When I discovered lace books from the Continent in 1980 I had to invest in at least one. To me that was a special one. The lace of Elena Holeczyova. What a treat for the eyes. Of course I was now after postcards and catalogues and wrote to every museum mentioned in the book. Some answered, one actually suggested that I went to the Victoria and Albert museum. Prague Museum was different. They suggested that if I ever come to Prague that they would be able to show me their laces. I was flattered but of course would not contenplating going there. Was it not behind the Iron Curtain? So husband and I were of one mind that I would not go. B U T all that changed meeting Elena when she came to England with her laces. I showed her the letter and I had to promise to visit her if I went. Why are husbands always doubting, that we women are unable to go on an adventure alone? I knew it was behind the Iron Curtain, so what? They can always be pulled to one side. And you can guess what happened. I went, not telling him that I was just a wee bit concerned and after all Germans do not show fear openly especially when they are married to an English man. My plan was all arranged. After having visited Prague I was booked on a lace course in Bad Lauterbrunnen/ Switzerland and then planned to go home. That would only take 2 weeks. Then of course there is the lovely invitation to go to Bratislava. SOOO If you look at the map the distance was about 2", so that would be better going then instead of having another long journey later on. I did win, after all "ve have vays. So I prepared for my long journey to Prague, Bad Lauterbrunnen, Liechtenstein, Bratislava and hopefully back to Melton Mowbray.
The journey to Prague was very eventful, but too long to write about unless anybody is interested. Just let me tell you about my first day in Prague. Off to the museum, Map in hand and full of hope. Found it but alas they asked me to come after lunch. So went to the square where the lovely clock is. But there comes a time when you have to do what you have to do. Where is the toilet? Nowhere was to see a sign. Only way out of that is to ask passers-by. Of course it would help if you spoke the language. I did not. And than I was afraid that it would look suspicious when I accosted the people. As luck would have it one lady got the message and took me just around the corner. The following year when I was there again, that place had been pulled down. Of course you will not have such difficulty. There was a shop in the square that sold Lace, but expensive. Another hard lesson I had to learn namely how to pay for tram tickets. They were sold at tobacconist shops. You then put the tickets in a machine the right way up and press. Yours truly did it the other way and got a lecture from the controlling woman. I just nodded, smiled and said pardon. She got the message. So the truth is that you can go anywhere without the language of that country and it is far more interesting and enjoyable. If you have a chance to go to the Mime Theatre take it. I liked it very much. Wishing you lots of fun, had hoped to come but alas. Awaiting lots of reports, please Greetings Dora the Knotter To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace-chat [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
