December 7
After the long travel day we were out last night and in fact I had to wake up to an alarm, and had to wake Kim up so we'd have time for breakfast before heading out on our "Panoramic Prague & Christmas Markets" excursion which left at 8:20am. We took a short bus ride through Prague, across the river and stopped in the Old Town to begin our walking tour. We strolled the the festive streets of medieval Prague and eventually arrived at the famous Charles Bridge just as the sun broke through to warm up the chilly lower 40's temps. Passing several shops featuring Christmas souvenirs & food, we stopped at one where there was a basket of "Little Mole" souvenirs. I learned on last year's Danube Christmas Markets trip that the Little Mole is the Czech version of Mickey Mouse and every child who grows up here watches his adventures on cartoons. I bought a Little Mole last year (and a pair of Little Mole socks!). Once we arrived in the Old Town Square we saw the famous Astronomical Clock. I remembered the story our guide told us that when the clock was completed the emperor had the clock's architect blinded so he could not create another one. But the designer had the last laugh as he snuck in one night and dismantled the workings of the clock and would not guide the repairs until the king paid him handsomely! We had free time to explore the market where the four of us had a sausage sandwich - delicious! Walked all over the market and for the first time in visiting Christmas Markets all over Europe, not a single seller of the traditional mulled wine offered it in a souvenir mug. So SO disappointed not to get my souvenir mug, but had the wine anyway. After walking around, the four of us decided to be adventurous and walk back to the hotel (about 15 min) on our own. Only were lost for a short period of time :O but were back within 25 minutes, so not bad. Pam, Bob & I headed out shortly afterwards to visit a smaller Christmas Market just minutes from the hotel that had been recommended by the local Viking guide who had pointed out their mulled wine came in so many flavors and her most favorite was the blueberry. Less than three minutes to this market where not only did they have all the varieties of wines, BUT it DID come in a souvenir glass, albeit plastic and not a mug :) Tomorrow is our final day in Prague before heading to our ship. We have a morning excursion thru the former Jewish ghetto and then will head out around 2pm for the Viking Beyla to check into our veranda staterooms!
No comments:
Post a Comment