"It is a bittersweet thing, knowing two cultures. It is a curse to love two countries."
Prague has captured my soul and tugs at my heartstrings, thus I want to share my love of this beautiful city with you.
I want you to fall in love as I have.
No one loves an open-air market more than I do. There's just something about it that draws me in...makes me happy. I never walk away without fresh cut flowers and forest fruits, and I adore watching the local babický choosing their produce for homemade meals.
My favorite open-air market in Prague is Havelský trh (The Gallus Market) - it's located on the square of the former St. Havel's Market (originally called the New market in order to distinguish itself from the Old Town Square market).
These markets are also a great place to find gifts - artwork, lace runners and tablecloths, toys, etc. Lots of unique handmade wares can be found...and also lots of not-so-homemade items (look for the Made in China sticker if in doubt!). I suppose it does help if you know the language, but at the end of the day if you truly love something, and if it will always remind you of your time in Prague and make you happy, then buy it.
It's good luck to have a witch in your kitchen - you'll cook better!
Mmmm, lázeňské oplatky (spa wafers) - found in a number of Czech spa towns, but those from Karlovy Vary are the most famous. They are large, round, thin and delicate wafers that come in many flavors (my favorite is dark chocolate) and you can buy them boxed like this or get them fresh from a street vendor who will even warm them up for you - now that's sinful!
If I didn't have my grandmother's hand knit runners, tablecloths and coasters, I'd be all over these. They just add a touch of romance...
During my last visit to this market I fell in love with a amazing necklace (děkuju Maminko! xoxo) and it's also where I bought my bomber hat one very cold winter. So next time you pass by an open-air market, stroll through and enjoy - you never know what you may find!
I have a love for marionettes, mostly because it's a Czech tradition. But tradition aside, marionettes have made their way into my heart, and that's where they'll always remain.
Meet my marionettes, Čert a Doktor...
The art of Czech marionette and puppet making goes back to the 18th century. They are traditionally hand-carved from wood or made from plaster. They represent all kinds of characters ...from devils, witches and wizards to clowns, kings and princesses, and even Czech "celebrities" such as Spejbl, Hurvínek, or the Czech literary character of Švejk. Many of these beautiful, elaborately carved Czech marionettes are works of art. They make fabulous gifts as well! Know a doctor? Isn't my doktor marionette a cutie? See where I'm going with this?
PS...Shopping info is listed below
Grandmother
Here's Don Giovanni performed by, well, marionettes!
(PS...if you were in the audience you wouldn't see all the hands)
Marionettes aren't just for kids!
Do I spy Peter Pan?
Look closely...you never know who may strike your fancy
Ah hahahhahha... The Tax Collector is priceless!
Is that Santa Claus?!
Here's an recent article from The Christian Science Monitor:
Czech puppetry tradition comes with strings attached
The Czech Republic has a long tradition of puppetry, which carried on cultural and language traditions when the Austro-Hungarian Empire discouraged Czech nationalism
Bins of body parts are stacked in Miroslav Trejtnar’s Prague studio. Three heads line his workbench. A smell of wood permeates the air.
“I don’t get so many requests to make puppets nowadays,” says Mr. Trejtnar, a traditional Czech puppetmaker. “I always made puppets for myself and others, but now I am more interested in teaching it.”
Czech puppetry dates back to the late 1800s, when puppeteers traveled by wagon to entertain villagers. The nation was still governed by the Austro-Hungarian Empire, so Czech nationalism wasn’t encouraged. Puppets were a way to keep cultural and language traditions alive through storytelling, says Trejtnar.
Under communism, puppet theaters were state-owned and focused on Russian theater traditions and stories. Even today’s puppet theater is more geared toward tourists than true Czech tradition.
“I never intended to keep the tradition alive.... I just ... want to pass [knowledge] along,” he says. “Puppet theater is a ... comprehensive art form; theater, literature, visual, music, sculpting, painting all together.” Trejtnar estimates he has taught more than 400 students from around the world over the past 10 years. Students learn carving, painting, how to make costumes, and puppet design.
LET'S BRING PUPPETS BACK!!!
There are many shops in Prague, but here's one I really like called Obchod loutkami (The Puppet Shop).
They're located at Nerudova 51 (top of the street) in Lesser Town. Two other locations are at Jilská 7 and Jilská 22 in Old Town, not far from the Old Town Square. They ship worldwide, too, and their website is http://www.czechmarionettes.com/
For those of you who don't live in CZ, besides Obchod loutkami, which I mentioned above, another shop that ships worldwide is http://www.loutky.cz/en/home/
