NEW YEAR IN PRAGUE

I was given a last minute opportunity to drive to Prague for a night or two for a New Year celebration. 

In Prague, I found myself being a tour guide to a lost individual, 

 sharing sparklers with someone who had NEVER lit them before tonight, 

introducing foreigners to the most delicious Czech cinnamon treats called Trdelnik

(It is totally worth it to get it with a little nutella spread inside).

speaking with an Australian girl who was crying because it was the first time she was experiencing snow and she was so happy (not pictured), 

and viewing some aerial fireworks lit by random people on the street (possibly drunk). I didn't stay long because I was afraid of getting shot in the face with a roman candle, but I sat in the window in the apt on Parizska and watched and listened to the works all night long.

May we spread joy and smiles around the world this coming New Year and try to make at least one person's experience a little brighter each day (including yourself).

Happy New Year.

I love you.

Mikuláš

We were in Prague for Mikuláš this year. St. Nicholas (Mikuláš), the Angel (anděl) who represents the Good, and the Devil (čert) representing the Evil were walking the streets. 

All three characters are supposed to walk the streets, stopping children to ask if they were good in the past year. Most kids say yes and sing a song or recite a short poem and are rewarded with sweet treats handed out by the angel. Bad kids are supposed to be put in the Devil's sack and taken to hell, or would only get a sack of potatoes or coal instead of candy. They are here to scare the kids to behave better.

Sounds a little creepy, eh?! Trust me, it is...but maybe a little like our creepy Halloween traditions.

For some reason, we mostly saw the Devils roaming the streets this year. Uh oh.

PRAGUE TOURS

I just nominated myself the best American Prague tour guide of 2015. I've made a few friends and was able to spend a few days showing them around Prague this last week.

We make sure to have the best Czech cuisine.

Then we are off to see my favorite sights like the synagogue by the Prague castle,

 the city spires,

 the Orloj clock

(along with all the tourist peeps for the show at the top of the hour at the clock),

Old Town Square, 

 (we stop for Czech cinnamon treats called Trdelnik along the way)

for a view of the Prague castle, 

 Charles Bridge,

 (locks along the bridge)

(Charles himself)

John Lennon wall,

 Dancing House,

 (there is a fab view at the top of the Dancing House)

 and then sometimes we wander off and take side streets.

You get me every time, Prague. Every time.

Czech Tourist with American Tour Guide...in PRAGUE

I made a new friend named Martina in Prague today. We had 4 hours to kill together. She suggested we go to the cinema or sit in a coffee shop. Instead, I took her on a walking tour of the city to see all of my favorite places (and a few new ones along the way).

Orloj

Charles Bridge (Karlův most)

 (view from the top of the bridge after climbing 479 stairs)

John Lennon wall

lock bridge 

 some crazy sculpture area

the Dancing House (Tančící dům)

 view from the top of Dancing House (my first time up there)

and Old Town city square.

Well done, Prague, well done.

AHOJ WILLIAM

This kid...the little Czech brother I never had.