Border crossing

The train ride to Prague was amazing, we passed lots of lovely chalets and gingerbread style houses covered in snow, perched and rocky ledges along the Danube. It was like being in a Christmas model railway. We spent the entire ride looking out the window at the passing landscape. There was no passport control and after we left Germany and had entered the Czech Republic there were no announcements about the various stops. We luckily managed to get off at the correct station for Prague, locally called Praha. Although the hotel was supposed to send someone to pick us up there was a miscommunication and no one was there. Luckily the tourist information office at the train station was very good and she phoned the hotel then booked us a taxi. Prague has lots of winding streets and even with Sat Nav our taxi driver got a bit confused at times but he got us there and we were settled into the hotel. Of course we went out exploring as soon as possible. The hotel was in a great location and within minutes we were crossing the famous Charles bridge toward Prague castle. After a quick meander across the bridge and to a large church we turned back across the bridge. Just on the other side of the Bridge some trumpeters were announcing a concert at the Church of St Francis. We decided to grab a quick bite to eat and try to make it for the concert.

Fraunkirche Finale

Saturday 11 December- Since it was most likely our last opportunity to visit the Fraunkirche, the church for which Dresden is most known, we got up in good time and had breakfast in the grand cafe, just opposite to wait for it to open, We had an excellent breakfast of apple pie and finally some decent coffee before making our way to the church. There was a large crowd to get in but the line was constantly moving. We enjoyed seeing the brightly painted dome's interior and visiting the crypts which housed the stages of the cross as well as a mini museum about the churches history. We visited a few more stalls in the market and the German department store, Karlstadt before heading to the haut ban hof (train station) to catch or train to Prague.

All is merry and bright

We wandered around the city some more enjoying the spires, domes and christmas lights which created a very festive atmosphere. We then decided to make the most of our last evening at the markets. Visiting favorite stalls and taking a ride on the ferris wheel. I had a mug of gluvine, the German version of mulled wine. And we soaked up all the music and lights and christmas goodwill before heading back to the hotel (successfully catching the tram this time). We intended to eat at the nice restaurant across the street from the hotel but they were full up so after venturing up and down the street we returned to the hotel restaurant for dinner and to unwind.

Discovering Dresden

Friday 10 December- Our only full day in Dresden we were determined to make the most of it. We made our way into town via the tram and had breakfast while we waited for the shops and museums to open. Our first stop was the Zwinger a baroque style palace with a lovely courtyard and several museums. We visited the fine arts museum with its Rembrandts and other treasures. Then visited the arms museum and finally parts of the extensive porcelain galleries. Then it was back out into the cold to walk along the Furstenzug- a mural made of small tiles and depicting the kings of Saxony. Then a walk along the Elbe and past the Opera house to the Fraunkirche. Unfortunately the church was closed for the day. We wandered through the christmas markets and had another bratwurst for lunch along with a hot waffle with chocolate and whipped cream. Some more shopping and we made our way back to the operahouse to take a tour of the interior. The building has be lovingly restored and it is a beautiful operahouse with all the baroque charm and modern amenities one could want.

Snow drifts in Dresden

Thursday 9 December- we woke up early to walk to the bus station to get the bus to Heathrow. After a bit of a wait at Heathrow we were winging our way to Germany. We had to circle the airport for an hour waiting for the weather to clear and the runways ploughed. After landing and collecting our luggage we booked it to the hotel dropped our stuff off and made our way directly to the Christmas markets. We found them by following the sound of music and looking for the festive lights. Luckily, unlike things in England the market and many of the shops were open until nine so we had a couple of hours to peruse the markets and explore. We had a quick dinner of Bratwurst and had an amazing time looking at all the stalls and enjoying the festive spirit. When things began to close up we decided to warm up by have cake and coffee in a cafe before heading back to the hotel. Of course we misjudged the trams and ended up walking quite a ways to get back. It was an exhausting but excellent evening.

Happy Thanksgiving

Sunday 27 November-we celebrated a bit late this year as it was the most convenient time for all involved. Saturday night we went to a play with Sam and Nat and Sam spent the night with us. It was up and out the door early to visit the vintage and hand made fair in Chiping Sodbury, while Ian stayed home to toast bread for stuffing. Back home we began the cooking. Nat and Tom soon arrived with their vegetarian main and Jez was a bit late arriving but we were only just starting to dish up the sides when he arrived. It was a lovely meal and a nice get together with friends.

Christmas in the Orangery

Saturday 26th November-I took a quick break from getting ready for our slightly delayed Thanksgiving feast and popped into the christmas fair at Goldney Hall's orangery. Although there were quite number of new stalls from last year, I didn't find anything I had to have. However, it was very pleasant to enjoy the festive atmosphere and see the grounds covered with a dusting of snow.