Da Brlas Daily

2014 PRAGUE: Day 7 PRG-FRA-ORD

July 1

Trip back home - Prague to Frankfurt to Chicago

I actually tried to catch some zz's before getting ready for our long trip home. Aaron's alarm didn't go off as planned then we discovered a text notification that our flight to Chicago was cancelled due to severe weather! No! I tried scrambling online to see what flights we could take back. Apparently Aaron was rebooked for later flights. I however was not so lucky. Apparently I get to fly to Frankfurt but all of a sudden I'm flying from San Francisco to Chicago. Huh? Since we aren't using our phones to prevent roaming charges, we opted to get to the Vaclav Havel Airport and hope the Lufthansa agent can see my reservations. Wish us luck!

Good bye Prague! We will miss you!

The Lufthansa agent was nice enough to fix our luggage route to make sure they get back home, even if she couldn't confirm my whole flight yet. We stood in two long lines at Flughafen Frankfurt Airport to speak to a United agent there.

We got my reservations fixed (so it seemed) and got our seats together and upgraded to Economy Plus like we paid for. Aaron and I took a walk around the airport, got us some Euros to purchase some goodies, and had some Italian for lunch. Lucullus Nero was nice restaurant with decent food. Aaron got to try some German beer and I got some bottled water.

I didn't get my spaghetti and meatballs but this is close enough.

After a 5 hour wait, we are on our next flight to Chicago. Boo, there is no individual entertainment screens on our seats! I guess I'll be sleeping most of the way. Gute Nacht!

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!