Vaclav Havel 1936-2011

[+ Charlie]

I debated whether to put this in the Politics forum, but Mr. Havel was more than a political figure: he was also a writer, playwright and philosopher, and an enormous inspiration to many of my European friends. I feel a personal loss in his death unlike those of many other public figures.

 

When Havel was President of Czechoslovakia, I was living quite near his country retreat in the Krkonose mountains. It was a cottage, more modest than my own simple home today. One Saturday a neighbor suggested to my colleague and me that we all go over to visit him. My friend and I were hesitant, but we drove to the house and parked in his driveway, and went up to ring the doorbell. There were no guards, no warning signs, nothing to indicate that the most powerful man in the country was there. An aide came to the door, and our friend said we would like to see Mr. Havel. The aide went back inside, and a minute later Mr. Havel came out to greet us. He was wearing an old sweater and looked rumpled. He apologized for not being able to invite us in, but explained (in Czech to our neighbor and in English to us) that he needed to get washed and dressed to receive a visit from the President of Italy, who was expected shortly. However, he suggested we come back the next morning for coffee. I deeply regretted that we were unable to do so, then or later. There was absolutely no pretention about the man.

 

I wouldn't even attempt to approach my local mayor that way, much less a more important American politician. When Havel was presented with a medal on the steps of Independence Hall several years later, the Philadelphia police wouldn't let anyone near the dignitaries, so I couldn't get his attention to invite him to my house for coffee. I would have really enjoyed that.

[+ sam.fitzpatrick]

Charlie -

 

What a great story. Thank you for sharing your personal encounter. He sounds like an amazing individual.

[orbital sander]

Pane Havel odpočívat v pokoji

 

 

(RIP)

[justaguy]

Thanks for posting this Charlie. He was one of the most inspirational national leaders of our time.