“I dwell in possibility…”
― Emily Dickinson
Four years ago today, I was in Prague with my daughter where we were to celebrate her 25th birthday. We’d met up in Zurich ten days earlier and made our way to Prague via Salzburg and Vienna.
A cold front had unexpectedly moved in across that part of Europe for which my daughter had not come prepared. I’d been fighting an illness the entire trip and by this time was quite tired. So that evening, tired and cold, we set off, first to find her a sweater then a place to eat – two vegetarians in a meat-focused culture. We’d had difficultly finding something for lunch so I hoped we’d have better luck for her special birthday dinner.
It was getting dark and stores were closing. As we crossed a bridge, we spotted four market stalls in the centre of a small square. One sold large pashminas, another hot wine. Perfect.
A little warmer, we headed back toward the main street. A sign for a restaurant caught my eye. It lead us toward a back street and down toward the river. Nearing the restaurant, another sign said that Tom Cruise and Daniel Craig had both eaten there. (Truthfully, the sign didn’t look entirely legitimate.)
The menu was posted on the wall. There were things we would both eat (yes!). It looked a bit fancy and we were not. My daughter thought we should try somewhere else. I was too tired and hungry and thought it worth asking if they could fit us in. So bundled in my old pashmina, wearing dusty sensible walking shoes, looking weary and carrying hot wine in a styrofoam cup, I approached the man standing at a podium outside the front door to see if there was availability. He looked us up and down and with a look of disdain went inside “to check”. I guzzled my wine and tossed the cup in the garbage hoping empty hands would somehow help our case. A moment later he was back, smiling warmly and welcoming us inside.
The place was empty except for one other couple. We were seated at a table overlooking the river and proceeded to have one of the most delicious meals of our travels (and lives). The waiter was attentive and gracious. When I told him it was my daughter’s birthday, he pulled out all the stops. At the end of our meal, even though we said we were full, he brought us a selection of bite-sized desserts, compliments of the owner who then came over to wish her a happy birthday. (We ate every last one.) Then the waiter brought us each a glass of port, also complimentary. I couldn’t have planned a better or more memorable celebration if I’d spent months trying.
The next day we went on a food tour of Prague. The guide was a local excited to share how Prague’s food scene has changed since 1989 when they became free from Soviet rules. One of the participants was a diplomat’s wife whose year in Prague was coming to an end. She was with her two daughters who were visiting from the U.S. When we mentioned where we’d eaten the night before, the guide and the woman were shocked. “You got in without a reservation?!” “That’s the most exclusive and most expensive restaurant in Prague!” (It cost us no more than a nice meal at home.)
One of the lessons I’ve learned on my travels that I try to apply in everyday life is to remain open to possibilities. Some of my best experiences have happened when I’ve allowed them to happen.
I don’t remember exactly what I ate at that meal but I’ll never forget the experience of sharing that evening with my daughter.
On Sunday, we celebrated her 29th birthday — her second in Covid lockdown as the third wave is hitting Toronto particularly hard. It was just the two of us again. We reminisced and laughed about that dinner in Prague knowing she’ll never forget these last two birthdays either (for obvious and very different reasons), we enjoyed her chosen meal (Chinese food and I baked a cake) and we wondered where she’ll celebrate her 30th birthday next year.
When you let your heart lead the way, where you are doesn’t matter. What matters is how where you are and who you’re with make you feel.
Let happiness be your compass and allow the endless possibilities to find you.
If you’re ready to open your heart, listen to its whispers and embrace your desires but need some support and guidance, I’m here for you. Let’s connect for an open-hearted chat.