Mnichovice

Sunday I took a train with Chad to Mnichovice to meet the Czech family! Pavel greeted us and ushered us in for tea, coffee, homemade strudel, and slivovice. As I listened to Pavel and Chad talk Czech politics, I truly enjoyed being in a home setting away from my dorm room and city life. Even our first steps in Mnichovice showed how peaceful the place was compared to Prague--something I have missed about home.
We also met Pavel's wife, Marcela, their daughter, Eva, and Pavel's aunt, Helena (who made the strudel!!)
Pavel showed Chad and me around their backyard, also given the name "the garden." It was absolutely gorgeous and even had a small surprise at the top of the hill. 

The day also included an amazing home cooked lunch and a tour of Mnichovice courtesy of Pavel. 

Overall, it was wonderful to meet new family and see a new part of the CR. Whether discussing old cameras with Chad on the train or playing with the family dog, Uli, I couldn't help but miss home..a little. Or a lot. But I guess what struck me was the feeling of this home away from home. Prague felt comfortable automatically. But, alas, it's not the same as Villa Park, or even Kenosha. Being in Mnichovice with the people that I am very distantly related to still felt home-like. And it fit.