THE SIMPSONS 25th ANNIVERSARY

The Czechs are crazy about the Simpsons celebrating 25 years.

 So William and I joined in on the fun.

Doh!

MY AMERICAN THANKSGIVING...IN CZECH

After spending the day in Waldsassen, Germany (read that post here), I drove back to Plzeň for a special Thanksgiving celebration...Czech Republic style.

I taught William how to draw a turkey with his hand.

 We took turns saying things we are thankful for

before eating schnitzel and potatoes prepared by Ivanka.

We might have made Ivanka tear up a bit. It was sweet.

I am thankful for my Czech family who, even though I am thousands of miles from my house, can make me feel like I am at home.

Happy Thanksgiving.

WALDSASSEN, GERMANY

I made a last minute decision to drive to Waldsassen, Germany, today. 

This might seem like your average German city upon arrival.

Then you discover the 3 wonders this city holds.

*Sorry for the photo overload about to happen.*

 #1 is the Basilica located in the city center.

Go inside to see the gorgeous baroque decoration 

Bohemian high Baroque with Italian flavor to be exact.
(I paid attention in art history class.)

 There is also a lovely organ.

You will also find ten richly dressed (and bejewelled) skeletons. 

The skeletons were removed from the catacombs of Rome and were ornamented by Adalbart Eder in the 18th century.

That's right...these are my tales from the crypt.

This entire area is a Cistercian nunnery (formerly a monastery).

So you will see photos of nuns and catholic decoration.

 The buildings and decorations are just beautiful.

#2 Next door to the basilica is the most wonderful library.

It costs 3 euros to visit, and is totally worth it. 

 I was given slippers to wear on top of my shoes and a paper in English of the history. That's the entire tour. 

The library was completed in 1726 and decorated in late Baroque and early Rococo style.

Richly and super intricately carved shelves hold thousands of volumes (I think the paper said 4,000).

 There are 10 columns with allegorical men holding up the mezzanine representing human weakness such as vanity, ignorance, and boastfulness.

The paper will tell you things to look for like mice in the beard, the appearance of the faces at different angles, and so forth.

 It really is a sight to see.

This guy is my favorite.

 The ceiling is decorated with awesome paintings and plaster work.

All of the books are bound in white pigskin or dark calfskin and are handwritten.

 As I walked back to my car, I grabbed a pretzel from a little bakery (I can't resist these). 

#3 I drove about 5 km out of town (follow the signs) to the kappl.

It is a 3 spire chapel.

 

It is called the Kappl Sanctuary of the Holy Trinity.

There wasn't anyone around to answer any questions, but I think the chapel was built in 1711.

 The roof was destroyed by fire and the painted ceilings were added in 1940.

Waldsassen is a city you do not want to miss!

LIQUID CHALKERS

When I was younger, I had a dry erase board in my room. I would write things on it I needed to do and my brothers would sneak in and write 'Deanna stinks-(their name) rocks' or something. I thought they were so dumb, but it's a memory I hold dear because I realize it was their way of telling me they cared about me. Nowadays, chalk boards are in. But the mess of chalk is a pain.

 These Paper & Twine liquid chalk markers are the best of both worlds. They look like chalk, but write like a pen without the mess. Besides chalk boards, you can use them on mirrors, windows, glass top tables and other similar surfaces.

They are easy to use and clean. You can buy them on Amazon for a fun Christmas present this year if you have a little artist or note writer around the house.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Mariánské Lázně

I went to the city of Mariánské Lázně in the Czech Republic today. It is a spa city with healing waters people visit to help cure their problems.

There is a fabulous fountain and lamps just outside the drinking area. Of course, it was turned off for winter, but still very interesting to see.

On to the springs...

How does it work? You drink a from a certain spout depending on what ails you.

You have the option to drink hot or cold versions. To drink the hot ones (and maybe just to look cool), you need to have one of these mugs.

It also seemed to be cool to hang out and drink while staring at the well.

So I bought a mug to try to hot water (to stay warm from the 6 degree C weather).

There are also springs outside in the Colonnade, but they seemed to be turned off for the season.

These are the healing ingredients of the waters.

To me, it just tasted like they have rusty pipes.

The city has several fancy hotels where you can stay and indulge in the spa amenities available.

You can walk around the city and see cool statues and pretty buildings

or you can venture on the nature paths in the forest and find hidden treasures. I stayed out of the forest today because it was freezing outside and I'm weak when it comes to cold weather.