaying a cobbled street
or working to attract a crowd and hoping to be rewarded with a few coins.
Markets were a great place to people watch,
sample a few local goodies.
and observe vendors, some of whom were busy demonstrating their skills, preparing food for jostling customers or passing the time until someone came along.
It was surprising to see a canal in Prague. My first thought was how that resembled Venice. The only thing missing was gondolas being managed by striped shirt gondoliers!
Walking miles every day means there had to be time for some refreshment, and I liked stopping in at some random place
and having Czech food and a Pilsner Urquell. Talk about a pause that refreshes!
Yes, Prague has much to offer. Architecturally, it is a jewel with its buildings representing many centuries.
Oh, and have I mentioned gingerbread and that Czechoslovakia is famous for it? It comes in many forms, but when I tell you that foie gras served on thin slices of gingerbread is over the top, believe it! I’d go back to Prague just to have it again.
So much for this journey of three plus weeks. It’s time to go home.
i so appreciate your visit and the comments you leave behind
Greeting me upon entering was a big welcome to the Year of the Dog. People born in this year are said to be affectionate, faithful, straightforward, courageous, smart, inspirational, loyal, honest, trustworthy and warm hearted. That’s quite a list of admirable characteristics.
Combined with the red and white dishes, they would make a very fun table.
The handcrafted Thai pottery lends itself to a tasty meal concocted of dishes selected from a beautiful book of recipes and stories of Thailand. That kept me looking for several minutes as the place and the food are among my favorite.
As its name suggests, World Market has goods from all over the globe.
Having recently visited Jaipur, it made me happy to see hand stitched quilts from there. As I looked at the neat rows of stitching, I could not help but think of the women who I had seen doing this kind of work and were probably paid so little for their effort.
Moving on to the food section where there is such a varied selection made me hungry so it seemed a good time to finish browsing.
I didn’t get past the beverages though as these bottles are great for serving water once they are empty. 
Moving on to the checkout counter, I passed by a display of teapots and cosies that were so cute I was sorely tempted, but I just kept walking. Resisting temptation is a continual challenge!
2017 was a year of many photos capturing the beauty of Maine, travel in India and a lot of my favorite things. That makes it hard to pick a favorite, but this one gets the nod because it represents a step toward improved food photography. From this photo I learned how something as simple as slicing a pepper can make such a big difference. There are still miles to go!
It didn’t take long for us to find ourselves in textile heaven!
Piece after piece was thrown on the floor in front of us. Each one was handmade exemplifying astonishing skills from weaving to appliqué to embroidery.
Some were of the finest fibers with the very softest being those from a baby camel. I never would have thought camel hair to be suitable for weaving.
Much of the work is done by women working at home, but here we saw these ladies sitting on the floor doing their lovely handwork. While I was in awe of their work, I did not envy their sitting on a hard floor while doing it.
I can’t tell you how long we were in this one shop, but I can tell you that we purchased so much that we were presented with a gift, a sari. Now that is something we weren’t going to buy for ourselves, but we are very happy to have this special memory of India and had fun going native that evening at dinner.
Back at our hotel, we were welcomed by this gentleman who was only too happy to have his photo taken. I was quite surprised when he pulled from behind his ears the rather dramatic extension of his mustache. I must say we’ve seen some pretty spectacular facial hair during this adventure!
Speaking of hotels, the ones we have experienced have been spectacular. Several are palaces that have belonged to maharajahs. In fact, some still claim ownership and lease the property to hotel operators. Quite a nice way to have all those rooms become income producing, wouldn’t you say?
In addition to being very plush the service is amazing. Every employee goes out of his or her way to be helpful and pleasant.
And let me not forget the food, always freshly prepared
and beautifully presented.
Lest you think Maine is all about the coast and islands and boating, come with me a few miles inland. Very quickly it becomes rural making you think you are in a different place.
Town lines are far apart as are houses in the scarcely populated areas.
Along the road, cattle laze in the fields
and horses stare out to see what is interrupting the quiet.
Farm equipment suggests a way of making a living that is quite different than that on the coast.
With fall closing in, there is evidence of gathering for winter
and wagons are stacked high with hay that will keep livestock fed when grass is covered with snow.
Barns are as common as houses in the countryside.
Sometimes when I’m taking pictures, a curious neighbor comes out to chat which is a great way to learn about an area. Folks like to tell what they know as happened with this barn. It was built in the mid 1800’s by a gentleman who then owned thousands of acres that were farmed and provided timber. Over the years, heirs lost interest in working the land and sold off the property bit by bit.The barn fell into disrepair until a few years ago someone who respected its architecture bought and restored it. These days it’s used for nothing but storage, but the owner keeps it in pristine condition which is probably what caught my eye.
Another characteristic of these rural areas are general stores. Keep in mind that Maine is made up of many small towns and grocery stores are few and far between. 
It’s not surprising to find the general store is also the local eatery.
and I’m telling you there are some pretty good vittles there.
Well, let’s change that by visiting 
The setting is pure Maine, rolling hills and beautiful vistas.
There are grapes growing in the vineyard, but they are mostly to convey authenticity as most of the wines are made from grapes brought in from California and New York.
Production, however, is on site in a very modern facility where barrels are stacked high for the aging process.
Cellardoor is located in Lincolnville, a few miles from Camden, and it’s a great place for visitors to experience.
After a tasting, the grounds are perfect for sitting in the sun to enjoy a favorite wine and a cheese plate or sandwich. 
Aside from producing wine, Cellardoor hosts cooking classes by chefs well known in the area as well as special dinners throughout the year.
As if that’s not enough some of the most fun events in the area are held in the vineyard. You can count on incredible settings, great food and surprising entertainment. When tickets go on sale, they are gone in a matter of minutes!
We’ve been entertained by the Temptations, Huey Lewis & the News, Backstreet Boys and finalists from The Voice to name a few. 