The last few days.

On Monday, we went to the Municipal Library of Prague and attended a lecture at the Library at Nostic Palace. Yesterday, we had an outing to Liberec, about 90 km northeast of here, situated close to the German and Polish borders. The history of Liberec goes back to the 13th century but we were there to tour the Regional Scientific Library which also functions as a public library and provides services to all age groups and interests. It is housed in a gorgeous modern building built about 10 or so years ago. Next door to it is the Building of Reconciliation which houses a Jewish community centre and prayer room in the spot where the old Liberec synagogue used to stand which was burned down on November 9-10, 1938 in the Kristallnacht pogrom.

After lunch in a family run hotel in Český ráj (literally Czech paradise) we visited Prachovské skály in the region Jičín. We had an opportunity to walk up to the top of the sandstone rocks to see the spectacular view of the surrounding countryside.

The last person to join our group has arrived. She was ill last week but is glad to be here for the second week of the program and we are enjoying her company as she is getting to know Prague and the rest of us at the seminar. On Monday evening we had dinner in a very lovely vegetarian restaurant, Maitrea, and yesterday, three of us had a late dinner of appetizers at an Italian restaurant not far from the hotel. On the way back, we stopped in to see some of the interior of the spectacular Municipal House. We are planning to go to a concert there tonight if we are able to get tickets. Today, we'll be attending lectures at the National Technical Library, followed by an afternoon tour of the premises. Tomorrow, we have an early start at 6 am to go visit Kroměříž and tour the Archbishop’s Chateau's Library, followed by wine tasting at the Chateau's wine cellars.

I seem to be having difficulty with getting this post to recognize that I have reset the clock on my computer, so just for the record, this is Wednesday morning, May 30th. As has been the case most days here, I woke up before 5 am, but I don't mind because it gives me a chance to get an early start to the day. Now, it is almost time for breakfast. And, if you are reading this, then happy birthday Katherine! P.S. As heard in one of our tours: In Europe, people think that 100 km is a long distance. In North America, people think that 100 years is a long history.