Merry Easter......

.... and a very Happy Christmas.

Easter preparations in Prague were in full swing, with seasonal markets in all the main squares flogging traditional Easter biscuits, painted eggs (in a very similar vein to the ones I bought in Salzburg - I didn't buy more due the difficulty transporting them) and so on.  The tradition there is that on Easter Day the boys all have willow twigs with ribbons tied to them and go and beat the girls.  Who retaliate by tipping water all over them, and serve them right.  And after that everyone lives happily ever after.

This is Wenceslas Square - Vaklavske Namesti.  The large building at the top end is less than 5 mins from Maria's apartment.  Another feature of all markets in Prague are the almond trdelnick, sort of long thin pastry wound onto a wide roller and cooked over charcoal - no picture, I was too busy scoffing them.  Also hot wine or apple cider is sold from loads of the stalls.  Though a couple of us did let the side down and go for hot chocolate.  Goodness me, it wasn't far off midday.

The main square (Staromestske Namesti) was far more Eastery.

(Yes, that's me!  Too horrified by the giant chicks to actually get a photo of that one.)

You have probably spotted that I have a very strange hat on.  Maria bought the 6 visitors exciting warm fleecy hats.  Sadly her camera skills aren't quite up to mine, but this gives the general idea.....

And of course, this just leaves out Christmas party on the final night.  Presents were everywhere.....

And Maria and I had shopped in January and found some wonderful hats that sung awful tunes and flipped too and fro.......

Decorations were out and Tina came up with battery-operated wine glasses......

We ate Asian take out.  Prague has a great online ordering system - order from as many restaurants as you want, and the driver goes round collecting it all up and delivers to the door - for the same price as if you just ordered from 1 place.  So, plenty to eat (and drink)......

And finally, there were the presents.  What would Christmas be without them?!  It's strange how mine always seem to be very themed, no matter who they come from.  I had..... a mug with a Scottie on it.... a Christmas mug with reindeer..... a scented Westie for my wardrobe...... a couple of moose-shaped Christmas decorations..... multi-coloured Christmas lights - you've guessed it - moose shaped....... a mug with a lid, shaped like a Canon camera lens (fab - nobody will muddle that one up at work!)...... the most dreadful pendant thing you've ever seen - yep, moose shaped...... and as if my life wouldn't be complete without, a moose.

Meet Wenceslas.

All very silly.

Now getting ready to head down to Sarah tomorrow for a slightly quieter weekend I hope.