Word of the day: Varken (Pig)
Today we flew to Prague for our last weekend trip before heading home to the US for the holidays. We really, really liked Prague! It had a familiar feel to it, reminding us right away of Chicago. I think the Chicago part came bc some of the food is more familiar from home.. similar to some Polish food.
After checking into our hotel we headed to the Old Town Square where the city's Christmas market was taking place. I was sure I would find a few of the gifts I was hoping to find at such markets!
We first bought a cup of Svařák (mulled wine), and then headed to the stand selling "Old Prague Ham" which was smoked over an open coal grill. It was then for the first time we felt like "taken" tourists... Urgh! In Prague they use Korunas (Crowns) as their money, so it was a different conversion rate, and a lot of the ppl speak only broken English so a bit more difficult to communicate. Steve placed his order and was given enough to feed a small family! (let me remind those of you who don't know, I hate Ham! I will eat all other versions of pork, but ham has a flavor I strongly dislike!) The total came to 4.90, but when you convert that it comes to over $20!!! Oh well... Steve LOVED it, and did a pretty good job polishing it off!
Next up... some walking. Thru the very windy roads we went and over to the Charles Bridge. This bridge overpasses the Vitava River and provides a wonderful night view of the Prague Castle all lit up! Ater a few pictures with my now tempermental camera once there is no natural light we headed to a restaurant that was recommended to us. This restaurant's vibe and architecture very much reminded me of Chicago, as did the food. I hadn't eaten lunch nor the ham so I ordered a snack -- salad and a side of dumplings. Yum!!
After more walking it was then time for a late night dinner of beef goulash. YUM!!! If you have never had beef goulash, it is a bit like pot roast.
Till next time...
Sarah
