ANTIQUE CAROUSEL quote is a photograph by JAMART Photography

What is it about a carousel that brings us all happiness?  

Perhaps it's the freedom, or the simple joy of enjoying a carefree journey into the past ...reconnecting with our youth.  

Or, perhaps it's simply the beauty of these gentle rides.  Luring us in with their whimsical tunes and bright colors, reminding us to take a pause and live in the moment.

I for one am going to ride each and every carousel I encounter with my son.  I'm going to let it take us round and round creating a memory to cherish.  I'm going to envision the happiness it brought to many before us, treasure the happiness it brings to us, and smile for the happiness it will bring to many more.  

I was fortunate enough to be in Prague in August before this gorgeous carousel is taken away for the season.  Located on Petřín Hill, this carousel from the 1800s will charm children and adults alike.  They say it may be one of the oldest carousels in Europe, with verifiable records of it dating back to 1820.  It was most likely built at the end of the 17th century by a German craftsmen in Wiesbaden, Germany.  Originally, this carousel was operated by live horses and the music came from a calliope.

This carousel belonged to the Degli Innocenti family and has been handed down from generation to generation since the 19th century.  In the 1950s, a Persian sheik offered an insane amount for it. but the family declined and stayed true to its tradition.  To this day the carousel remains in the family of the original owners. 

Hand-painted details - truly the work of an artist

So, embrace the carousels of the world.  Life is short.  

Slow down and enjoy the ride....one carousel at a time