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From Prague to Krakow

Hello Gentle Readers and Fellow Online Adventurers:

We are now in Krakow, Poland, having arrived late yesterday evening. Our hotel, the Pod Wawelem , is in a perfect location, just minutes from the Old Town Square, and at the foot of Wawel Castle. This next entry has been written for you by Glenda Winders, editor of Copley News Service in San Diego. Glenda has been a friend and editor for many years, and I am honored to have her as a member of the Kafka Project and our Magical Mystery Literary History Tour to Eastern Europe. Here is her report:

From Glenda: One of my favorite ways to organize a travel experience is to follow in the footsteps of a favorite literary or historical figure. I've tracked Boudicca through England, Keats through Rome and Robert Louis Stevenson through the Napa Valley, but I've never had the privilege of traveling with a scholar and writer who is an expert on the subject at hand. Seeing the places that were important to Franz Kafka and Dora Diamant and hearing stories about them from Kathi Diamant have absolutely brought this couple to life. Today, with Kathi pointing out significant places from our coach and reading passages from her book as we rolled through the Czech Republic on our way to Poland, I sometimes had the feeling that if I turned around and checked out the seats behind me, I just might catch a glimpse of Franz and Dora, holding hands tightly and listening intently to what she had to say.

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Bill Diamant from Anna Maria, FL
June 20, 2008 at 07:35 PM
Wow. Glenda's post is outstanding. Really makes me feel like I am there' with you. As a matter I am with you (if not in body) in spirit---and the remarkable thing about that is that I am not a particularly spiritual person. Oh well back to the magic. I think it is so exciting that the members of the tour are participating in the reporting. I'm looking forward to experiencing Taylor's post. :exclaim:

Judita Matyasova from Prague, Czech Republic
June 20, 2008 at 08:51 PM
Dear Kathi, I finally found your blog and I am really curious about your next steps in journey. See you very soon in Prague and Zurau. Big hug to you and all your friends in group Here is small gift for you: http://franzkafka.rajce.idnes.cz/For_my_dear_Kathi/ cordially judita

Lori D. from Bradenton, FL
June 21, 2008 at 01:21 AM
Ok, thanks Glenda. Now I'm jealous.

Kathi Diamant from Krakow, Poland
June 21, 2008 at 04:39 AM
Happy First Day of Summer! In Poland, the summer solstice is a big deal--festivals, concerts, fireworks--celebrations all around. Today we leave for Berlin. More soon....

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Glorie from Charlotte,North Carolina
June 21, 2008 at 10:26 AM
What a wonderful idea. Traveling with you and seeing the trip from different view points. I'm having a great time. I'm sure you are too.

Margie from NYC, New York
June 22, 2008 at 05:00 PM
So fascinating!!! Glorie shared the link with me and it has been wonderful to follow along on your travels.

jane smith from kent london
June 23, 2008 at 06:46 PM
just got back from Poland went out for the weekend to a wedding and found the Old Town very interesting. love the blog

Kathi Diamant from Berlin, Germany
June 24, 2008 at 11:39 AM
Following up on Jane from Kent's comment: While tour group loved each of the three cities (Prague, Krakow, Berlin) that we visited, the city that impressed the most with its atmosphere and architecture was Krakow. Everyone wants to return and stay longer next time!

Kathi Diamant from Berlin, Germany
June 24, 2008 at 11:48 AM
Attached is the URL link to the article from the Prague literary magazine A2 about the Kafka Project's research this summer in Eastern Europe!

Mary O' from Marin County, CA
June 24, 2008 at 04:18 PM
Kathi, I wish I was on this trip with you. Reading your blog is fascinating.

Kathi Diamant from Zab, Tatra Mountains, Poland
July 12, 2008 at 08:35 PM
To Mary O' from Marin County, CA I hope you are still reading. It's getting better and better. Today was the most magical so far. Byron's writing this one up. Stay tuned! Kathi