Checking in from Prague ...

Well, it appears that the Anne Frank tree will be saved after all. It was exciting to be in Amsterdam when the fate of the famed tree was about to be decided. Those who wanted to save the tree (after some independent testing) rushed to the higher court to get an injunction ... and they won! The tree will be protected. Amsterdam is an interesting town. It is a melange of famous art (Van Gogh, Vermeer, Rembrandt, etc), beautiful architecture, beer, prostitution, and marijuana. I will write in detail about our experiences and recommendations when I get back to the United States. In the meantime, we are in Prague now. It is a beautiful city and there is truly a lot to explore here: the Jewish quarter, the castle district, the Charles bridge, the Old town, etc. It is especially pleasant now that there are not as many tourists here. It is sort of melancholic as the sun goes down and a blueish gray sky envelops the city. Everybody is bundled up as they hurry to the nearest pub to warm up over some beer. Cheers to Prague and Happy Thanksgiving to all.