Petřínské sady

Prague, Spring, Petřín park. It was a gloriously hot day and we met up with some old friends, Patrick, Pavlina, Sebastian and Isabella. The park is one great slope with windy paths, lilac blossom and fruit trees to plunder. A funicular railway runs from the road at the bottom to Strahov - its rose gardens, observatory and imitation Eiffel tower - at the top. The views are stunning and there are a couple of choice restaurants to refresh oneself on such an occasion.

Here's Patrick, doing just that.

Isabella helping Alastair, who wanted to snoop behind the terrace bar and grill.

Pavlina, a far more experienced mum than I, bought the boys some suitable toys for a broiling hot day.

And for Gregor, I was a building on fire.

One of the views with familiar landmarks. After this we trod a trusted path, making our way through the park to our old flat in Prague 5. This was the walk I used to make every day to work, and it was a haven in the otherwise hustle-bustle, oppressive pace that Prague had become, at least for me. I'd had enough of the traffic, the pollution, the noise of the ambulance sirens. The walk to work, with woodpeckers and squirrels going about their business, was tranquil and green and very therapeutic.