Enjoy Prague

Happy Holidays from the most Christmas-y of European cities - Prague!

 

Although it was once again very chilly in Prague the festive atmosphere was definitely worth it. The famous Christmas markets were a highlight, along with the music and mulled wine that accompany them. I cannot say that the Czech people were exactly welcoming but they got the job done, and everything in Prague is so cheap compared to the rest of Europe. When beer is one euro, it really is hard to go wrong.

 

After an especially chilly walking tour of the city (3 hours improperly dressed in -10 degree weather), Sunday was spent exploring. Laura and I walked through the Christmas markets, which are basically stalls lined up next to each other selling hot chocolate, mulled wine, pretzels, sausages and various trinkets and things. A huge Christmas tree in the centre of the square was pretty amazing against the backdrop of Prague's beautiful old buildings. A trek up to the castle over the Charles Bridge was perhaps the most magical moment of all. Real snow started falling from the sky as we sipped our wine and strolled past ancient statues, vendors selling paintings, jewellery and musicians. The scene was downright cheery, especially once we reached the top of the hill and looked out over the city of Prague to admire the view.

 

On our way back from the castle the snow started really coming down and we ran into a choir of carollers in the Square, which was teeming with people all bundled up in the cold. What better way to spend one of my last days in Europe? It was a day of holiday cheer and frolicking in the snow filled with delicious food and laughs.

 

In spite of the chilly reception of the Czech population we did manage to find one or two kind people during the visit, which was nice. Prague got the last laugh though as I couldn't leave Europe without losing some of my belongings. The airport has claimed one of my favorite scarves as its own, which I guess is a small price to pay for such good memories of the city.

 

Next time I visit though, I think it will be in the summer time...