Saturday, December 23, 2017

Czech Apps, Cookies, Carp...and The Golden Pig

Thank you, Tres Bohemes, for your post about what us Czechs eat at Christmas.  As my mouth waters and I wipe drool off my chin, I compose my grocery list.  Chlebíčky are on my Christmas Eve dinner table yearly.  

Now if only they'd sell carp curbside where I live....


Veselé Vánoce everyone!

PS, don't forget to take a walk after Christmas Eve dinner in search of The Golden Pig (zlaté prasátko).  Custom dictates that those who are able to fast all day and hold off on all of the deliciousness until evening will see The Golden Pig in the evening.

I say those folk have just indulged in the egg nog a wee bit...

Photo from Tres Bohemes

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Happy Thanksgiving Food Coma in Prague

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! 


I was in the midst of researching where I can send those of you in CZ for an All-American Thanksgiving dinner when I stumbled upon a post on Prague.TV.  They saved me the work...now I can start prepping for tomorrow's feast.  And by "prepping" I mean:

Related image


Here are the suggestions on where to put yourself into a food coma...

THANKSGIVING 2017 IN PRAGUE

Roasted turkey, gravy and stuffing: Thanksgiving in Prague
This year the traditional American holiday of Thanksgiving falls on Thursday 23rd November. For those hoping to celebrate it but who are ‘stuck’ in Prague (definitely not a bad thing) don’t despair, as there a number of places putting on special Thanksgiving dinners. It may not be a Czech holiday but with many mixed Czech and American couples and expatriates now living in the country, the demand for Thanksgiving meals has risen from almost zero to nearly 30 years ago to numerous places now putting them on. For all of the places mentioned below, it is advised to book in advance in order to avoid disappointment.

Thanksgiving day in California Republic – 23.11.2017 from 19:00

Thanksgiving is one of the most popular American traditions. It's about family, friends, great traditional food (and football!) We are making a classic menu, consisting of roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, cinnamon apple and cranberry bake, stuffing, green bean casserole, and saving the best for last - pumpkin pie with whipped cream! Join us at California Republic on November 23rd, give thanks, and feast with us! The price of our Thanksgiving dinner is 595 Kč and it includes a glass of beer or wine. Pre-payment of 100 Kč and reservation is necessary! Reservation at www.california-republic.cz/thanksgiving - Facebook event


Thanksgiving Day at TGI Fridays – 23.11.2017 from 11:00 / 26.11.2017 brunch

Thanksgiving Day Facebook Event - 23.11.2017
Thanksgiving brunch Facebook Event - 26.11.2017


Thanksgiving Dinner @ Bohemia Bagel – 23.11.2017 from 17:00

We are serving a buffet style all you can eat Thanksgiving Dinner. Dishes include roast turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, roasted root vegetables, corn, sweet potato casserole with marshmallows, cranberry sauce, roasted chestnuts, pumpkin pie, apple pie & pumpkin cheesecake. 590 Kč (up to 12 yrs - 250 Kč - 3 yrs and under free) Seatings at 17:00 & 20:00 (Reservations Recommended at holesovice@bohemiabagel.cz or Tel. +420 220 806 541)


Thanksgiving // Den díkůvzdání @ Jáma Restaurace - 23.11.2017 from 18:00

You are warmly invited to come to the Hollow Restaurant (Jáma) to celebrate Thanksgiving Day. Booking accepted between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., and the second wave starts at 9 p.m. Upon booking, CZK 100 advance payment per person shall be paid. Facebook Event


Thanksgiving Dinner With Brix Bar & Hostel – 23.11.2017 from 19:00

Hey All O' Y'all!! It's Thanksgiving Time!!! One of Our Favorited and Biggest Food Holidays of The Yearrrrrrrrr... We'd like you to Come and celebrate in being Thankful for Life, Family, Friendship, Happiness & Health with Us. Dinner will be 200czk Per Person, as We will be creating a Traditional Thanksgiving Feast, Served in Brix Bar, starting at 19:00. Facebook Event


Thanksgiving 2017 / Den díkůvzdání 2017 @ Hard Rock Café – 23.11.2017 starting from 11:30

Celebrate with us the best of the American traditions, Thanksgiving Day at Hard Rock Cafe Prague! 600czk per person. Kids portion 165czk. Secure your booking: +420 224229529 Facebook Event 


Thanksgiving Lunch & Dinner @ Chickin - 23.11.2017 from 11:30

FREE-RANGE Roasted Turkey with traditional stuffing and gravy Mashed Potatoes Sweet Potato-And-Cauliflower Salad Southern-Style Green Beans With Bacon Cranberry Sauce Pumpkin Cheesecake ADULT 249 CZK VEGETARIAN 199 CZK KIDS PORTION (up to 6 years) 129 CZK Prosecco 0,15l 55 CZK (with menu) Reserve your table at Tel.: +420 222 969 689 Facebook Event


Thanksgiving Feast-Ival Dinner @ U Kurelů - 23.11.2017 from 18:00


Dear Friends, please join us for a very special Thanksgiving dinner, Thursday 23.11.17! "Early"(6pm- until 8pm) and "Late" (8pm-on) seatings available, RESERVE NOW, SPACE IS LIMITED! ukurelu@thetavern.cz Facebook event


For an intimate Thanksgiving at home or with friends, Culinaria’s Gourmet-to-Go catering in Prague offers takeaway, delivery and full-service catering for Thanksgiving meals from November 23-25. This year, Culinaria and Dirty Dog Street Food are coming together to bring you an authentic Thanksgiving dinner straight to your kitchen. For more visit www.thanksgiving.cz

Robertson’s Deli is a British deli that sells fresh whole turkeys and already roasted turkeys to Prague residents who want to create their family’s Thanksgiving meals at home. A 7kg fresh turkey at Robertson’s costs 833 CZK while turkey crown sells for 657 CZK. The deli also stocks turkey breast, turkey rolls, American bacon and sausages in preparation for the Thanksgiving holiday. Order their meat and cheese products online. They also prepare cheese and ham party platters. Since the deli’s products and services are in high-demand around the holidays, place your order in advance to avoid disappointment.


Whether you spend Thanksgiving at home or in one of Prague’s restaurants, remember to show your appreciation for family, friends and your adopted city this year.




Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Beer Me... over and over again


That being said, it was as if this post by JetSetting Fools spoke to me.  I love me some beer, and now I have a new list of places I must try.  One of the spots on this list is like an old comforting blanket to me, and that is U Medvidku.  It is where I had my first Budvar, and where they brew X-Beer 33, which is a story for another day (#debauchery).


Continuing on...

Check out their article, 16 Places to Drink Craft Beer in Prague - it'll make your mouth water for some sweet nectar that is beer.  Or maybe that just happens to me.

Either way, Na Zdraví!




Saturday, November 11, 2017

A Magical Christmas

Well I certainly don't disagree....

Prague.TV had an article recently that made me yearn to be in Prague for Christmas, or as we say, Vánoce.  Being in Staroměstské náměstí (Old Town Square) and amongst the market along Václavské náměstí (Wenceslas Square) is just magical.  There is no other word I can use to describe it.  It is simply magical.  


Here is the piece...decide for yourself whether Christmas in Prague is in order.

PRAGUE TOPS CHRISTMAS LISTS AGAIN
Two news outlets have already but Prague among top holiday destinations
BY RAYMOND JOHNSTON - PRAGUE.TV (FOTO: FOTOLIA)
01.11.2017 16:41


Prague was ranked as the number one place for a Christmas vacation by news magazine U.S. News & World Report. Earlier, news server CNN ranked the Christmas markets at Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square together as among the top 10 in the world.

The rankings are no surprise, as Prague typically appears on similar lists at this time of year.

U.S. News & World Report also ranked Prague highly in other areas. It is third for a winter vacation in Europe and fourth for an affordable vacation in Europe, fifth for both an affordable European honeymoon and a European family vacation, sixth-best place to visit in Europe and the eighth-best place to visit in the world.

“For the month of December, the capital of the Czech Republic turns into a winter wonderland you've got to see to believe. Its medieval architecture is blanketed in twinkling lights and the Christmas markets are some of the best in the world. Plus, many of Prague's attractions are free, so you won't have to spend a fortune to sightsee,” U.S. News & World Report stated.

It did not list what it considered free attractions, but places such as the courtyards of Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, some churches and the streets of Old Town and Malá Strana can be seen for free. The interiors of buildings in Prague Castle, viewing towers, and most museums and galleries have an admission.

As for the city in general, the magazine described it as “a prosperous and bustling city.”

“Prague now attracts more tourists than ever. But its picturesque downtown veils both a dark legacy and a resilient past. Dating back to about A.D. 870, Prague has withstood numerous overthrows, invasions, fires and floods. It's this reputation for survival and perseverance that has made the Czech capital so fascinating. Today, its storied churches, narrow streets, daunting hilltop castle and statue-lined bridges create the scene of an urban fairy tale. Even the most jaded traveler would have trouble resisting this city's charms.”

Other cities on the U.S. News & World Report list for Christmas vacations were Vienna, Taos, London, New York, Zurich, Munich, Quebec, Edinburgh and Amsterdam.

Most of the choices aside from third-placed Taos seem to be obvious picks. Regarding Taos, the magazine said: “For a twist on the traditional Christmas, consider spending the holidays in this small town 70 miles north of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Snow-covered adobe buildings dot the historic downtown and handmade gifts are available at the Taos Folk pop-up store. The roster of unique events includes bonfires on Bent Street, which features traditional Aztec dancers.”

The U.S. News & World Report travel rankings are based on analysis of expert and user opinions. Destination rankings are updated once per year on a rolling basis.

CNN did not provide an explanation of the criteria for choosing the best Christmas markets. Prague appears fifth on the list, though it is not clear if that means fifth place or it is just random as the list is not numbered. CNN recommends the markets as an alternative to “joylessly battling through department store crowds or trawling the Internet for bargains.”

Gendarmenmarkt in Berlin, Germany, was first on the CNN list, followed markets in by Strasbourg, Vienna, and Montreal. The cities coming in after Prague are Florence, Krakow, Birmingham, Copenhagen, and Brussels.

Prague won high praise from CNN: “No city lends itself to Christmas better than Prague. The city's two main Christmas markets, in Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, are only five minutes' walk from each other, so can both easily be explored in one day,” CNN said.

“Each one has the usual wooden huts found in similar markets across Europe, but the Czech treats are what really set them apart. Visitors can grab a klobása (Czech sausage) and wash it down with a Pilsner Urquell in the afternoon, then hang around for the main tree to be lit up on Old Town Square,” CNN stated.

The two Christmas markets start relatively late this year, on Dec. 2, due to the late start of Advent, and run until Jan. 6, when Christmas is celebrated on the Orthodox calendar. The start of Advent changes every year and is the fourth Sunday before Christmas. The markets traditionally open the day before.

For the past few years, there has been no single tree lighting ceremony for security and safety concerns. The crowds had been reaching such a size that there was the potential for accidents. The details of this year's opening day have not been disclosed yet but most likely will follow the same pattern, with the tree going dark and relighting several times during the first day.

There should also be a program of daily entertainment on the square for the duration of the market. Carp soup should be served for free Dec. 24 during the day.

Monday, November 6, 2017

Sing It, Kid!

For those of you in NYC...

Organizácia +421 Foundation so sídlom v New Yorku vyhlasuje 3. ročník speváckej súťaže  detí v interpretácii českej a slovenskej ľudovej piesne AMERICKÝ  SLÁVIK, ktorý nadväzujena 30 úspešných ročníkov slovenskej verzie tejto súťaže SLÁVIK SLOVENSKA.
Súťaž sa koná pod záštitou Generálnych konzulátov Českej a Slovenskej republiky v New Yorku a garantmi podujatia sú hviezdy hudobného neba Karel Gott a Peter Dvorský.
Súťažiacich bude sprevádzať ľudová hudba PAJTÁŠI. SpoluúčinkujeAriana Lem Joy a konferujú Pavlína Horáková a Richard Štilicha.
 
Americky Slavik 2017
 
Ak máte záujem prihlásiť dieťa do súťaže, prihlášku treba poslať do 5. novembra 2017!
Ďalšie informácie vrátane prihlášky do súťaže a nôt povinných piesní sú na stránke www.americkyslavik.com.

Monday, September 11, 2017

Improve Your Quality of Life...Move to CZ

As much as I heart the Czech Republic, its ranking on this list surprised me.  Not in a bad way.  I'm thrilled to pieces to see it ranking so high.  I just want it to stay my little secret...



Tuesday, August 22, 2017

Rare photos from the 1968 invasion

Will make you stop and think...

Radio CZ has a post of rare photos from the 1968 Russian-led invasion of then Czechoslovakia.  

The piece, written by Daniela Lazarova, states, "Czech Radio has brought readers rare, as yet unpublished photographs of the 1968 Russian-led invasion of Czechoslovakia. The photos were taken by Polish geologist Leszek Sawicki who was attending a conference in Prague at the time and was trapped in the capital city for several days after the invasion. Mr. Sawicki died earlier this year and the photos have come to Czech Radio courtesy of his wife who discovered them among his belongings."

See the photos here

Monday, August 21, 2017

"A book should serve as the ax for the frozen sea within us." - Franz Kafka

This certainly tempts me to call myself a writer...


Prague may offer luxurious flat in centre to guest writers

ČTK | 
21 AUGUST 2017
Prague, Aug 20 (CTK) - Prague plans to offer one or two luxurious flats in the reconstructed house in the centre where Jewish German writer Franz Kafka was born to foreign writers who would not pay rent, but write a book in which the Czech capital would play the main role, Mlada fronta Dnes (MfD) has reported.
The house situated near Old Town Square, which was used by the City Hall in the past, is now empty. Luxurious apartments are to be built there during an overall reconstruction for more than 100 million crowns, MfD wrote in its Saturday issue.
"One or two would be designated for foreign writers. They would come to Prague for several months and write a book there that might make the city famous all over the world," Eliska Kaplicky Fuchsova (ANO), head of the City Hall's culture and tourism committee, told MfD.
Prague would like to invite Nobel Prize laureates and other awarded writers as well as the authors of bestsellers whose books set in Prague might attract more tourists to the city, MfD writes.
The paper also points to other bestsellers that attracted people to European cities, such as U.S. Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code set in Paris and London. It readers wanted to see the localities that the book's characters visited.
The Prague City Hall has not mapped yet whether famous writers would be interested in its offer of creative stays, MfD adds.
The Prague councillors are to debate the idea of Kaplicky Fuchsova in October.
However, even if she failed to push it through, it would not mean that foreign writers cannot stay in Prague now and use its motives in their novels and poems, MfD writes.
Two years ago, the Prague Municipal Library launched a project of residential stays for foreign writers, who had at least one book published. The interest in the programme is high, the paper writes.
"Every year, we receive more than 100 applications of which we select six writers whom spend two months in Prague each," Katerina Bajo, coordinator of the Prague - City of Literature project, said.
Eleven writers have already stayed in Prague and are writing books in which they mention the city within the project.
These writers cannot count with a luxurious apartment in the centre, but they are accommodated in ground-floor flat in a prefab building at a housing estate in the Barrandov neighbourhood.
Along with accommodation, Prague covers their travel costs and pays them a scholarship of 600 euros a month. The stay of one foreign writer costs from 50,000 to 70,000 crowns, including the costs of the promotion of the events in which the invited writers take part. In return, they are expected to create a literary work connected with Prague.
"If the author does not meet our conditions, we may terminate the contract and they will leave," Bajo said.
The guest writers should present part of the book featuring Prague before the end of their two-month stay. However, the contract does nor specify the deadline for completing the book.
"Naturally, it may happen that the writer will never complete the book since Prague does not suit him, but such is life," Municipal Library spokeswoman Lenka Hanzlikova told MfD.

Monday, April 17, 2017

Let the whippings commence

The moment we've all been waiting for...


.Get your Pomlázka out, boys!  There aren't many days in the year when ladies want a whipping gentle whipping.

So get out your Pomlázka and make your way through the village, neighborhood, apartment building, what have you.  But don't forget to start with the females in your home.  Some may not like it, some may like it more than they will admit, but these whippings gentle whippings chase away illnesses and bad spirits, and bring health and youth for the rest of the year.  Ladies, you know we are forever chasing that damn fountain of youth, so take it on the legs and be glad you didn't get doused with water (that's an alternative...).

Boys, recite “Hody, hody doprovody, dejte vejce malovaný, nedáte-li malovaný, dejte aspoň bílý, slepička vám snese jiný…”

Essentially, you're asking for eggs, an egg will do.  Preferably painted, but white will do just as well.

But these days who wants eggs?  These days you get money, or most likely shots of Slivovice (plum brandy) instead.  YES!

So all in all, when you break it down, Easter Monday is a day when 
ladies take a whipping gentle whipping to stay young & beautiful and the men get drunk.

Na zdraví!



Sunday, April 16, 2017

Beranek SUCCESS!

Eggs & Whips

Happy Easter, Sunday!

If you haven't done so yet, dye those eggs and prepare your pomlázka for tomorrow's whippings gentle whippings.

In the Czech culture, today is a day to prepare for Easter Monday festivities, for Easter Monday trumps Easter Sunday.  

So I tried to be all Martha Stewart last night and dyed my eggs in a manner I have never even seen before, and it was SO. MUCH. *$@#*&%. FUN.  Not only that, it was super fast (cause who wants to be dying eggs for hours) and the color took way better than dipping an egg in a cup of dye and staring at it for minutes.  I highly suggest it to all of you who have yet to dye those eggs.  I may find myself dying eggs at random times throughout the year now simply because I want to shove my hands in shaving cream and slosh them around. Don't judge.

And don't even think about not dying eggs...or you will die.

Here is the video I somehow stumbled upon...

So good.  So, so good. 

Here are my eggs.  I recommend you watch the entire video, unlike myself.  I didn't leave the dyed shaving cream on my eggs for a while, just wiped them off straight away.  What can I say, I'm like a 6-year-old on Christmas morning tearing through presents.  Bur nevertheless, I like the pastel-color look they got.


And I won't die.

My next attempt, this guy:

I did't bake a Mazanec (gasp!), so am hoping that if I bake a Beránek, that all will be forgiven by the Superstitious Gods.

Here's a recipe in case you want to try your hand at Beranek

Men & boys... get your pomlázka ready for tomorrow!  Traditionally made from braided pussy willow, but if said pussy willow is not available, be creative.  And, go!






Happy Name Day, Irena! Všechno nejlepší k svátku!

Today we honor Irena.  Happy name day, Irena!
The name Irena is a variant of Irene, which is of Greek origin and means "peace".

Saturday, April 15, 2017

Best start baking!

I didn't realize that Mazanec needs to be baked on White Saturday! Omg I need to get on it....or I will die!

http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2017/04/15/523797689/mazanec-a-czech-easter-tradition-fighting-to-survive-in-the-u-s?sc=17&f=1003

Friday, April 14, 2017

Happy Name Day, Anastázie! Všechno nejlepší k svátku!


Today we honor Anastázie.  Happy name day, Anastázie!
The name Anastázie is the Czech form of Anastasia, which is of Greek origin and means "resurrection".

Anastasia Tremaine is who comes to mind when I hear the name Anastasia... from my beloved Cinderella




Easter Markets in Prague

If in Prague, don't forget to stroll through the Easter markets.

April 1st - 23rd, the markets are open daily in Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square.  Lots of Easter traditional crafts for purchase, as well as food and drink.

One VERY important item to purchase while at the market is a pomlázka (braided whip with a ribbon tied to the end).  More info to come, but you'll be glad to own one. Or more...


To read more about the Easter Markers and see additional photos, click here

Photo from Pragueexperience.com

If you go, send me your photos!  I wish I could be there so will live vicariously through you.

Good Friday...aka Superstitious Friday

Velký pátek (Good Friday) is upon us, and it is a solemn day.  A day of remembrance, mourning, and fasting.  It is also a day to bake bread to protect your home from fire, amongst other things.  

You see, on Velký pátek, Czech cooks prepare the traditional holiday bread, which under no circumstances can be cut or eaten until the priest says, "Christ is risen!" (Kristus vstal z mrtvých!) on Easter Sunday.  You best be shooing the children and spouses out of the kitchen before they bust into the bread and the house bursts into flames.

It's also a custom to mark a new loaf of bread with the sign of the cross before cutting it, in order to bless it and thank God for it.  Bread baked on Velký pátek, if left to harden in the oven, can be kept all year and its presence protects the house from fire.  I don't want my home to burn down, but I certainly don't want stale bread sitting around attracting critters.  Damn it, what is one to do?!

While I ponder stale bread vs home burning down, let's move on to even more Good Friday superstitions.  What, you thought the bread was it?

Hahhahahaha, silly you!

We have more, lots more!  And you best adhere to them... or you will die.  Better get a move on as it is Good Friday and the day is short:

- Women put quilts out to air out in order to chase illnesses out of the house. 
- People get up very early (damn, sorry I already screwed you on this one) and hurry down to the river (a stream, babbling brook, puddle in middle of the road will all do) where they wash themselves with cold water and then cross the brook or stream with bare legs because this ensures good health for the entire next year. 
- Take your daughter down to wash at the well.  Don't have a well?  Best find something that will do for your daughter's future lies in your hands.  You see, this ritual ensures that your daughter will be pretty and well spoken for. 

It is also believed that water sprites come out onto dry land on Good Friday... perhaps you'll spot one when you're washing down by the river.  Looks like this:


In my town, this is the local drunk.

Moving on...

Now for some small talk, "How's the weather where you are?"  No, seriously, how's the weather?  This is important because the weather for the whole year is foretold based on Good Friday's weather. For instance, if it rains on Good Friday then the rest of the year will be dry. Velký pátek deštivý dělává rok žíznivý ("A rainy Good Friday makes for a thirsty year.").  Based on this, it is safe to conclude that if it is dry today, the rest of the year it will rain.  Bummer for me.

We also have some legends associated with Good Friday (shocker).  I'll share two of them with you:

- Anyone can look upon the sun without being blinded by its glare.  Try it, let me know how it goes for you.

- High up in the mountains amidst the cliffs there is the stone figure of a maiden. She is seated and holds in her lap an unfinished shirt, also of stone. Each year, on Velký pátek, at the hour of the Passion, she sews a stitch: one year, one stitch. When the shirt is finished, the world will end. Everything under the sun will die, and Judgement Day will be at hand.

I told you we were a grim bunch.

BUT, that being said I will leave you on a good note. No one should work on Good Friday out of respect ... or from superstitious fears because it is said that if one works, it will bring misfortune.

Do what you will with that, but if you're at work, may I suggest busting out of there as fast as possible screaming about avoiding misfortune as you tear down the door on your way out.

Happy Good Friday!

PS.  Do not eat meat.  Or you will die.... 








Thursday, April 13, 2017

Happy Name Day, Vincenc! Všechno nejlepší k svátku!

Today we honor Vincenc.  Happy name day, Vincenc!
The name Vincenc is the Czech and Slovene form of Vincent, which means "to conquer".

Our Easter Traditions Have Begun

As you may already know, we Czechs are a superstitious bunch.  I'm not talking superstitious as in don't walk under a ladder, or find a penny heads-up and you'll start seeing rainbows and unicorns will cross your path whilst pooping pots of gold.  We need to go darker here people.  Much, much darker... 

We need to go down a grim path "...or you will die."

So this joyous Easter holiday, don't worry about dying eggs in shades of crimson and gold.  Worry about not following our traditions.  Or you will die...

So I am a day late here as our traditions began yesterday with  Škaredá středa (Ugly Wednesday), also known as Spy Wednesday to remind us that it is the day that Judas betrayed Jesus.  We may or may not remember that as we are wildly busy cleaning the house from top to bottom, bottom to top, side to side, inside out.  Not a mattress is left unturned and not a rug has been left unbeaten.  Oh, and children?  They come straight home from school and help with the cleaning...

HAHHHAHAHHAHHAHAHHAHHAHAHAAHHAHAHHHHAHAHHAHAA



Ok, ok, now that I have composed myself, there is one tradition on Ugly Wednesday that we adhere to...eating honey.  It is said that if one eats honey on this day they will not be bitten by serpents.  

Guess you're shit out of luck if you didn't eat honey yesterday.  Sorry for the late notification.

Also on Ugly Wednesday, one is supposed to smile at everyone they meet.. If you don't didn't, then the entire year will be a sad one.  Again, my apologies.

But enough about yesterday, let's move on to today, better known as Zelený čtvrtek (Green Thursday).  Tonight, every boy in the neighborhood equips himself with a řehtačka (wooden rattle), looks like this:


Said boys rattle away as loud as can be to chase away Judas. Remember now, he betrayed Jesus. These noisy rattles will keep him away!  But you see, these boys will also come to your door... rattling.  Loudly.  Until you give them money.  Genius.

Green Thursday is also a day of fasting.  

HAHHAHAHHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHHHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHHAHAHAH


CZECHS DON'T FAST.

Fasting for us is not eating meat.  Thus Green Thursday, a day to eat green vegetables.  These days, green beer will do just fine.  Bring on the fasting.

It seems that men should wake at midnight and walk to the nearest brook to wash themselves in honor and imitation of Jesus.  According to legend, Jesus tripped and fell into the Brook Kidron on His way to His hearing before the high priest.

Set that alarm clock, men... and off to the nearest stream you go!
...Or you will die.

PS... whips and shots of alcohol are part of this celebration, more on that tomorrow!




Happy Name Day, Aleš! Všechno nejlepší k svátku!

Today we honor Aleš.  Happy name day, Aleš!
The name Aleš is of Greek origin and means "man's defender, warrior".  It's the short form of Alexander and often used independently as Alexander has become more and more popular.  It's one of the few names used with equal frequency for both genders.  

The most famous bearer of the name was Alexander the Great, King of Macedon.  In the 4th century BC, he built a huge empire out of Greece, Egypt, Persia and parts of India.  Due to his fame, and later medieval tales involving him, use of his name spread throughout Europe.

Hello, Handsome

There are many famous Alexander's,... see for yourself.

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

Happy Name Day, Julius! Všechno nejlepší k svátku!

Today we honor Julius.  Happy name day, Julius!
The name Julius is of Greek origin and means "Jove's child".

A Julius we all know...


Tuesday, April 11, 2017

Happy Name Day, Izabela! Všechno nejlepší k svátku!

Today we honor Izabela.  Happy name day, Izabela!
The name Izabela is the Czech form of Isabella/Isabel, which is of Hebrew origin and means "God's promise."

Monday, April 10, 2017

Happy Name Day, Darja! Všechno nejlepší k svátku!

Today we honor Darja.  Happy name day, Darja!
The name Darja is the Slovene and Czech form of Daria, which is the feminine form of Darius.  Darius is the Roman form of Dareios, which was the Greek form of the Persian name Dārayavahush.  Three ancient kings of Persia bore this name, including Darius the Great who invaded Greece but was defeated in the Battle of Marathon. It has never been very common as a given name in the English-speaking world, though it rose in popularity after the middle of the 20th century.

Friday, April 7, 2017

Five minutes to not-so-fluent

Who says you can't learn a language in 5 minutes? 
These are all the phrases you need to know anyway.  So with that being said.... GO!


Wednesday, March 29, 2017

"Prague Ranked Ninth by TripAdvisor"

Of course, I'd rank it higher, but we won't go into that.

PRAGUE RANKED NINTH BY TRIPADVISOR

The city fell three spots, and the description is a bit outdated

BY RAYMOND JOHNSTON - PRAGUE.TV (FOTO: FOTOLIA)

27.03.2017 16:47


Prague came in ninth place in TripAdvisor's ranking of top destinations in the 2017 Travelers' Choice Awards. It had been at number six in the previous list from 2016. Six of the top 10 for 2017 were in Europe. 


Topping out the 2017 list was Bali, Indonesia, which was not in the previous top 25. Other places to beat Prague were London in second place followed by Paris, Rome, New York City, Crete, Barcelona and Siem Reap. Following Prague and rounding out the top 10 was Phuket.


TripAdvisor's description of Prague is perhaps a bit pedestrian and slightly overwritten. It is also a bit dated as the culinary and potent potable scene has expanded greatly beyond taverns and cellars.


“The bohemian allure and fairytale features of Prague make it a perfect destination for beach-weary vacationers who want to immerse themselves in culture. You could devote an entire day to exploring Pražský hrad (Prague Castle), then refueling over a hearty dinner at a classic Czech tavern. Spend some time wandering the Old Town Square before heading over to gape at The Old Town Hall and Astronomical Clock. Prague’s best bars are found in cellars, where historic pubs set the scene for a night of traditional tippling,” TripAdvisor states. 


The Old Town Hall and the Astronomical Clock will be under renovation this year and into 2018, though exact dates haven't been disclosed. The site lists 2,513 thing to do in the city, so disappointed visitors will have to settle for something else.


The rankings are based on input from users of the site, who post comments and star ratings. The drop in Prague's ranking doesn't necessarily mean the city got any worse, it just means that other destinations were ranked higher in some aspects. 


London had been top-ranked but dropped one place since last year, pushed aside by upstart Bali. One of the big losers was Istanbul which fell to 11th place from second. Marrakech also saw a big drop, to 16th place from third. Hanoi, which had been eighth, dropped out of the top 25 completely. Ubud, Indonesia, which had been 10th also fell of the list. Others to drop off the list were Lisbon, Bangkok, Amsterdam, Buenos Aires, Hong Kong, Cape Town, Tokyo, Sydney and Budapest. 


Newcomers in 2017, aside from Bali, were Crete, Phuket, Jamaica, Hoi An, Roatan, Ambergris Caye, Rio de Janeiro, St. Maarten, Grand Cayman and Bora Bora.

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

JFK --> PRG = ♥

YES!  Nothing makes me happier than when there is a direct flight form JFK to PRG during the summer season.  Thank you, Delta, for not cancelling this route.

Looks like even more flights and routes have been added to and from Prague.  

Read the article here and book your summer travel today!







Traffic? What Traffic?

This is the mode of transportation of my dreams. 


Built to be able to fly to Prague for a cup of coffee.  Genius.

Built to torment me until the day I have one.  Misery.

Read all about this awesomeness here  https://sputniknews.com/science/201703271052009200-autogyro-pilot-dream/



Happy Name Day, Soňa! Všechno nejlepší k svátku!

Today we honor Soňa.  Happy name day, Soňa!
The name Soňa is the Czech variation of Sonia, which is of English origin and a variant of Sophia, which is of Greek origin.  The name means "wisdom".


Thursday, February 9, 2017

Happy Name Day, Mojmír! Všechno nejlepší k svátku!

Today we honor Mojmír.  Happy name day, Mojmír!
The name Mojmír is of Czech origin and means "My Peace".  Mojmír is a special name to me because my grandfather's older brother's name is Mojmír.  He has since passed, but will be forever in our hearts.  Here's to you, Mojmír, we love you!

Here's a photo of my grandfather, Zdenek (I call him DinDin), seated in the middle with his eldest brother, Vlada, to his right and Mojmír on his left.  My great-grandparents are Bohdan and Maxa Kříž

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Happy Name Day, Apolena! Všechno nejlepší k svátku!

Today we honor Apolena.  Happy name day, Apolena!
The name Apolena is a variant of Apollonia, which is of Greek origin and the feminine form of Apollonios.  Apollonios is from an ancient name that was derived from the name of the Greek god, Apollo.  Apollo was the Greek god of sunlight, music and poetry.  Saint Apollonia was an elderly 3rd-century Christian martyr.  In art, she is often portrayed with a pair of tongs and an outsized molar.

St. Apollonia

According to legend, her torture included having all of her teeth violently pulled out or shattered.  For this reason, she is popularly regarded as th

Tuesday, February 7, 2017

Happy Name Day, Milada! Všechno nejlepší k svátku!

Today we honor Milada.  Happy name day, Milada!
The name Milada is of Czech origin and means "my love". Ah, how romantic!

Monday, February 6, 2017

Happy Name Day, Vernonika! Všechno nejlepší k svátku!

Today we honor Veronika.  Happy Name Day, Veronika!
Veronika is of Latin origin, meaning "true image".

Sunday, February 5, 2017

Happy Name Day, Vanda! Všechno nejlepší k svátku!

Today we honor Vanda.  Happy name day, Vanda!
The name Vanda is of Czech and Italian origin and is a variation of the name Wanda, which is of Slavic origin and means "the tribe of the vandals".  The Vandals (or Wendlas) were an ancient Slavonic tribe whose destructive behavior led to the modern term "vandalism".

Saturday, February 4, 2017