December in Europe, as we all know is synonym with Christmas markets. In Czech, it is called váno?ní trhy (vaa-noc-nii ter-hi). Maybe not all European countries hold this Christmas market, but it is more famous in Germany especially Nuremberg, Dresden, Frankfurt etc. Actually, I was planning to go to Dresden (since it is the closest to Prague) to experience the market there, but because of the demonstration, it was better not to go :)
So, what can you expect from Christmas Market in Prague, Czech?
First of all, huge beautiful Christmas trees, like mostly everywhere. Like the one down here, it may be more than 15 meters. Maybe.
There will be so many tourists!
That time, I was looking forward to meet some Malaysians but, I guess I can't find any. I just met a group of Singaporeans when we were buying something from the stall there. The reason I want to meet some, maybe because I really would love to help them asking for lower prices or maybe having conversation while suggesting few other places to go.
By the way, that stall is managed by a Turkish guy and he gave us discounts (which is not so common to get discounts after bargaining here in Czech :p) But, I can say that if you know basic Czech language or you can say few words prettily good, Czech people will be amazed with you. And then you can ask for discounts :) It works for me, few times before! Yeay!
Aha, basically at the market, you can find lots of Christmas products; ornaments and decorations. Hmm, of course traditional Czech wooden toys, cookies, crafts, handmade soaps, scented candles, souvenirs (snow globes, key chains, fridge magnets etc). What else?
FOOD!
The famous one, for sure trdelnik, lango?, pirohy (dumplings), varieties of nuts (chestnut, caramelized chasew nuts, almond), spring potatoes, parek (bun with hotdog) etc and since this is Czech, there are hot wine, honey liquor (called medovina). Well, this country is well known for it's beer / alcohol. (I know I mentioned this few times in previous posts :p)
** the one I bold - insyAllah can be eaten from the Christmas markets.
 |
| Czech pirohy (dumplings) |
 |
| Trdelnik - rolled bread? |
For more information about Christmas market in Prague, you can simply check this website.
Actually, I was more excited to go ice skating there, but I don't know why I can't find the ice rink. It was normally located in front of Karolinum - official hall for the university for matriculation day or graduation day. It was just not there T___T
The most famous place to go in Prague - Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí); significant for the astronomical clock which can gather thousand people every hour. :p Basically, at every hour (when the long needle meet number 12), there will be 4 moving figures at the clock and that are what tourists want to see. I will share more details about the clock next time, okay? :)
Before I forget, please take care of your bags and valuable things. There will be so many people you will meet and even the night I went there, my friend's bag was opened by someone. Fortunately, he/she didn't managed to take anything. Pheww.
O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted. (Al-Hujurat 49;13)
p/s - I don't celebrate Christmas, I'm just celebrating the diversity the Czech people have. Well, not even 20% of them are Christians though :)
v Khaulah, HK
141223
