Happy Easter from Prague, Czech Republic

08 Apr 2012

Happy Easter from Prague, Czech Republic

We woke up and ventured downstairs because we heard the breakfast was amazing at our Dresden hotel and it definitely was. Tons of choices, from fruit, bread, yogurt, cereal, cheeses, meats, sausages, bacon to custom egg dishes. The bacon-wrapped hot dog things were especially delicious and they also had self-serve mimosas. A great Easter morning brunch. So…based on our tour of Dresden the day before, we felt like an Easter church service might be a “production” in such a large tourist town (there were lines out the door the day before even), so we decided to just head for Prague. I miss my Sunrise church service tradition though. We said our goodbyes and Jerry and family say HELLO to all in Oviedo!!! There is lots of snow as we’re nearing Prague. We saw a cool castle nearing Prague so pulled over on the side of the road for a photo op. We found our Red Chair Hotel (Hotel Cervene Zidle) in the old town and got dropped off so Jeremy and Bob could return the rental car. We will miss the precious Skoda, especially since Jeremy figured our we had “sport mode” today. Our room wasn’t ready so Sandra and I stopped by some Easter Markets nearby. Although I bought some more Easter Eggs, I was somewhat disappointed, comparing this tourist town, shops, and markets to Daytona Beach tourist items or Flea World. I did find a really cool store called Manukatura (original Czech tradition) that had great items. When Bob and Jeremy returned, we hit a local restaurant for beers and brat snacks – Pilsner Urquell Original Restaurant. They were hanging stands of pretzels on the table you could eat. We then hit the town and boy was it busy – it didn’t even seem like Easter Sunday – so weird. We walked around and saw the Astronomical clock go off at 4pm and walked the old town square. We saw traditional dancers on stage performing and got some halusky from a vendor. We also tried the sweet treat of trdelnik, a cylindrical pastry. These are often sold hot with a dusting of cinnamon, sugar, and nuts. Sweet and a little flaky, they’re an inexpensive snack that will warm your fingers and satisfy your sweet tooth. The trdelnik pastry is made by wrapping dough around a stick (wooden or metal) and roasting it over an open flame until it is golden brown and fully cooked. Usually, it is possible to watch part of the process of trdelnik making when you purchase your treat – the vendors often sell from open stalls along the street. Bob also got smazene bramborove spiralky (potato chips) from a vendor. Sandra and Jeremy enjoyed a casino during the walk as well but were not so lucky this time. We also bought another small item indicitive of the Czech Easter tradition – Young, live pussywillow twigs are thought to bring health and youth to anyone who is whipped with them. An Easter pomlázka (from pomladit or “make younger”) is a braided whip made from pussywillow twigs. It has been used for centuries by boys who go caroling on Easter Monday and symbolically whip girls on the legs. There would be no Czech Easter without the pomlázka. Boys used to make their own pomlázkas in the past. The more twigs, the more difficult it was to braid one. This skill is not widespread anymore and pomlázkas can be bought in stores and street stands. Some men don’t even bother and use a single twig or even a wooden spoon! We were starting to get hungry so actually hit up the same restaurant for dinner with lots of beers, chicken wings, and a fabulous large roasted pork knee to share – delicious!!! Headed back to our room for a glass of Slovak wine and some relaxing. Sandra and Jeremy are playing cards again. Hoping to explore some historic sights tomorrow. Happy Easter!