Last Saturday there was a ceremony commerating the liberation of Cheb from Nazi occupation by US troops. It was very moving. Around the monument honoring the American soldiers who died stood soldiers from the Czech Republic, Slovakia and the US. There were speeches and our National Anthem was played. It is surreal to be on foreign soil, surrounded by people who speak a different language and place your hand over your heart as you hear "The Star Spangled Banner." It is something I have done thousands of times but I was really struck with the meaning of it this time. Patriotism takes on a different meaning when you are in a country far away from home. It was nice to walk through the town square and see Old Glory waving along side the Czech flag on so many buildings. It's good to know that there are some countries who do not take their freedom for granted and give honor to those who helped them achieve it, especially in this time of anti-America sentiments. I am glad I got to experience it.

Tomorrow I will go to a town close to Sokolov for a Spring festival. There will be a bonfire where they will burn a witch in effigy. The witch symbolizes winter, which they burn to welcome the spring. Then a May Pole is erected. We've all seen pictures of May Poles so I won't embellish. The kids have definitely caught spring fever and are always wanting to go outside. I wish we could have all our classes outside but that isn't possible.

I hate to say it but I've been a bit lonely lately. Loneliness is not an emotion I have much experience with. As most of you know, I like to be alone a lot. But in the states, I could choose when I would be alone. There was always someone to call or something to do if I wanted some company. But here there are few people and few choices of diversions. It is finally getting to me, I believe. Also, my thoughts have been turning more and more to Texas lately as I try to schedule my very short time home this summer. I think I am just missing y'all and hope these two months fly by. So why don't you help me out a bit? Drop me a line or just comment to one of these posts. I'd like to know who is reading them and I want to know what's going on with you. I get a bit discouraged when no one replies. Hope y'all are enjoying the spring. Happy May Day!
Ciao for now!