Day 6 through ????

O.K.

I started off well, but sort of fell off on the blogging.

Thursday we spent the day being tourists. We spent the day wandering around the old town part of České Budějovice. We climbed the Black Tower and realised how out of shape we are, but where rewarded with a gorgeous view of the city and surounding countryside.

Later that day Pastor Ron, took us to Ceske Krumlov for a quick tour and some more window shopping. It's all quite beautiful, and in both towns every little winding cobble stone street is crammed with little shops and cafe's in each nook and cranny. We poked our head in a few places, but mostly enjoyed walking and soaking in the atmosphere.

Friday Ron Barnes took us by train to Prauge. Jen Thigpen, the children's teacher, came along as well so that she could learn how to get there on her own. Because of the length of the train ride, we had to walk through fairly quickly, but it was quit remarkable. Prague this time a year is just a crush of tourists, and as interesting as it was, Marge and I enjoyed the quiet charm of Krumlov and Budějovice better.

Saturday, we spent the morning relaxing, and I read up on České Budějovice, then in the late morning we had Mrs. Barnes drop us off near the church and we walked through the more residential apartment area. We walked through block after block of apartment buildings and with the help of a map made our way to the central square about three hours later. We also wandered through the big grocerie/discount store. It was much like the states, accept in Czech. All the prices were in Crowns. At 20 Crowns to the American dollar prices look a little unusual to my American eyes. We wanted a balanced picture of the city, and our walking tour helped.

To reward ourselves, before the Barnes picked us up, we popped into a restaurant and ordered lunch. Our waitress spoke little english, but we communicated using a mix of English, Czech, and German words. What's crazy is that every so often I through in one of the few Spanish words that I know.

Today, Sunday, we enjoyed services at the Baptist church in České Budějovice. Right now the church looks to have about 50 people, many of them are young and some are fairly new believers. I had the opportunity to speak with Vladja Donat, the president of the Baptist Union of the Czech Republic. He has a deap passion for the people of Southern Bohemia, and is eager for more missionaries to come to help in establishing a growing church.

I believe that I am growing to love these people and this city already. I've started thinking of it as "my city" (whatever that means). Tonight after the children are in bed Pastor Ron will "debrief" with Marge and I, then in the morning we take the train to Prague for the ride home.

See ya soon.