Wednesday I had a list of things all over Prague I wanted to see and also found a lot of things I did not even know about. I also wanted to 'Scout Out' some highlights to share with Steve when he finally had some time off! I was out the door early, did my pilgramage to see 'The Infant' now that I new the tram route like a local ;) and then wandered my way back to Old Town.....
'The Addie" told me about this tribute wall to John Lennon. It was a place of compassion and peace for young Czechs during the 'Velvet Revolution' which led to the end of communism - only about 20 years ago. It is 'every changing' as they still have tributes and it is a sort of meeting place in the evenings for music and gathering.....it is amazing that the city allowed that and it is treasured and respected.
Here is a closer look at some of the graffiti - most of the people write words to Lennon or Beatle songs....
Had to leave a little of 'The Addie' stamp on this treasure right on the All you Need is love artwork.....
I also wanted to see the Church of St. Nicholas (different from St. Nicholas) where the communist troops were stationed during the wars - hard to believe this beautiful structure was basically a barracks at one point. I wanted to see the incredible Bohemian Crystal Chandelier and the
frescoes on the dome - they did not disappoint.
Can you imagine troops getting their orders under this chandelier?
I walked past one street where this was displayed - not sure what this symbolizes and it was not a museum or anything.....
One of the pastry shops I passed with their breads and sweets.....
A blacksmith in the Christmas Market - there were several and some locals brought things for him to fix.
In a gift shop the cutest Yorkie (must have been a relative of Rocky) dressed in his Adidas Outerwear chasing a Weasel toy....they are many small dogs there and mostly
Yorkies - made me miss my pup!
In the Christmas market a HUGE fruitcake - my mom is the queen of fruitcakes so this shot was for her
Walked by the Jewish Ghetto which is really just an old area of town where they have so many wonderful synagogues and galleries - this is a shot of the old
cemetery....laid a few rocks here and there for respect....
This is an area across the river that is another silent protest against communism....thousands of locks on the bars to symbolise the restraints of communism....loved this
Mistletoe is huge here for the holidays....lots of people buying it and some sprayed gold....not sure the reason why but it was pretty....
Some kind of lookout by a bridge I was crossing.....
a beautiful nativity all made from straw.....
All the Christmas trees I saw were not trimmed up and shaped like ours and I found it refreshing to see trees in their natural state...
This also amazed me....of all the cities around the world I have been in I have never been more
confused by their signs and directions....it is nearly impossible to try and figure out most areas, except the Metro universal sign
One of the shops I went in to was family owned and they spoke very little
English and I complimented the little girl on her artwork and she was so proud....I wish I could have taken her picture with this but hard to ask for that in the language translation.....
As I was walking the streets I found these workers doing work repair on cobblestone....all hand labor....
Found this beautiful water wheel still working on one of my bridge crossing.....
I happen to catch this marionette getting his strings uncrossed.....just cracked me up....
doesn't the puppet look
exhausted?
Uh -
Ok....
Today's lunch and it was delicious!!! Berry Cups! About $3.00
USD
Lots of Marionette shops.....I could see their little personalities and I have to say some of them scared me!
They are huge on 'Thai Massages' there and first I was thinking I would love to have one, but the first step is they put your feet in this fish tank facing the front of the street and let the fish clean them.....decided I would get my massage back at home ;)
another beautiful nativity made from natural products....this one carved
They wrap dough rolled in cinnamon and sugar on these rolling pins and cook it over charcoal...pretty tasty!
I headed back to the hotel around 3:00. We had a 'road trip' scheduled for Thursday, so I planned out everything I wanted to show Steve on Friday. He came in around 5 and changed and then we took the metro down and ate at the street vendors....I had chicken
shisk ka bob and he had a brat. We walked around and enjoyed the music and lights and came back to the room and ordered hot tea and apple strudel! Yum
and at the Thrift Store - I found him a mate!
....and I found it's mate at the Thrift store too!
I bought a very price (for me) Sea Shell Lamp - it was like $250.00+.....always wanted another but could not justify the price....however....last week on a Thrift Store run.....
I found one for $14.95!!!! The base was in perfect shape and I just needed to get new halo's and shades (got the shades yesterday at Fashion Valley Mall when Kristen and I took the boys for a ride on the SD Trolley to the Lego store at the mall and for warm fresh pretzels)...it was funny tho, walking the mall and on the trolley with this huge bag filled with shades!
awww....symmetry - I love neat, tidy and order.....
more symmetry.....love....feels good, right....ready for the New Year! 
Revealing this year's Christmas Eve Theme: The Beautiful Christmas Tree.....yes, every year we have a theme and I set the table and make hats for us to wear to focus on a special part of Christmas....don't laugh - this is a BIG DEAL in our family......I have to say Adam and Shannon and Kristen are the biggest fans and always try to get the goods from me, but MaMa don't spill....here we are in our finery for the season....
