2014 PRAGUE: Evening 7 Chicago

July 1

Aloha Ahiahi from Chicago!  I didn't realize how happy I would be back in the states.  Of course we had to have our passports checked and go through customs (never buy cigarettes and alcohol, and never visit the countryside with livestock to prevent this line) before waiting in yet another long line to re-check-in ourselves and our luggage.  We were lucky to plan ahead (you know me!) and had an extra pair of clothes and toiletries handy in our carry-on.  We discovered United was putting Aaron up in a hotel for our 12-hour layover with some food vouchers.  Sweet!  Nothing for me however.  The United agent was nice enough to include my luggage with Aaron's so we didn't have to stand in the long line after all.

 

InterContinental Chicago O'Hare is nice!  We grabbed a quick bite to eat at their restaurant and bar Fresco 21, took a nice long hot shower and popped into the comfy bed for some shut eye.  Aahhh!

 

 

PRAGUE 2014: Day 8 ORD-CLE

July 2

Aloha Kakahiaka from Chicago!  It's another blue skies and cool weather day.  On our way back to Chicago O'Hare International Airport to catch our last flight back home to Cleveland.

The view from our room

 

 

The TSA line was crazy!  I need to write a letter of complain because there were so many agents standing around doing nothing while they cramped two long lines down ONE lane for security check!  We were not lucky to come to the airport early because as soon as we were in line, someone with an iPad started picking later passengers arriving in TSA to go through a random selection line with two lanes.  What duh!

Breakfast time!  I think we always come to this joint when we are in Chicago.  But the breakfast was great.

Look at Aaron's breakfast wrap.  Ono!

 

We are finally on our way home!  Or so you think!  Aaron boarded the plane in group 2 and I waited until my group 4.  When I got to the gate, they had a problem with my ticket!  It appeared that I didn't get on the Frankfurt flight to Chicago and the system wouldn't let me board the Chicago flight.  I was so embarrassed to make the plane delayed!  They finally let me on but I was fuming.  Oh well, it's a short flight home.

We made it!  Here at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, the weather is humid and hot.  Ugh.  At least our luggage made it with no problems. Can't wait for Cookie to pick us up and take us home to Keala!

Budeme Chybět Praha!

2014 PRAGUE: Which architectural style did I like?

I was really amazed of the Astronomical Clock in Old Town.  The fact that it's still functional in so many levels blows my mind.

As for architectural style, I have always gravitated to more clean, simple lines than fancy, frilly designs.  So how does one pick a style when minimalist does not exist?  My favorite pick turned out to be...

The Estate Theatre in Old Town!!  Elegant but not overstated in a Neoclassic style.  It looks small but it's actually quite big.  The only thing I regret is that it wasn't open for us to take a tour of the interior.  That's where all the grandness lies.  Oh well, I guess that's for our next visit to Prague!

 

 

I did appreciate all the rest of the historical structures we visited on our trip.  It's going to be hard to top this now!

PRAGUE 2014: What we missed

Now that I'm home and reviewing my notes, we missed some attractions I wanted to see.  I guess we'll have to take another trip back one day!

• Touring the Old Jewish Cemetery in Josefov
• Strahov Monastery in Hradčany
• Touring the Estates Theatre in Staré Město 
• Wallenstein Palace in Malá Strana
• Kampa Island and the Lennon Wall in Malá Strana
• Petrin Hill in Malá Strana
• The Casemates and Gorlice in Vyšehrad

5th Mohican MTB 100 - 1st 100 miles

Congratulations to my hubby Aaron who participated in the 100 miles race this year and finished in 13 hours flat!  Our good friends Mikey and Dave, and the rest of the Ohio Fat Tires biking crew all raced this year too.  I'm so glad Aaron had a great time and that I was able to make it to see him cross the finish line.  I'm so proud of him!

Number 11

Ready, Set, Go!

Michael, Bud, Aaron and Mikey

Tina and Mikey

Dave, Jen, Fiona and Annabel

Aaron at the finish line with his Great Lakes Brewery Mohican 100 growler

Surprise!  Look who made it to see him finish!

Aaron with his partner-in-race, Bud

Mikey and Aaron grinding after the race

Bud and Aaron crossing the finish line - view 1

Bud and Aaron crossing the finish line - view 2

Mohican 100 2014 video