birthday video

A friend of mine posted this video from the Astronomical clock's 600th birthday celebration. This clock is in Old Town Square, the main city center attraction in Prague.

Christmas in London



YAY for my warm scarf, candy canes, and Beyonce



 

impromptu NYE with Gerry and Ben

I was lucky enough to spend the holidays with cousins Ben and Gerry in London. I arrived early Christmas Eve and stayed (thanks to my missed flight...) until the first of January. It was a perfect mix of relaxation and sightseeing that was needed during my holiday break from school. I was able to spend time with family and tour more of London that I missed in October.

Highlights include meeting some of their friends, attempting a dance lesson, visiting the Wallace collection and Soane museum, and having a relaxing Christmas at their flat with good food, films, and company. Although Skype failed to work for our Christmas communication plans to the US, we managed some phone calls to family to wish everyone a happy holiday!

Now I'm back in Prague and have the harsh 'back-to-school' reality tomorrow morning..

Nothing says 'Merry Christmas' like carp.



carp live well on the sidewalk


 





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

line up for your Christmas carp

Christmas in Prague is a sight to see- the markets and large trees in any open space throughout the city, lights everywhere, and starting on 23 December the large tanks of fresh carp on the sidewalks. Yes, carp is the traditional Christmas meal paired with potato salad. The funny thing is that nobody actually likes this tradition (mainly because it is rather nauseating) but they eat it anyway because traditions trump all. Some have their carp killed on the spot at the street stand while others opt to take it home alive and keep it in their bathtubs until Christmas (24 December here) when the male figure of the household properly kills and cooks it for the meal. After the meal a bell is rung to inform everyone present that Baby Jesus has successfully delivered the presents and that it is time to open them. Everyone rushes the the living room to the tree (which is decorated on the morning of the 24th, no earlier) and happily open gifts together.

It has been very entertaining to compare the differences in holiday traditions between the many cultures and am happy to see that universally the core is the same- to spend time and and celebrate with friends and family alike