Heading for the train station in Bratislava to catch the train for Vienna. Early early early Monday morning local time, getting on a plane for Seattle. It's been nearly six weeks since I drove a car. I've walked around five castles, been chased by sheep, made new friends, new enemies, and had roaches for roommates. I've learned a lot about … Continue reading Returning
Back in the light
Up late in my hotel in Bratislava, watching the live coverage of the rescue of the miners in Chile on the BBC. I can't turn it off. It's like watching rebirth as each man is pulled through the seven hundred metres of rock in that tiny capsule. It's the kind of thing that reminds you of what … Continue reading Back in the light
PNP visits the PMP
This is my favorite building in the old town part of Bratislava. It's the Primaciálny palác (Primate's Palace). It was built in the late eighteenth century. It has a beautiful façade and pretty courtyard with a fountain where someone is slaying a three-headed dragon. It's pink. You know who you are, the friend … Continue reading PNP visits the PMP
Conversation in Vienna
I was sitting in St Stephan's here in Vienna, in front of an altar looking at an ornate portrait of Jesus, with crucifixion wounds in his hands and flames coming out of his heart. I was thinking that looked very rock and roll, that flaming heart on his chest, like a Thin Lizzy album cover. … Continue reading Conversation in Vienna
The Joys of Laundry
When you are on an extended trip far from home, little things become big. Like figuring out the train system, learning how to dial the right international phone code, knowing to check for toilet paper before it’s too late, and finding a place to buy a Coke, maybe even one that is already cold. And … Continue reading The Joys of Laundry
Fables Are Fiction
I'm working on writing a longer fable about vulnerable sheep, greedy wolves, a trickster goat, and a greek chorus of cats. Meanwhile here is a short fable inspired by the last two weeks. And remember, fables are fiction. Once upon a time there was a dog who lived among wolves. He protected his flock of … Continue reading Fables Are Fiction
Blue. Himmel. Heaven.
The stained glass windows done by Marc Chagall in the Fraumunster church in Zurich, Switzerland. I discovered them when looking for a place to get out of the rain while walking around Zurich today. This is the sort of place that makes an atheist grateful for believers and proves the existence of grace. Here's a … Continue reading Blue. Himmel. Heaven.
Walking with sheep, goats, and wolves
On my first morning in Pravetz, Bulgaria, I took a walk toward the edge of town. Keep in mind that "edge of town" is a relative concept when the town is this small. Before long I encountered a flock of sheep heading into a little field to graze. There were one or two goats, too, … Continue reading Walking with sheep, goats, and wolves
Ready for adventure? Uvidime.
On Saturday I leave for a work assignment that will keep me in Europe (Bulgaria, Slovakia, Greece, Switzerland) for about eight weeks. Most of that time I'll be in a tiny town in Bulgaria where the university I work for offers undergraduate business programs. I don't know if you've ever decided to do something so … Continue reading Ready for adventure? Uvidime.
A beautiful book
So the same day I finished reading the rough draft (nearly complete) of my book, an experience I can only describe as ridiculously, tear-inducingly satisfying, I picked up a new book to read. It's a beautiful book called The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, published in 2006. The very first sentence took my breath away. … Continue reading A beautiful book
Elizabeth Fountain, Author 