Merle and Larry

In Prague I had the most enjoyable afternoon.  We signed up for a walking tour of the city (to see the sights) and there were about a dozen of us altogehter.  But the buildings, cobbled courtyards and bridges of Prague (as beautiful and breath-taking as they are) paled to insignificance compared to the eclectic mix of God’s creation which assembled for the tour; New-yorkers, Belgians, English, Canadians, Irish and Slovaks.

Among this motley international pack of tourists was a ’special’ couple.  As their names suggest, Larry and Merle are the all American couple in their twilight years.  Merle was wisely dressed in a full-length winter coat, knitted berry and sporting a pair of (largely impractical) golden shoes.  Larry, who is obviously too cool for school, was wearing a leather jacket and peaked cap (he could’ve been mistaken as a soviet guard).  We struck up a conversation which covered everything from dietary requirements to cruise ship entertainment!  And if you haven’t guessed already you’ve probably got it now… Yes, Larry and Merle are American cabaret stars!  If you are one of the few who have never heard of them you can check out their website here. 

Nina, the native tour guide, took our group off the beaten track to a lesser known strudel-bar.  In this steamy cafe - whilst sipping on hot wine - we chatted excitedly to one another about life and experiences, travels and work, family and ambitions.  Our farewell was eminent and our shared experience short-lived but it reminded me that the most wonderful, breath-taking and beautiful of all the sights in Prague was not the Charles Bridge or the Tyn Church but that of God’s creation.  Seeing the sights is only part of the experience - people are the rest!