FLIGHT 141

On a dark and still night in August, 1971, Swiss Air Flight 141

departed for Zurich at 10:25 p.m. Transfer to Prague was

scheduled to commence following the two-hour layover.

         It was three years since the Russian invasion and their tanks

were still patrolling the streets of Prague.

         “Don’t drink the water in Europe,” Mike had been advised by

many.

         As Mike got off the plane, he stopped at the first water

fountain that he encountered.

         Thirsty. Very thirsty. After all Mike was an active young man

and had always been a big water drinker.

Oh no, Mike drank the water!

       A seventeen old young man can be quite impulsive.

         The week leading up to Mike’s departure for Europe had

elements of worry.

         “If you let him go to a Communist country, you’ll never see

him again,” Uncle Bill said as he shook his head with disapproval.

         “You’re going to be sorry! Czechoslovakia was invaded just

three years ago by the Soviet Union,” Beatrice said.

         Mike was well aware of this.

         Three years ago, Mike had read an advertisement in the

Long Island newspaper titled “Letters Abroad.” It stated: Do you

want to write to a new friend in a foreign country? Send us your

information and list in order your three countries of choice.’

         Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Poland - all were behind the

intriguing ‘Iron Curtain.’ All had a history of uprisings against

their Communist regimes.

         Mike received his reply with the name and address of a

young lady of his same age who resided in Prague.

         Mike wasted no time with writing his first letter, hopeful to

receive one in return.

Letters would go back and forth on a biweekly basis.

Postcards and any information of interest about both countries

would be exchanged.

         Mike’s parents watched this great relationship develop over

the next three years.

It was simply wonderful!

       Mike announced his intention to go visit Marie for a week

during the summer. The thrill of it all was absolutely exhilarating!

Mike takes on the world!

         Some people started to sweat, particularly Mike’s parents.

         “Mike, do you have a picture of Marie?” his Mom asked.

         “No,” Mike said without concern “She’s Marie.”

         “Don’t you do a stupid thing like get married while you are

there,” Mom implored.

         “No, Mom, I won’t,” he replied.

“You’ll never see him again,” Uncle Bill reiterated.

         The drink at the water fountain in Zurich had certainly been

refreshing. Mike had broken a rule within minutes of his arrival to

Europe, but no repercussions followed.

         After all, nerves exhibit themselves in many ways. Maybe in

no ways. . .

         Marie’s family was very welcoming. Mike was treated like

royalty, like a celebrity!

         As the family shared supper on the second day, everyone

was now more comfortable.

Marie had a good command of the English Language due to

her education.

Besides Czech, all students were required to learn two other

languages.

Their choices were between German, Russian or English.

Marie had chosen Russian and English.

Marie acted as the translator between her parents and Mike.

         “Why do so few Americans come to visit Czechoslovakia?” 

Mrs. Kucerova inquired.

“Would you care for another pork chop, Mike?” Mrs. Kucerova

offered. “A pork chop dinner is the national meal.”

         Mike felt that there was only one correct answer to this

question about pork chops.

         “Yes, I would like to have another pork chop. Thank you!”

         Mrs. Kucerova eagerly passed the large plate to Mike.

She casually brushed her neck sash to her side to do so, a sort

of a Czech custom for the woman of the house.

         “I don’t really know why few Americans come here to visit.

But your country requires a visa. Also, I believe many Americans

would be very nervous about entering a Communist country. I

must say that I was! However, I am very comfortable being here.

It’s just what we are taught in the U.S.A.”

         On the next day, Marie and Mike had a great time strolling

through Wenceslas Square, the rather huge downtown district.

They loved visiting numerous outdoor patios and deciding, on the

spur of the moment, to sit at a table and partake of a pint of the

local Pilsner Urquell beer.

Mike took many pictures with his camera. At one point, Mike

attempted to snap a photo of Marie standing in front of an

impressive building. Marie casually walked over to Mike, pulled

his arm down gently and nodded her head, indicating that it was

not a wise idea.

         How odd, he thought.

         The following day they went to tour Hradcany Castle. It was

beautiful. Czechoslovakia is home to many wonderful, historic

castles.

         Later that day, they sat at a table in an attractive restaurant

close to the castle.

One man came in and sat at the next table.

       Mike felt the time was right. It was time to pop the question.

       “Marie, I have something to ask you,” Mike said as he lifted his

pint of Pilsner Urquell. “Why did you push my arm down yesterday

when I was trying to snap a photo?”

         Marie surprised Mike again. She raised her hand to her

mouth and crossed her lips with her forefinger.

         Mike understood the message.

         “Where will we go to see the movie film tomorrow?” Mike

quickly asked.

         “It’s in an old barn in the outskirts of town,” Marie replied in

a very hushed voice.

         Mike understood the message now even more completely.

         They sat quietly finishing their meal.

         “Shall we go?” Mike said. “Everything here was great! But it is

time for us to go.”

         The events of that evening were never discussed again. To

this day Mike wonders about it. He can only imagine. It was as if it

was a sealed secret.        

The week spent in Prague would be one of the highlights of

both Marie’s and Mike’s life.

On the way to the “barn” to see the movie on the next day,

Marie divulged the name of the movie. It was “Rebel Without a

Cause”, in English with Czech subtitles. 

Then, Marie popped the question.

“How did you get my name and address? I never expected to

get your first letter.”

“I sent in a request to a pen-pal organization,” Mike said

tenderly. “Didn’t you?”

“No,” Marie said.

For over fifty years, their long-distance friendship has

thrived.

Neither one to this day fully understands what really brought

them together.

They could only imagine – was it fate, was it divine

intervention or was it chance.

They agreed on one thing for certain; there are some things

that just simply can’t be explained.

Perhaps it was Mike’s thirst, his thirst for water, his thirst for

knowledge or his thirst for adventure. Maybe it was a

combination?

It remains a mystery; a mystery enveloped by everlasting

friendship.

Mike’s and Marie’s advice to those seeking a mystery of their

own – quench your thirst with the water in Europe, the water of

adventure.