To the Castle!

Prague at Night, January 2015

"A city of alchemists and dreamers, its medieval cobbles once trod by golems, mystics, invading armies... The wind carried the memory of magic, revolution, violins, and the cobbled lanes meandered like creeks. Thugs wore Mozart wigs and pushed chamber music on street corners, and marionettes hung in windows, making the whole city seem like a theater with unseen puppeteers crouched behind velvet.” ― Laini Taylor 

Mala Strana, Prague, December, 2014

Mala Strana, the Lesser Quarter is probably the most photogenic part of Prague. The gateway to this part of the city is the Charles Bridge, which when not cluttered with many tourists (like myself) affords great views of Prague Castle and the Vltava River. 

I spent an early morning between Christmas and New Years taking photos, content to enjoy the details of this beautiful and special place. 

The Charles Bridge.

There are little shrines, like this one, tucked into spots all over Prague.

Prague Castle.

The entire center of the city is paved with cobblestones.

Prague presents so many fetching directions in which to choose from.
The good news is you really can't go wrong!

Prague Christmas Markets, December 2014

Despite having lived in Prague before, I never had the chance to enjoy the Christmas markets in Old Town Square. While you can see in the photos that the emphasis is on food, there are lots of little booths dedicated to selling traditional Czech crafts and Christmas ornaments. 

  

We didn't try these, but they sure looked delicious.

  

So many tempting treats.

Trdlo. A traditional Hungarian cake that is baked over open coals.

His dad is enjoying this, but I think he'd rather be eating Trdlo.

Hawally, Kuwait, 2014

Rob and I signed up for an adventure and we sure got what we were looking for. I falsely assumed that with all my previous travel experience, I'd be well prepared to handle the culture shock. I couldn't have been more wrong and humbled by Kuwait. There was the scorching heat (worsened by a poorly functioning AC in our apartment), the dirt, the trash and the feral cats.

Over time, we began to adapt. By November, it cooled down dramatically. We became regulars at the bakala, or neighborhood convenience store. The strangers in my apartment became friends. We bonded over the hardships we faced and looked out for one another. We played house with little Noah. Friends delivered cookies to our door, shared moonshine, and took care of Suki. A little experience and knowledge of what to do and see made our lives livable again.

I will always be grateful for the kindness and generosity of the many people we met in Kuwait. Insha'Allah, we will meet again!

 

Outside our apartment window.

If you look closely, you can see the Mosque. 

Noah taking a picture of me taking a picture of him.

Noah loves Rob's beard.

To borrow a phrase from my friend Keri, FELINE FRENZY!

There are cats everywhere in Hawally. This one was kind enough to pose for me.

A rare rainbow.