HIDDEN TREASURES

I don't normally buy too many foreign souvenirs when traveling, but this one...

I couldn't resist.

Finde die verborgenen schätze.

It means "find the hidden treasures" in German.

When I visit a new place, I usually have 3-4 things that I want to do, eat, or see. Everything I do beyond that is a bonus. I like to walk around meeting people, seeing things, and finding those hidden treasures of that place that might not be listed on a tourist map.

CHAM, GERMANY

 My trusty Skoda (Czech car whose name literally means what a pity) drove to Cham, Germany, today for a small adventure.

 The first thing that caught my eye was the Maria Hilf Kirche der Redemptoristen. It's massively beautiful on the outside. 

 Apparently it has great stained glass inside

but I thought it was a school and was afraid to go in and disturb studies.

 I walked by Franziskanerkirche.

 It was a Franciscan monastery in 1631, then used as a barn, and finally rebuilt in 1866 and used as a church again.

Some cute little drive-thru.

Cool art at a nearby school.

Next, I found St. Jakob church.

 Outside of it is this cool castle fountain (turned off for the season).

Inside, I found 14th century baroque decoration (if it ain't baroque, don't fix it),

this amazing set of pipes,

and a man wearing lederhosen cleaning the floor. I love Germany.

 Moving on to the Marktplatz, I found this guy sitting outside the Town Hall.

 He is holding this proclamation

and just around the corner from this guy.

 There is a large Christmas tree and decorations in the marketplace for the coming holiday season.

The Marktplatzbrunnen fountain's water is turned off, but it's crazy story was still there. Apparently, there is Count Luckner (Marshal of France) who plays a song every day at12:05,

a forest witch with her children,

 and a German corn sprite named Bilmesschneider.

These guys are all over the city to charm you.

 I'm not sure what this is, but it looked neat.

Inside this cute yellow church I found this church.

Spitalkirche

Some cool chairs as I walked back to the parking garage 

and almost didn't make it out. It only cost me 80 cents to park for a few hours.

Thank you, Germany.

#SUDDORA

Here in the Czech there was a holiday called Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day. It apparently commemorates the student demonstration against Nazi occupation in 1939, and the demonstration in 1989 that started the Velvet Revolution. To show my support, I wore this awesome Suddora red, white, and blue sweatband set.

 The set comes with 1 headband and 2 wristbands.

So I wasn't running around in a sporting event, but these make a cool accessory to show your love for your country, right?! These super cool retro bands are ultra comfy and durable (made of 80% cotton, 12% spandex, and 8% nylon).
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.

Verilux Happylight 5k Natural Spectrum® Energy Lamp GIVEAWAY

In case you haven't noticed, I have left for Europe for one month. Unfortunately, my dog couldn't go with me. But don't worry, I left her with lots of visitors, treats, and a Verilux Happylight. People aren't the only ones who enjoy Natural Spectrum® lighting (light therapy), especially in these darker months we have at the end of the year.

Day-Z hates being alone in the dark. This lamp is the perfect solution for her. It's like she has sunshine on her whenever she needs it. I have heard she sits by it and patiently waits for the light to be turned on. I am so glad she can be comfortable and happy while I am away.

Would you like a HappyLight Liberty 5k lamp for you and your pet? Enter on the Rafflecopter form below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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.

NOAH Picture Book #GIVEAWAY

So I teach a boy who speaks both English and Czech. I don't know Czech. Sometimes for laughs, the family asks me to read something in Czech out loud to them. I'm a good sport. But the thing William and I like to do most is get picture books and make up our own story. Here is the latest book I have discovered.

 This is a 64 page, hardcover, wordless epic tale of Noah.

 As you can see, the artwork is gorgeous.

Without having one written word, the book tells a story about Noah's relationship with his family, the natural world, God, animals, and a daunting engineering challenge.

It's beautiful. So whether the people in your home speak different languages, don't speak yet, or really  just like pictures...this book is great for everyone.

Mark Ludy is the author of this book. He is a Colorado native and has written or illustrated eight children’s books including The Farmer, The Flower Man, The Grump, When I Was a Boy I Dreamed, When I Was a Girl I Dreamed, and Jujo the Youngest Tribesman.

Mark’s website: http://www.markludy.com

Official NOAH website: http://www.plough.com/en/ebooks/n/noah

Want to win your own copy of this book? Enter below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

#VASELINE Voxbox

My favorite thing about coming to Czech is escaping the desert air of Utah. That also means escaping dry skin. It's like a day spa for my face as soon as I step off the plane. For those back home, I recommend #Vaseline advanced repair intensive care lotion. 

Thank you Influenster for the voxbox to test.

DRESDEN, GERMANY

 I don't think the Fall weather could have been any more perfect today for my trip to Dresden, Germany.

Semper Opera was built in 1841.

Beauty can be found everywhere you turn in the historic town center. 

 Brühl's Terrace (Brühlsche Terrasse)

 Zwinger Palace is full of amazing late Baroque architecture.

This area is beautiful and displays the famous Madonna Sistina of Rafael in a gallery inside the courtyard. 

 The city is setting up for a big Christmas market.

 Christmas in Europe is a little bit magical.

I don't drink wine, but Europeans sip hot wine as they walk the charming markets in town squares.

Dresden Transport Museum (Verkehrsmuseum Dresden)

 Church of Our Lady (Frauenkirche)

The Procession of Princes (Fürstenzug) is the largest porcelain mural in the world.

 I followed some people inside a catholic church and found this sculpture. It is supposed to be mary and Jesus.

 The Stable Courtyard of Dresden Castle

 Dresden castle

 Elbe River banks flow past the old town skyline.

 Yenidze - a former cigarette factory building

Pfund’s Dairy (Pfund Molkerei) is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the most beautiful milk shop in the world.

It is decorated from floor to ceiling with hand-painted porcelain tiles from the neo-Renaissance period and full of yummy cheese, ice cream, fresh buttermilk.