First white Christmas

Christmas Trip to the Czech Republic 2008 


17th December 2008 - 5th January 2009. 


We sing the song Dreaming of a White Christmas with a very real sense of dreaming back in Australia. But finally it was to come true for me. I had been waiting for a couple of years in vain back in England, but the Atlantic weather wasn't playing ball. It was time to head to the continent for the real deal. Christmas in the Czech Republic - in the environs and surrounds of ancient Bohemia and Moravia - was to indeed be my first white Christmas ever, but fortunately not my last. Nor was it all that was good about this holiday, for these were Christmas celebrations with my fiancée and family. This was a trip with more journeying and discovery around Bohemia and Moravia. This was a time to meet new friends, to have nights out and to experience New Year's fireworks with very cool people. 


Let me take you on the journey.

First White Christmas. Proof right here.

Christmas Market in the town of Litomerice.

Mead stall (Medovina in Czech) at the Christmas market.

Christmas drink.

Thai Lamp goes up.

and up...!

The Thai Lamp proves to be absorbing.

Night presses in.

This guy was great. Did a wonderful impression of Louis Armstrong's voice.

Some of Yani's family. Granny on the right, Aunty, then cousin.

Christmas Carp. Popular in parts of Central Europe.

Tea Room in Prague.

Prague architecture.

Christmas Market in the Old Town Square, Prague.

Jan Hus looks over the Christmas Market.

Mila and Jara join in the Christmas spirit. Enjoyable evening together.

Over in Prostejov now and the other side of the Czech Republic - Moravia.

Yani's father gets the Christmas celebrations under way.

Yani's sister putting every gift possible on. Nice look!

Christmas feasts are all very well, but needs must says that there is cleaning up to do as well.

Christmas concert in the church at Prostejov.

Nativity Scenes are very popular in both Moravia and Bohemia.

New wine and cheese tasting day in the south of Moravia (the main wine growing region of the Czech Republic).

Some traditional Czech Folk music.

We visit Yani's old home town of Jilove in the north of Bohemia. Its right on the River Elbe and not far from the German Border.

Half frozen stream.

Looking out over the village from the church.

New Year's Eve, just before 2009 was about to kick in.


We were partying with friends in the town of Louny.

Letting off fireworks as the New Year starts.

Lovely setting in the house - fire, swords and a beautiful woman - not bad!!

Utterly, utterly frozen pool.

The local Hussite church in Louny.

Through the centre of Louny with the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas ahead.

1920s style pub.

Out with friends to the Medieval tavern in Detenice. Seating up to 500 people this massive pub has its own brewery and puts on medieval shows.


http://www.krcmadetenice.cz/index_en.php

Inn brewed ale and wild boar on the side. Not for me to argue with that. Delicious!

Sizzling BBQ meat is cooked in front of the guests on an open fire.

Eat with your fingers, Be entertained by dancers, swordsmen, beggars, fakir monk, juggler, and so on, staff will serve you in period costume.


Brilliant!

Loving the snow.

The Delight of Eyes

Exploring Prague with our goodly friends Mila and Jara.

And that was the trip just about.