Ten Pounds Later

I look at this photograph taken on the Charles Bridge almost two months later, that gorgeous bridge guarded by sooted black saints. I stood on the scale this morning and weighed in at 187 pounds. That is exactly ten pounds more than what I weighed in at on my first day back from Europe. In this photo the man in the green shirt looks almost waif-like. I remember the day well- my last full day in Prague. I had walked across that bridge a dozen times and this was my last. I watched the boaters from the middle of the bridge on this glorious day in a glorious city. Then two lovely women walked up to me and asked about things to see in Prague and what could they expect on the other side of the bridge. They were from somewhere in South American but lived in the United States. I recited an enthusiastic overview of the city and recommended a visit to the castle- in my eyes the jewel in the crown. They asked if I would take a photo of them on the bridge and so I did. And I boldly asked if I could take their photo and so I did. Then they took my photo.

I continued to meander on the bridge after they had walked on. Then I headed toward the park below the castle. Walking down the main avenue, I decided to go inside a convenience store for something to drink. Who did I see?- those lovely girls. We chated just briefly and went our own ways again. I would have loved to accompany them, but self-conscious about my age, did not even ask. Later I sat in the park overlooking the river and the city and saw them pass again. Ah, youth, I thought.

My exercise routine in Russia and Europe entailed walking four to six hours per day. I expecially remember the days in Russia when my money was running low and I purchased a piece of fruit, some nuts and crackers to keep me going. I remember refraining from eating just because I was not sure that I would have any money coming in the near future. I remember being hungry. I remember being so grateful when someone offered me a cookie at the hostile in Rastov Valikey- the city where my credit card saga began. Now back to walking only a half hour per day and eating my fill, my weight has quickly climbed.