North Pole or Czech Republic?

I’m pretty sure the North Pole is actually code for “Prague”. It makes complete sense to me. The freezing cold weather, the inability to escape holiday cheer (YAY!), the busy Christmas markets, the hot chocolate, the chestnuts (which were ACTUALLY roasting on an open fire!), the massive Christmas trees and brilliant bright lights……..there really is no other explanation!

(Insert Lindsay jumping up and down. Unstoppable laugher too). I had the most amazing time on my holiday! Here are the highlights:

* Watching Fred Claus on the plane. Maybe in other circumstances the movie would have been less than 5 stars. But, in this situation, nothing could have made me happier than a festive movie to start our Christmas-y journey!

* The wooden toy shops - PURE MAGIC! I really thought that I was at Santa’s workshop (or my Daddy’s workshop, which would have been equally as thrilling!). There were fun puzzles, small pull toys, game boards, little dolls and SUPER INTERESTING instruments! I kept hoping to meet an elf or two….you know, to learn about their way of life and inquire about any job openings. But, they must have been very busy because I didn’t see a single one!

* Our day trip to the adorable town of Karlovy Vary. This spa town is where the movie “Last Holiday” was filmed (the one with Queen Latifah)! Of course, we downloaded the movie as soon as we got back to the hotel and viewed it in giggly excitement. Anyways, before this, I found out I would be married in one year (I suppose I shouldn’t have drank from THAT hot spring)….I had a ten minute meditation at a geyser that emits positive energy (I’m not sure if it worked, but I know my mood didn’t decline a single level!)….I saw the FIRST snow of the season (ya, ya – but it was exciting for me)…….AND I purchased the most beautiful necklace with a stone of my favourite colour – GREEN! It was an amazing day. Most of you have seen the photos. Wedding photos will be posted by December 6, 2009.

* We went to a PARK! (I almost forgot what those were!). FINALLY – the opportunity to play outside! The best part was…….(get ready Cairo readers)……..there were TREES in the park! (Side note: I found a maple leaf!). It was the perfect morning. The air was fresh and the temperature was perfectly cold. I wish I could describe the allure of the day to you. I think you had to be there :)

* The John Lennon Wall. An amazing attraction that seemed completely un-touristy. Right near the park, it was a long wall decorated with messages of peace and love. It was so beautiful. It seemed so casually placed. There was no line-up or admission charge, just the odd person or two walking by and stopping to read the messages in silence. I, of course, got teary eyed quite quickly and left my own mark on the wall: “Some people say I’m a dreamer, but I’m NOT the only one!”. Wow – it’s true…..people with the SAME vision……sharing it through arts and crafts. I LOVE IT.

* Prague castle. Not because it was anything CLOSE TO my favourite attraction, but because it was so FAR from my favourite activity of the week. It was beautiful, I admit. However, it was freezing cold, poorly organized and I ate a sandwich out of a paper bag (a PAPER BAG my readers!). Perhaps this was the filming location of the paper bag princess :)

* “Blending in”. I love going where blondes are more common :) No hissing or kissing. It was a nice break!

* Requesting a glass of white wine on the flight home……unfortunately you have to be at least EIGHTEEN years old for this privilege. Well – I still managed. The server gave me a wink and passed me a full glass as if he was doing me a big favour. Little does he know that some of my students are eighteen. Haha.

I imagine I am missing some good stories, but I will be sure to catch you up in Canada. With the pictures too……because I STILL do not understand how to post them here! You will have to use your imagination! Be sure to make the setting especially enchanted :) (This reminds me of a personal fave – who wants to watch Enchanted with me when I get home!)