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!

Chocolate and Cheese and Snow-Chains...oh my!! (Switzerland, day 3)

The third day of our Swiss adventure started with a morning drive to St. Moritz. We arrived shortly after lunch, ate a great meal, and went off to explore. The town was absolutely beautiful and each business was busily preparing for the opening of ski season...which happened to be the day after we were leaving! Christmas decorations adorned many windows and the mountains glistened with freshly fallen snow. It was the most quiet, beautiful day to enjoy the town.

Mom and Dad in front of a hotel in town

Caleb and Dad

Caleb and I

Beautiful town of St. Moritz

After a day of exploring, we decided to eat dinner in our hotel. We shared a great meal and headed back out to see St. Moritz at night. We all agreed to enjoy a glass of wine in our room and then turn in for the night. It was such a relaxing day and we were so glad to see this part of Switzerland.

Getting ready for Christmas in the town

We awoke the next morning to snow! A lot of snow! A little wary of the drive home, we thought it best to get on the road early. After heeding the advice of the hotel manager, we drove to the nearest gas station to buy snow chains. It was a treacherous drive that took twice as long as normal, so we were very thankful for the snow chains and Caleb's expert driving!

Caleb and Dad putting the snow chains on. Mom and I were such a big help
sitting in the car and taking pictures.

Switzerland was such a treat and we were excited to have my parents experience the Alps covered in snow. We breathed a sigh of relief upon reaching a much drier Sacile, but were so thankful for such a wonderful trip.

Ciao!

Chocolate and Cheese and Snow-Chains...oh my!! (Switzerland, day 2)

Early Monday morning, the Cienski/Stubbs clan climbed back into the car to explore more of Switzerland. Destination: Zurich!

After a short drive north, we arrived just in time for the sun's debut. Zurich provided the perfect backdrop for pictures, shopping, and warm soup for lunch! We enjoyed walking around and reading a little history about the city.

Beautiful city

Dad by the riverside, the Grossmunster in the background

Caleb and I riverside, the Wasserkirche in the background

In front of St. Peters Kirche

Due to the sunshine and beautiful weather, we decided to head back to Luzern early and spend the remainder of the day hiking around the outskirts of the city. We were able to capture some fantastic views of the Alps, and enjoy a brisk stroll before grabbing dinner and calling it a night.

Mom and Dad in front of Lake Lucerne and the Alps

Luzern and the Alps

Caleb and me in front of a chocolate store with a Christmas tree!

Another successful day only meant one thing; we were exhausted! Day 3 awaited, so we gladly turned in to get our beauty sleep.

Ciao!

Chocolate and Cheese and Snow-Chains...oh my!! (Switzerland, day 1)

While my parents were visiting Italy, we decided to take a trip to Switzerland to experience the Alps all covered in snow. And what an adventure it was! The Fiat isn't exactly a road-trip warrior (especially when the weather is less than perfect), so two days after we returned from Rome we rented a "SUV" (Italian style, of course!), piled in, and headed out to Luzern, Switzerland.

We arrived mid-afternoon on Sunday into one of the most quaint little cities we have come across. Luzern is adorable! All decorated for Christmas with a lake cutting the city in half, it is the perfect place to walk around and take in all that Swiss culture has to offer. We wasted no time, traversing all over to see the Chapel Bridge (the oldest wooden bridge in Europe), the Lowendenkmal (a large lion monument carved out of a sandstone cliff to honor the Swiss Guards who defended the Palais des Tuieries in Paris in 1792), and Weinmarkt Square. The biting air left us chilled to the bone, so we stopped in an English Pub for some gluhwein and then continued on to enjoy a traditional Swiss fondue dinner feast!

In front of the Chapel Bridge

My parents on the Chapel Bridge

Lowendenkmal Monument

Luzern

Taking a break to warm up!

On our way back to the hotel, we were stopped in our tracks by a fierce racket. Around the corner appeared the beginning of a Christmas parade traditionally held in Luzern a few times a week leading up to Christmas day. But instead of horns and drums, the sounds were coming from over-sized cowbells and large whips. It was quite an interesting sight to see...and to hear!

Men and children carrying giant stars in the parade

One of many groups of cowbell ringers

Day 1 in Switzerland was a success!! There was so much more to see and experience, so it was early to bed and early to rise in preparation for day 2 of our adventure...

Ciao!