Praha

Since we did not have enough time to make it home to our families for Christmas, Caleb and I, along with two other couples, decided to travel to the beautiful city of Prague. Known for their elaborate Christmas markets and celebrations, Prague had a lot in store for the six of us!

We arrived late Wednesday night and took a cab over to our hotel. Preparing for three days of fun, we hit the hay early and awoke on Thursday morning to explore the city. Good thing we brought our sweaters with us...it was COLD! We began by exploring the Christmas markets in Wenceslas Square and Old Town Square. It was a wonderland of Christmas trees, sparking lights, and fair food! We sampled everything from the Trdelnik to pork, with a lot of hot, spiced wine in between (we had to stay warm somehow!!). Next, we decided to take a hike over the Charles Bridge and up to the Prague Castle. Unfortunately the view wasn't too good since a thick layer of cold fog enveloped the city. It was still beautiful to see Prague from a new angle, and the walking kept us warm! We ventured back down to our neck of the woods, hopped in a cab, and went to a delightful dinner at a place called The Pub. There were taps located on every table with a "serve-it-yourself" policy. A little overwhelmed by the excellent food and beer (there were 3 pork knees eaten), we walked back to the hotel and slept like babies!

Caleb and me in Old Town Square

Jan Hus Memorial in Old Town Square

Opposite side of Old Town Square

View of foggy Prague from the castle

Charles Bridge

Taps on our table at The Pub

Church of Our Lady Before Týn in Old Town Square on our walk back

Because the people of the Czech Republic celebrate Christmas on the 24th of December, we spent both the 24th and 25th leisurely walking around the city, enjoying the festivities, and eating delicious food. The Jewish Quarter was especially beautiful, and we ate incredible dinners both evenings to celebrate Christmas.

A synagogue in the Jewish Quarter

Trdelnik stand

They are making the Trdelnik...which is basically a doughnut type dough,
wrapped around a long wooden pole and covered in cinnamon
and sugar while being roasted over an open flame. YUM

Merry Christmas 2011

Although the weather left much to be desired, we enjoyed every moment we spent in Prague and would go back in a heart beat...and hopefully when the sun is shining and we can leave our coats at home!

Ciao!