PRAGUE AT XMAS

Well we have just returned from a 4 day break in Prague , thats me - Phil, Pat , Helen and Wendy. First surprise was that as we checked into our rather good rooms , the chap checking us in turned out to be an old work collegue of Wendys from her Debenhams days. As Harry would say - what are the chances of that happening?
Quite frankly the weekend consisted of a lot of eating and drinking. The food everywhere was fantastic - all very reasonably priced - average meal with drinks and pud. was about £12... I had venison, many wonderful flavoured sausages, goulash, dumplings, and plenty to drink. We kept stopping off at various cafes for hot chocolates, aperitifs, and beer.


There was a great custom on the Monday. December 5th is when St Nicolas, the Devil and an Angel start walking the streets asking if the kiddies have been good or bad. If bad, they are hit by the devil, if good sweeties or gifts from the angel. The children are scared into submission! In fact we were met by St Nicolas who must have decided we were good as we were all given bottles of some rather good beer each!
We never tired of walking across Charles Bridge and admiring the views - they are spectacular especially when everything is lit up at night. Of course, the Old Town Square was filled with markets selling such goodies as roasted piglet and hot wine which I also indulged in. A diet is called for.We even went and heard a bit of a classical concert in an old church!The only disappointment of the weekend was that I wanted to show everyone the mirror maze but after taking the fenicular to the top of Petrin Hill we discovered it was only open at weekends -ah well next time.
all in all, Prague is probably now deemed THE CHAPPELLS FAVOURITE CITY 2005. we shall return!!!!!!
Oh by the way here is a street scene I took which I thought would make a good painting so I've just done a quick bit of Photoshop filtering to do me own watercolour cheat!