Laundry day

Well even on vacation you have to take care of some mundane tasks. Still quite an adventure when you don’t speak the language and can’t read the signs. First problem was that I had to get money changed. The bank lady isn’t like the one at Horizon in Anacortes. She couldn’t or wouldn’t speak English and apparently didn’t find me too charming. I felt the same about her but got my 100 back in 5 20’s just the same. Now back to the machines. No English and a different system than our Laundromat. I was getting close to having it down but couldn’t find any detergent. Someone app

eared from the back room and made some motion that led me to believe he was asking if I needed help. I apologized that I only spoke English. He asked why I apologized and I told him that we weren’t the most popular folks in some countries. He said “we are all just people” and went on to give me the assistance I needed. My experience is that most folks recognize the similarities between all of us and our struggles / triumphs / dreams /needs / etc. Maybe that wasn't what he meant but it was what I heard. Anyway, the detergent is in the machine and I didn’t bother to ask about bleach or fabric softener. I think it is a waste of time anyway and just use it because Val tells me to.

Oh, by the way. How about those Bengals. Playoff bound and did it with a win not having to count on Baltimore losing even though Pittsburg beat them anyway (thanks Dan).

Went to a great little place that was really crowded but lots of fun today. They sell small sandwiches and beers among other things. We had a few sandwiches and three small beers. The beer was really good and I wondered if I like it better in small glasses. Didn’t wonder too long about that because it was getting dark and I have to say I love the lights of Vienna with the beautiful buildings as a backdrop. Took some decent pictures but the sights will stick in my mind for quite some time to come.

We came around a corner and there was a big door and small dome at the end of the street so I asked Val if she wanted to look inside. It was another splendid church. Not as special as our find from yesterday but still really cool. Not sure how many of those there are around here but suspect there are plenty of reasons to come back.

We are both still not feeling the best and today the drug stores opened back up.

Another interesting trip. The drug stores are apparently the only place they sell things like Dayquil since we couldn’t find it anywhere else. So I go in to the drug store and am trying to play it cool and look around for something with a sick person with a runny nose on it. No luck, lots of stuff I didn’t know what it was and was a little wary of taking a chance. A nice fellow says can I help you. I explained my situation and he pulls out from behind the counter something that looks very much like Vicks Dayquil. Glad I didn’t have hemorrhoids and just wanted to quietly pick up some Preparation H.

Travel to Prague tomorrow. Should be fun.