A clock...in Prague...

Prague is one of my most favorite places to visit.  The old architecture, the simpleness of things in life, and the hospitality of the people make it one of the places I enjoy revisiting when the chances pop up. Despite the bad floods that occurred several years ago, the city has recovered and is once again welcoming visitors to partake in a very special eastern European experience.  Hence...today's Place of the Day:

Old Town Square - Prague, Czech Republic

The first settlements appeared here in the 10th century, and the old town square is still the very heart of Prague.  Outdoor cafes are plentiful, and stopping to watch the 600 year old astronomical clock is a must.  Enjoy!

Taveuni

No, I didn't forget today's Place of the Day....just a tad bit tardy on things.  Hope you enjoy...since we're going to...

Taveuni Island - Fiji

(this one's for you, Rachel!)

The 3rd largest island in Fiji, Taveuni Island has the largest population of indigenous plants and animals in the South Pacific.  Traditional villages dot the western side of the island, and dive sites are plenty.  Be sure to check out the Great White Wall if you're under the sea!

Phuket and Amanpuri, Thailand

Today's (and should have been yesterday's) Place of the Day is none other than:

Phuket - Thailand

Known as the Pearl of the Adaman Sea, and has some of the most beautiful beaches and resorts. Amanpuri is one of the most well-known, containing Buddhism-themed architecture and well-placed guest pavilions.  Need a spa treatment?  This is the place to go!

Federer vs Nadal...again?

I'm having a bit of nostalgia again this morning, as I realized that the ExxonMobil Open is currently going on in Doha, and one year ago I was able to make a few matches.  In fact, I saw both Nadal and Federer play, and it was one of the highlights of my trip.

So if you're in Doha, I hope you can go.

Unfortunately I did read this morning that Federer has withdrawn from the tourney due to an injury, but it's still possible for Tsonga to play Nadal. That'd be a good match.

Happy New Year

Very happy new year to all...it's still a little odd for me to think that it's January, but here we are.  One year ago at this time I had just wrapped up New Years in Rome, and was on to Doha, Qatar for my first round of dissertation research (which ended up being very successful).  It's interesting for me to read about that time all over again.

I'm not sure yet what the new year will hold, but it's shaping up to have several things, including the official start of my dissertation work.  I'm hopeful to get back to Qatar and Education city in Sept/Oct to work with the schools again, and am excited about the possibility.  I'll also be (hopefully) wrapping up my final standard classroom courses...could it be that these will be some of the last times I'm sitting in a room like I have all my life? 

I'll resume my 'Place of the Day' posts later this week...a secondary goal for me this year is to maximize as many points and miles opportunities as I can (or am able given schedules, etc).