Fall in the Czech Republic is now at peak color. When the sun shines the landscape glows so brilliantly you feel like you are floating or levitating in yellow ,red and orange. It is very reminiscent of fall in New England, perhaps western Mass. or Vermont. Pam and I took the required road trip into the local mountains for a viewing, something the Czechs don't do much. We have never seen a tour bus of retired folks checking out the countryside scenery,..too bad as it is wonderful. We took pictures. Here they are.

Wroclaw,Poland

A few weeks ago in September our friends from Germany had us meet them in the city of Wroclaw Poland. WWII nearly destroyed the place(estimates say about 70% of the historic center was in rubble) but the city decided to completely restore that part. They used as much of the original material as possible.Now the center is beautifully magnificent. Pam and I took the train. It took about five hours. This was an amazingly short time considering that we stopped at every small pig and chicken whistle stop on the line. We arrived none the worse for wear,however, and boarded a tram to our hotel. It was nice and friendly. Even though Pam's knee is not in great shape she braved some walking so we could explore that great place. The old center was thrilling to see. Of course, a visit to the city history and art museum was enjoyed by everyone. We all enjoyed eating pyrogies and other tasty Polish treats, drank some good wine, gambled a little in one of the local casinos, and enjoyed a beautiful sunset and night skyline from the sixth story window of our friends room. On the last day before leaving we visited Wroclaw University. It is an ornate Baroque building outside and in. It contains a display of photographs showing the destruction caused by the war. Sobering but inspiring to think of how the Poles have rebuilt their city. The journey home went faster and smoother.Home by supper time. A mighty fine visit.