History Part II

​Yesterday was a rather entertaining day for me. After I found the ‘Posta’, I decided to take the tram back into Old Town, as I had a 3 o’clock reservation at a restaurant on the other side of the river. After getting off at the designated stop, I noticed a set of steps which appeared quite numerous in number, and so I decided to take a stroll up to see what was at the top. Since so much beauty in Europe is above the head, I figured this had to be equally wonderful.😂😂 

This is just the first set of a series of three!🤣😂😂!  Expecting to find the castle, also set on a hill on the other side of the river, I was surprised to find NOT the castle, but what might’ve been a parliament building surrounded by a beautiful park. So I walked through the park and enjoyed the views from the top.🤗

On my way down the other side, which weren’t steps rather, but a long sloping path, I found yet another park. It is nice to see the many people who sit out and enjoy these parks. Many with books, and others with a coffee, or a friend. I was missing Plus One at this point, but then I remembered that had he been here with me, he would’ve gotten up out of bed during his sleepless period last night, made coffee, and a lot of noise.😂😂😂 I think that was the most difficult part of international travel for Plus One, besides all the walking about.  His internal clock never quite adjusted to the eight hour time change. I am fortunate that it is easier for me somehow. But I’m not sure why.🤔

Now, here is where the entertaining part comes in.  I was so certain that my restaurant was on the other side of the river, but I decided to put in the address so I knew the general location of it, if only to be certain to be there for my 3 o’clock reservation. I’m really not sure why I thought I needed a reservation to have dinner at 3 pm, but I didn’t want to miss out on something fun and unique,  so I made sure to MAKE a reservation 😂. FOMO😂😂😂!  

After putting the address into Google Maps , I was rather surprised to find it was directing me back over to the OTHER side of the river. It was only about 12:30 now, so I certainly had time to walk back that way. The route took me along the river, because I think it was easier to navigate a straightforward path rather a zig-zagging route through Old Town.  Lo and behold, off in the distance, I heard loud speaking and random cheers and rounds of applause from a crowd. Drawing nearer, I saw yet another intriguing building, cordoned off with police presence. Heavy police presence. I saw people along the walkways, standing and listening. I paused to take a picture…

Standing next to a very tall young man, I asked if he spoke English. He said yes, of course… it seems many of the folks do here, which I’m grateful for.💕 I asked him if this was a protest, and he said yes. I said, “What are they protesting?”

He smiled and gave me a lengthy rundown. To make his long story shorter, it came down to political corruption, and trying to limit free speech and free press, which would silence fair campaign efforts, and legitimate elections.  For a country so recently occupied by a communist government, I imagine they take these threats much more seriously than we do in the United States.😔 How fortunate we have never have been occupied by Germany, nor ruled by the Soviets😱. 

To be continued! (Have to get ready for breakfast😊💕.)