Christmas in Cologne

  If you have not noticed, the Christmas season is a big deal in Europe.  They know how to celebrate the season.  So two weekends ago, we made the train trek over to Cologne, Germany for twenty-four more hours of Christmas cheer and markets before flying to Spain on Sunday.  (I can't get enough of these European traditions and my husband has had enough of them.)  Seriously, he has been a trooper.  Hauling a two-year old and an infant and all of their necessities anywhere is a task; much-less, between three countries in a weekend is exhausting.  But, we managed as we always seem to do, and, we made lots of family memories in the process.

Weihnachten (Christmas) in Cologne

The Cologne Cathedral or "Dom" is so massive it can be seen in the skyline from practically anywhere in the city.

Construction on this gothic gem began in the 1200's and was not completed until the 1800's.

We didn't make it inside this trip, but hope to soon.

The Christmas markets in Cologne were much more crowded compared to Prague.  We had a tough time weaving in and out of the crowds with the stroller and keeping track of Graham's boots...

I brought back a few ornaments.

We added a nutcracker to Graham's collection.

Regrettably, we didn't discover this local market until we were walking back to our hotel to catch the train.  The markets closer to the Dom were more touristy.   Oh well.

Jason enjoying his breakfast: grilled bratwurst and hot chocolate with a little Bailey's.

Graham was content sitting on the reindeer even though the carousel was being repaired.

Santa managed to "feed" my son's sweet addiction.

We were all exhausted on the train ride home.

Feast of Sinterklass!

  I will have to elaborate on this post at a later date, since we are just getting back from a whirlwind twenty-four hours in Germany.  But, I didn't want to not post this picture of Caroline and Sinterklass in honor of this Dutch holiday and the feast day of St. Nicholas, patron saint of children.  My only regret is that Graham did not want to join his sister in the photo...I am sure some of you can relate!  I for one, cannot.  As the oldest of six children, I was in college before my mom reluctantly gave in and said that I didn't have to join my siblings for photos with the big guy in the red suit.  True story.  (Love you, Mom!) 

Enjoy!

Sometime back in November right outside our apartment, Sinterklass made his way into the harbor to  crowds of Dutch children patiently awaiting his arrival.  

Graham didn't quite know what to make of the spectacle.  He was more concerned with the boats.

A CZECH CHRISTMAS

 While everyone back in the States was feasting on turkey and dressing, we were crossing borders for a few days of Czech Christmas cheer and cocoa.

 Forgive me if I have posted way too many pictures, but it was such a fun and festive family weekend.  And,  I could not resist the temptation to spread a little lots of Christmas cheer from Prague.

This is what the Nugents do in an airport for four hours.
Family selfies.
Who says traveling in Europe is easy?  LOL

The delays were definitely worth the wait.  
Prague is one of eastern Europe's crown jewels.  It is the largest city in the Czech Republic as well as the capitol city.  

 Stunning.

Vltava River

We took a quick taxi ride up to the castle and to see the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague Church

We were able to see the changing of the guard at the Prague Castle.

The alter was undergoing renovations, but I was able to see the statue of the Infant Jesus and spend a few minutes in prayer.  Beautiful!

A few photo ops from the Charles Bridge

Baby, its cold outside! 

Sadly, the mittens didn't last long enough. If I had $1 for all of the evil looks we received about Graham not having anything on his hands, I would be rich!  We tried, really we did. And we tried again.  And again.   Perhaps, I should have packed super-glue. But then something tells me he would have found a way to still take off his little finger warmers.  Oh and then the time he threw his hat off and a mile or so after we realized it was missing, we backtracked and found it hanging on a telephone pole thanks to a kind soul.  Oh Graham...

Powder Tower. 

The porcelain dolls and wooden puppets or marionettes are hugely popular in Prague and part of the Czech culture.  Santa is bringing Caroline and Graham their very own Prague puppets for Christmas.

Jason ordered his first glass of mulled (warm) wine and
 Pražská klobása – a spicy, deep red link of sausage on bun. 

Trdelnik is a sweet dough much like a cinnamon roll, but cooked over an open flame for about fifteen minutes.  This and hot chocolate were the cure all for a few Graham meltdowns. 

Graham still hasn't found a sweet he didn't like.

Dancing on the sidewalks

"No stroller, no stroller..."

The Powder Tower or Gate has origins all the way back to the 11th century and was one of the original gates to the city.  It was later called Powder Tower because it was used as a gun powder storage facility in the 1600's.

"Dear Santa..."
Coloring and hot cocoa break

Our little blue-eyed eskimo

Silly boy.

Making bubbles and memories in the Old Town Square.  One happy little boy = very happy parents.

awe and wonder...

Enjoying a cold horse carriage ride

I even tried to point out that Frosty wears gloves, a coat, a hat, and a scarf.
The hat and coat seemed to leave a stronger impression than the gloves.

Graham must be thinking how lame this Santa looks...

So our children have the EXACT same expression in this picture. Crazy!

Always a cookie in his mouth!

12th century Old Town Square

Christmas in Prague

The Prague Astronomical Clock is quite popular with tourists who flock to the square on the hour to see the clock show, two doors open as the 12 Apostles come out to greet those awaiting.   It is the 3rd oldest astronomical clock in the world and dates back 600 years.

The whole city is made at night. Nothing like it.

We were able to attend Mass in the Tyn Church, a 14th century Gothic gem in the heart of Old Town Square 

Ahh the aroma of a roasting pig...
In Prague it is a staple and called Pražská Šunka or "Prague Ham" and served by the grams.

Serving Halusky
Potato dumplings, cabbage, pork, and cheese in a black iron pot (I may have to find a recipe for this)
It only took about five proddings, but Jason finally gave it a taste and really liked it!

Jill and Graham

Two "hands" and their beards...
(oilfield slang)

We met up with the Mahans--Ryan and Jill!
It was so good to catch up with our Texas friends from Singapore.  They had not seen Graham since he was about a month old.  

And last but not least, Nugent Party of Four in Prague.

 We planned this trip around the Christmas markets.   Prague is a hugely popular holiday destination.  Usually around the last weekend in November, tiny decorated wooden huts selling traditional Czech linens, ornaments, wooden toys and puppets, jewelry, and other goods sprout up in the town squares across Prague to create a festive holiday atmosphere.  

 The markets not only showcase the local crafts, but also, traditional eats and spirits are prepared in front of you--roasted chestnuts, mulled wines, ham, potato chips, desserts--all things unhealthy (fair food is always so good).  Some of our favorite samplings were the Old Prague ham,  cabbage/potato dumplings, and the honey wine.  We brought a bottle back to enjoy for Christmas.

 And at night, the Old Town Square really comes to life--a towering Christmas tree draped in lights stands set against the centuries old clock and church, the markets are all aglow, bundled locals and tourists mingle about, and the accompanying sounds of children caroling make for a perfect Christmas merriment in the Prague twilight.

This was our Christmas cheer in Prague.  

Thanks Aunt Mary and Carolyn for your suggestions and sightseeing tips.  I can now see why you consider Prague to be one of your European favorites!