New Year’s Eve 2009. I leave my flat on Křemencova Street in Prague and head to the nearest bridge over the Vltava River. Paper lanterns are lit as fireworks begin to light up the sky in all directions. As the old world chimes begin to ring in the beginning of 2010, I am joyous. I had spent the previous eight months abroad, journeying from California to New Zealand to Southeast Asia to Europe. It would be another two months before I set foot on US soil again.
I didn’t know it yet, but I had discovered a passion for history and photography that would define the rest of my life. The next year would be even more transformative, as I faced divorce, the passing of my beloved grandmother, and the unexpected death of my father.
Fifteen years later, I am back in the City of a Hundred Spires. What was then a budding interest in storytelling has blossomed into a full-time passion; in fact, that’s what brought be back here. Next weekend is Prague Harley Days and All American Fest, which also includes the European Route 66 Festival. I’m attending in my capacity as the President of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, a position which I’ve held for the past five years. I’m also here in my new role as manager of the Preserve Route 66 Initiative with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, a job I’ve only held for a few weeks. I am grateful for the support and trust from these two organizations.
We had the money to add a ticket to the itinerary, so Samantha came with me. I cannot tell you what it means to share a place that is so special to my life journey with a person that herself is such a cornerstone of my world. The first place we went after our long flight (and short nap) was to the Charles Bridge and the part of town I lived in more than a decade ago. We had dinner at the Globe, an ex-pat refuge that became a home-away-from-home during a Christmas 5,000 miles from Tulsa.
I’m eager to experience this amazing city in the warm season, as opposed to when the streets are snow-covered with Christmas carp for sale on the corners. One early observation: graffiti. There is graffiti everywhere in Prague; I don’t remember this being that big of a problem before. A lot can change in fifteen years, of course. I’m definitely more comfortable taking public transit this time!
Here’s to a week of discovery, both the new and the old.
Rhys' Pieces 