Prague, Czech Republic June 09

David left for London to teach his class at Oxford and pitch some business, while the girls and I flew from Singapore to Frankfurt and then on to Prague. I had heard a great deal about the beauty of Prague, so was a little disappointed in the first few days walking around. High expectations can do that.

I found that Prague grows on you. Walking through the old town is beautiful at every turn. The squares are surrounded by amazing old clock towers and churches. Every building has an ornate front, sculptures and friendly gargoyle types. And the river winds its way through the city. Our first day we took random tram trips all over the city to get the lay of the land. The next day we went to Prague Museum which was filled with thousands of stuffed dead animals.

Summer in Europe is never to be trusted, especially with global warming. It was almost arctic so I spent time searching for warmer clothes for the girls. Luckily our rented apartment was wonderfully warm.

David arrived, and he and I focused on business. The reason for our visit to Prague was a Leadership Retreat for our businesses licensees from around the globe. Sadly a couple of them couldn't make it, so with three of our team from Australia we met as a group of 12 and had two days of solid talking and thinking about where we want to take our business, and what is next for us as a business. Really worth while, and a precursor to our next meeting in late July in Sydney with our regional managers from around the world, from markets we manage.

After the retreat was over we got to enjoy Prague again with the girls, by visiting Prague Castle and most importantly a toy museum with a '50 years of Barbie' exhibition. It just doesn't get better then traveling half way around the world to walk through rooms full of barbies.

The Czech people seem to be an outdoor loving group (that and fatty foods), with a decided lack of politeness for tourists. Overall a lovely city, and glad we had the opportunity to experience it (with the help of locals - thanks Vladi and Kristin).