Author Archives: Barbara

Prague

In the morning we were bussed to Prague Castle, but unfortunately there was no changing of the guard which is impressive at the castle.

We then walked to St Vitus Cathedral. Then we walked back to Old Town to leisurely stroll the Christmas market. The Czech Republic is known for good beer so naturally we went in search of craft beer.At dinner time we decided to eat at one of the many food stalls in the market. I’ll was cold but we wouldn’t have this opportunity again. The street food is delicious.Finally we returned to the hotel to prepare for another another day of travel to get to Dresden.

On the road to Prague

We got up early so we could get breakfast and be on the road for another travel day. One problem is none of us can stay awake on the bus. We all nap intermittently. We had a stop just before the Czech border and it was a world of high finance as we pooled our money to spend our last few Polish pennies. It was a success! Onward we went, crossed the border into the Czech Republic and then to Kutna Hors where the bone church is located. I had been here before but it was amazing to see the expressions on everyone face as they entered. For those who don’t know the entire chapel is decorated with human bones. It is beautiful and creepy at the same time.We left Kutna Hora and drove on to Prague. We arrived later than expected so we just waited for dinner. After dinner we decided to go to the Christmas Market. The hotel is in a great location- we can walk to everything. I was disappointed in the Christmas Market. It is mostly good with very few craft booths. We wanted to get some mulled wine so we could collect the cups as souvenirs, but it was served in plain paper cups. However it did snow a little bit while we were there. OlEarly tomorrow there is a tour of Prague then Brian and I are on our own for the rest of the day.

Wieliczka Salt Mine

The next day we headed to the salt mines which is amazing. My pictures did not turn out well so I’ll only post one. But the tour is wonderful and the mine amazing. I did find out that the last horse to work the mine was named Bashka, a nickname for Barbara. Saint Barbara is the patron saint of miners and that’s where the name for the horse came from. The picture is in the mine and it is a sculpture of Copernicus with our guide describing it.From the mine we boarded the bus and on to Wroclaw. It was really a travel day so we spent most of the time on the road on really only stopped for dinner and the hotel. But there was a Christmas Market so of course we went. We had wine that is sold at all the markets so we would have a souvenir cup. Our guide also told us about plums covered in chocolate that is very popular, but we couldn’t find any. Many places were sold out. Back to the hotel because we had an early start in the morning. Pics of Christmas Market.On to Prague tomorrow.

Polish Restaurant continued

Next came the soup. Choices were borscht, mushroom and sour rye. The mushroom soup was served in a mushroom shaped bread bowl and there is a pic of the sour rye soup which was delicious.Then there was more dancing and another pic of Brian dancing.This was followed by the main course-honey and beer basted ribs, stuffed cabbage, roulade and roast pork. There may have been more but I can’t remember and I kept eating. Then there was more dancing and fun, everyone was urged to get up and participate in a group dance- therefore no more pictures. Then came dessert. It was an assortment of delicious pastries, Brian and I were happy we went but we were extremely full.

Polish restaurant

After we returned from Auschwitz we decided to do another excursion to a Polish restaurant with folk dancing. The alternative was walking around in the freezing rain to find s place we wanted to eat, Brian wasn’t feeling that well and walking around being miserable didn’t appeal to me so after the Castle back on the bus we went. We were greeted at the door by costumed wait staff who provided shots of vodka and bread and salt. We had been wanting traditional Polish food and we got it. The appetizers started coming out. The food was served family style so everyone at the table could taste what they wanted. The first plate was an assortment of cold meats and sausages. The second plate was an assortment of warm appetizers and the third plate several varieties of pierogi.Then the entertainment started. The band played and the dancers danced then the dancers pick some of us to dance. Here are pics of Brian doing the Polka.To be continued….