Christmas 2016: Czech Republic Day 5

The boys were more than a little thrilled that Santa found them all the way in Prague, especially since he had delivered most of his presents before we left on our trip. Santa filled everyone's stockings with gingerbread cookies and wooden toys. It was a perfect thing to wake up to on Christmas morning!

We decided to walk around the city on Christmas morning.  Everyone was coming from Church and dressed in their Christmas best.  It was so fun to be in a place that celebrates Christmas this year!

We ended up having lunch at an outdoor cafe that served big pretzels and big glasses of beer.  A win for everyone!

Warmers and pretzels.  Life is good!

Teddy got a small magic set from Santa and he decided to wow us with his magical abilities!  The waiter was quite impressed.

We were close to the Charles Bridge so we decided to walk across.  Such a beautiful place to spend the day.

Teddy and Michael found the spot on the bridge to make a wish.  I wonder what they wished for?

We then walked over to the Lennon Wall, which is a place filled with John Lennon and Beatles inspired graffiti.

I think this is a good quote for our family.

We then walked through the winding streets to another small Christmas market.

If there is a cat around, Teddy will find it!  We loved meeting this friendly kitty along a back canal.  There was a fire burning nearby and it was a fun stop to warm up from the cold.

Love Locks on one of the bridges in the city.

We then found our way to a playground below Charles Bridge.  A beautiful place to spend some time.

Teddy found this seat that spun around.  We all had a go at it!

Even Mommy!

We then wandered into the Wallenstein Garden, a hidden gem in the city.  We weren't looking for this small walled park but we found ourselves in a beautiful and quiet park filled with peacocks!

We were surprised to find peacocks up on window ledges...

And in the pergolas above us.

We spent Christmas night as a family at a fun little Czech restaurant called the Red Wheel.  Merry Christmas, everyone!

Merry Christmas from Prague!

We have had a wonderful five days in Prague exploring Christmas markets, ancient castles, huge cathedrals, historic synagogues, and eating our weight in sausage and beer! More photos to come once we get home and download our camera but, until then, a very Merry Christmas to all!

Off to the mountains tomorrow for some skiing!

Christmas 2016: Czech Republic Day 4

We decided to go to the top of Petrin Hill, which overlooks the city, on Christmas eve. It was a misty and warm day - perfect for a climb up to the top of the hill!

We took the cable car to the base of the hill.  We thought that we could take the cable car all the way to the top but no such luck - the funicular was under construction!

On our way up to the top.  Prague in the background!

We were headed for the small mirror maze at the top of the hill which is touted as Prague's #1 attraction.  It did not disappoint!

In the wonky mirror room.  We had a little too much fun in this room!

Look at our tiny little children!

Family photo!

Outside the mirror maze, the boys wanted to do some running!

We thought that Ripley looked like Prince George in his little cable knit sweater and boots.  It was warm enough to run around without a coat!

Of course, Teddy found the Tredelnik stand, which he lovingly called "Turd-lows."  We had to try one...or two!

After walking back down the hill, we headed back to the main Christmas Market - the best place to spend Christmas Eve.

The boys were again excited about the petting zoo.

The sun setting over the beautiful Christmas Market.  Happy Christmas Eve, everyone!

We spent Christmas Eve with a friend from Taipei, Angela McKenzie, and her friend from high school.  We had dinner on the roof of the UPrince Hotel where we got to watch the sun set over the city.  As we were leaving, there were fireworks to welcome Santa to the city.  A perfect end to a perfect day!

Christmas 2016: Czech Republic Day 3

Today, we traveled to the Jewish Quarter of Prague. It was an amazing look at the history of Jewish people in the city.

Our first stop was the Old-New Synagogue, which is the oldest Synagogue in Europe, built in 1280.  The Synagogue is the building to the left in the photograph.

The interior of the Synagogue, which is the oldest continually operating Synagogue in the world.

One of the beautiful but simple Stars of David on the walls.

We then walked across the street to Ceremonial Hall, which had a beautiful exhibit of Jewish ceremonies and customs.  The kids thought it was interesting that early gravestones in the graveyard right next door had pictures carved into them to symbolized the deceased's occupation.  

We then walked around the Hall to the Old Jewish Cemetery, with its oldest grave dating to 1439.  Until 1787, this was the only place in the city that the Jewish could bury their dead so there are over 12,000 headstones in this tiny plot of land.  

Many stones were well-preserved while some were crumbling.  The Historical Society was doing their best to preserve each one but it is a difficult task.

After spending some time doing serious sight-seeing, the kids wanted to have a little fun.  We headed back downtown right for the TRDLO stand so Teddy could get his most favorite Czech dessert - dough with chocolate!

A very happy little boy!

"No, Donkey!  You cannot have my TRDLO!  Say Hi to your Mother for me!"

We also found this funky souvenir shop with beautiful painted eggs.  Of course, my silly boys had to take a look.

While Michael and Teddy went ice skating, Ripley (who was too little) and I decided to head into a Christmas market to check out the music.  Ripley fell in love with this jazz band who were playing American standards in a very thick accent.  He cried when we had to leave but one of the musicians was kind enough to take a picture with him!

The band!

We then headed to the Spanish Synagogue, which was the most spectacular building I have ever seen.  I quickly became obsessed with the ceilings and couldn't take enough pictures of the amazing architecture.  I even entered this photo into a photo contest!

It was such a fun day!  I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!