A Grand Day Out, Flat Stanley style

Last week we opened a thick envelope that arrived from Oneonta and out poured Flat Stanley, along with his diary, a bunch of letters, and some pictures. Flat Stanley is a character in a children's book who experiences different adventures because of his unique shape. In one story he visits California via the postal system. Ben's class from home is doing the Flat Stanley project (in which kids send Flat Stanleys all over the world), and Alex, one of Ben's best buddies, chose to send Flat Stanley to Prague.

What a treat for Ben to receive all of these handmade letters from his friends! His school “loops” grades for two years, so the classmates and teachers he had last year for first grade class are still together this year for second grade.

Sunday we had a gift of a day weather-wise -- clear skies and about 12 degrees C/mid-50s F. Since Flat Stanley arrived without a jacket, we knew he would appreciate the warmer temperatures.

We covered a lot of territory.

Here are Ben and Flat Stanley in front of a typical city tram. To get around town we take the tram, bus, or the subway.

Ben and Flat Stanley on the west side of Karlův most (Charles Bridge), in front of the Malostranské mostecké věže (Smaller Side bridge towers). The bridge is one of Prague's most famous landmarks. It was built starting in 1357 on the 9th of July at 5:31am, recognized as an auspicious time for its palindromic quality: 135797531. Thirty statues of saints line the sides of the bridge.

Flat Stanley poses on Kampa Island, with the high waters of Vltava River behind him. We had a week of warm temperatures which led to a quick melt off and flooding in some areas. Charles Bridge and the east side of the river are in the distance.

On the No. 9 tram -- Flat Stanley takes in the scenery while Ben reads.

Flat Stanley (supported by Garrett) and Ben pose in Václavské náměstí, or Wenceslas Square. Wenceslas Square was first established in the 1300s as a horse market. It has been the site of many political demonstrations through the years, including the 1989 Velvet Revolution when up to 500,000 people protested the communist rule of then Czechoslovakia.

The big building at the top of the square is the Národní muzeum (National Museum). We like visiting the museum on the first Thursday of the month, when then there is no entrance fee. There's a fun exhibit there now on Czech legends.

Ben, Garrett, and Flat Stanley under the statue of Sv. Václav (St. Wenceslas), the patron saint of the Czech lands. This the same guy from the Christmas carol "Good King Wenceslas."

Ben and Flat Stanley brace themselves for the rush of air pushed by the subway!

We climbed the Staroměstská mostecká věž (Old Town bridge tower -- the one seen in the picture of Flat Stanley on Kampa). Flat Stanley enjoyed amazing views of Charles Bridge and its many statues, the Vltava River, Mala Strana (Small Side), and Pražský hrad (Prague Castle).

Flat Stanley with Sir Garrett inside the bridge tower.

Flat Stanley soaks up the sun on Charles Bridge (and observes Prague Castle from a new perspective).

It was a very exciting day, and we'd worked up a good appetite. Fortunately we had reservations at Výtopna Restaurant because the boys had earned another reward dinner. Flat Stanley was excited to hear there were trains closer to his size.

We placed our drink order and pretty soon we saw the beverage locomotive chugging toward us.

At the end of the meal, another train arrived to clear our glasses and bottles.

“THAT was awesome!” Garrett and Ben proclaimed as we left Vytopna.

Flat Stanley was speechless in his delight. He will be heading home soon with his diary, some pictures, and a lot of lovely memories. We were so happy to have his company. Thank you, Alex!



Parting shot: like any city, Prague has its oddities. Here's something you can partake in when next you find yourself on Wenceslas Square:

Exfoliation by sucker fish

Personally, I was pleased to have already eaten my dinner. Because this

would have left me with little appetite.

Ahoj!