I have been wanting to see Prague for quite awhile (Janet visited when she was 18 and has told me about how beautiful it is), so we figured it would be a shame to not take advantage of the direct bus from Nuremberg to Prague.
Janet is so great at figuring out public transportation networks and in minutes we were on our way. Jaxon liked the lego style walls and I was pretty excited that I understood a word in Czech (the first and only I might add)
Our first stop was the famous Prague castle and surrounding area.
There were lots of Christmas trees and lights all around the city which was a lot of fun and added to the unique atmosphere of the snow covered Prague landscape.
There was a medieval museum in the castle and Janet tried on the princess hat which suits her well.
Jaxon tried on the suit of armor which he enjoyed.
We visited the toy museum which among many exhibits of toys from the past 150 year had a huge section dedicated to Barbie. We didn't think it would be that interesting but really enjoyed it and even found a BYU cheerleader. GO COUGS!
From the castle, we had a beautiful view looking back at Prague.
This time of year the sun sets a little after 4:00 so we were able to experience Prague by "night" for a few hours before heading back to the hotel.
Carl's Bridge is the most famous bridge in the city as it is decorated with sculptures and offers postcard worthy views back at the castle.
As it got colder (15 degrees F), our smiles became more forced. I think it must be the freezing point of the face muscles. Even with the cold we had a blast.
Jonas and Jaxon were so warm inside their snow suits and did not complain about being cold the whole time.
In the main square we were happy to find yet another Christmas market full of local treats and the biggest Christmas tree I have ever seen in my life.
The Czech Republic has these traditional cakes called Trdelnik which is basically a dough wrapped around a stick which is rolled over hot coals and then rolled in ground amonds and suger.
Things got a little crazy when the concert started. Jaxon and Jonas danced quite a bit and Janet and I enjoyed the music and atmosphere.
The music and food were great and the lights on the Christmas tree were, dare I say, magical, but having gotten up really early to catch our bus and having a high pace day ahead we decided we should get some sleep and headed back to our hotel.
The next day we walked around the city to see some of the famous landmarks by day. Here is Janet and Jonas in front of Powder Tower
Jaxon and Jonas are truly great travelers but Jaxon did had a short moment of tears - this probably because he didn't sleep too well as Jonas likes to lay horizontally on the bed and kick Jaxon in the head while he is sleeping.
The astronomical clock is quite famous, but I have no idea how to read it.
The sun even came out for a good part of the day - a rare treat in December.
I really liked this sculpture which was completely hollow. Jonas took a look at the void where the man's face should be saying "bad guy" and did not want to pose for a picture.
No trip to Prague would be complete without visiting the Communist Museum (according to Janet). Here is Jaxon in a Communist school....
which prepared him for his future job... The museum was actually very interesting as the Czech Republic was under Communist rule until 1990.
The trams were old school and drove as fast as roller coasters through the streets. This of course was a highlight for Jaxon.
To end the trip we went to the National Museum before heading to the train station. We thought it would be a good place to get out of the cold, but found some amazing stuff...
...like a dinosaur bone puzzle
and a very wooly mamoth. Jonas was scared and did not want to get near it.
But this dead wild boar really terrified him. He would not touch it and finally when I reassured him enough to pet it I made a growling sound and he screamed and refused to even look at it from a distance.
After our whirlwind trip to Prague we were actually excited for the 3 hour bus ride to relax and warm up. I must say Prague is an amazing city. If you ever find yourself in the Czech Rebulic, it is worth the time for a stroll through its beautiful streets.
Janet is so great at figuring out public transportation networks and in minutes we were on our way. Jaxon liked the lego style walls and I was pretty excited that I understood a word in Czech (the first and only I might add)
Our first stop was the famous Prague castle and surrounding area.
There were lots of Christmas trees and lights all around the city which was a lot of fun and added to the unique atmosphere of the snow covered Prague landscape.
There was a medieval museum in the castle and Janet tried on the princess hat which suits her well.
Jaxon tried on the suit of armor which he enjoyed.
We visited the toy museum which among many exhibits of toys from the past 150 year had a huge section dedicated to Barbie. We didn't think it would be that interesting but really enjoyed it and even found a BYU cheerleader. GO COUGS!
From the castle, we had a beautiful view looking back at Prague.
This time of year the sun sets a little after 4:00 so we were able to experience Prague by "night" for a few hours before heading back to the hotel.
Carl's Bridge is the most famous bridge in the city as it is decorated with sculptures and offers postcard worthy views back at the castle.
As it got colder (15 degrees F), our smiles became more forced. I think it must be the freezing point of the face muscles. Even with the cold we had a blast.
Jonas and Jaxon were so warm inside their snow suits and did not complain about being cold the whole time.
In the main square we were happy to find yet another Christmas market full of local treats and the biggest Christmas tree I have ever seen in my life.
The Czech Republic has these traditional cakes called Trdelnik which is basically a dough wrapped around a stick which is rolled over hot coals and then rolled in ground amonds and suger.
Things got a little crazy when the concert started. Jaxon and Jonas danced quite a bit and Janet and I enjoyed the music and atmosphere.
The music and food were great and the lights on the Christmas tree were, dare I say, magical, but having gotten up really early to catch our bus and having a high pace day ahead we decided we should get some sleep and headed back to our hotel.
The next day we walked around the city to see some of the famous landmarks by day. Here is Janet and Jonas in front of Powder Tower
Jaxon and Jonas are truly great travelers but Jaxon did had a short moment of tears - this probably because he didn't sleep too well as Jonas likes to lay horizontally on the bed and kick Jaxon in the head while he is sleeping.
The astronomical clock is quite famous, but I have no idea how to read it.
The sun even came out for a good part of the day - a rare treat in December.
I really liked this sculpture which was completely hollow. Jonas took a look at the void where the man's face should be saying "bad guy" and did not want to pose for a picture.
No trip to Prague would be complete without visiting the Communist Museum (according to Janet). Here is Jaxon in a Communist school....
which prepared him for his future job... The museum was actually very interesting as the Czech Republic was under Communist rule until 1990.
The trams were old school and drove as fast as roller coasters through the streets. This of course was a highlight for Jaxon.
To end the trip we went to the National Museum before heading to the train station. We thought it would be a good place to get out of the cold, but found some amazing stuff...
...like a dinosaur bone puzzle
and a very wooly mamoth. Jonas was scared and did not want to get near it.
But this dead wild boar really terrified him. He would not touch it and finally when I reassured him enough to pet it I made a growling sound and he screamed and refused to even look at it from a distance.
After our whirlwind trip to Prague we were actually excited for the 3 hour bus ride to relax and warm up. I must say Prague is an amazing city. If you ever find yourself in the Czech Rebulic, it is worth the time for a stroll through its beautiful streets.
Prague looks like a beautiful city. You are so lucky to be able to see such amazing places! It looks like everyone enjoyed the visit there. Dan, you are a lot like Dad who also would have growled and scared little Jonas. I hope Jonas gets over the trauma and will someday enjoy being near animals. :) Mom H
RépondreSupprimerIt looks like it truly was a "magical" Christmas. The food and atmosphere look fantastic and your kids look toasty warm. Prague is now on my list of places I must travel to before I die. Stop traveling will ya? My list is getting crazy long...
RépondreSupprimerThanks Janet! Happy birthday to you too! Did you ever think you would spend your 30th in Europe? Have fun! Hope you guys are doing well!
RépondreSupprimerComme elles sont sympas toutes ces photos ! ça donne envie.
RépondreSupprimerPour info, nous partons en vacances du 9 au 23 juillet cet été, mais le reste du temps on est là. Alors, si vous voulez venir faire un tour jusqu'à Montpellier... Parce que j'ai vraiment très envie de vous voir tous les 4 et les enfants me parlent souvent de J and J.
Bises,
Aurélie