Patience

One of the most prominent landmarks in Prague is St. Vitus Cathedral, surrounded by the Prague Castle. It overlooks the city from a high perch on the city's northwest side. Construction of the cathedral began in 1344. It was completed in 1929.

Another city icon is the Charles Bridge. Jason the historian informs me it is one of the five most historic bridges in the world. I assume he is referring to the London, the Golden Gate, the Brooklyn and the Stillwater Lift Bridge. As we and hundreds of visitors strolled across it yesterday, we came upon a huge section undergoing repair. The reconstuction began this year. It is scheduled to be completed in 2020.

Apparently the Czechs are patient with the evolution of their architecture and infrastructure. Tell that to the Minnesota legislators who in their fretful panic are seeking to have the collapsed I-35W bridge in Minneapolis rebuilt by next year. There is a European sensibility that suggests endurance and aesthetics are higher-order virtues than commerce and expediency.

Cheers from a land of endurance and beauty.

Pictured: A sculpture of the Crucifixion, one of dozens of sculptures lining the Charles Bridge in Prague. The Hebrew inscription reads, "Holy, Holy, Holy Lord." Photo by Jason Tetzloff, 6 mar 08.