Old Friends, New Friends - My Fatherland

I just went to visit my almost 88 year old Dad.

Something I do regularly.

Something that can be very nice,

as well as very stressful.

So after my visit,

 how wonderful it was, 

to be able to put my cars top down

on this Spring like day,

and revel in the sounds of 

Ma Vlast!

I really enjoyed 

the dreamy, pastoral sections

and 

Vltava - The Moldau.

Here's what Smetana had to say about this tone painting:

The composition describes the course of the Vltava, starting from the two small springs, the Cold and Warm Vltava, to the unification of both streams into a single current, the course of the Vltava through woods and meadows, through landscapes where a farmer's wedding is celebrated, the round dance of the mermaids in the night's moonshine: on the nearby rocks loom proud castles, palaces and ruins aloft. The Vltava swirls into the St. John's Rapids; then it widens and flows toward Prague, past the Vyšehrad, and then majestically vanishes into the distance, ending at the Labe (or Elbe, in German).

My little trip,

down this 

beautiful river,

with the wind & sun on my face,

did me a world of good. 

Now if I'm really lucky 

I just may make it 

to Prague in time for a dinner of

Guláš (Goulash)

  Knedlíky (Dumplings)

and  Palačinky 

(Czech Pancakes) 

 filled with ice-cream, jam or fruits and coated in whipped-cream, almonds or sugar.

Ah yes,

My Fatherland.