Christmas Eve in Prague

Kelly: We left sleepy, sleety Vilseck and arrived in Prague this afternoon. Our hotel Aparthotel City 5 is great. The owner is so kind, friendly, and genuine. We spent two hours exploring the city...such an interesting place. The buildings are amazing...baroque and oozing with history but very cold and harsh, too. We encountered international travelers and heard at least half a dozen languages in a short period of time. We took respite from the cold in a cozy cafe appropriately named Cafe Cafe. We had a great dinner and yummy tea (and coffee with Baileys for Matt). I was actually tempted to smoke a cigarette...everyone here smokes and they are so glamorous. Sitting in the cafe, I inhaled enough smoke to equal smoking a few, so I quickly changed my mind, much to Matt's chagrin.

As we strolled the streets, I was struck by how my heritage was evident in the faces of those we passed. Even though I'm far from home, seeing the similarities in the faces of those here makes it a little easier. I still can't believe that I am in the Czech Republic. Crazy! I'm grateful for the opportunity to see more of the world.

We're planning to visit the Palace tomorrow and a tea shop (if we can find one that is open). Matt is on a quest for Absinthe...we'll see if we can track down the green fairy.