TRAVELLING
Christmas Prague
Alexandra Chub
School No. 5,
Blagoveshchensk (Russia)
This year before my winter holidays I had
an incredible opportunity to have a journey
that fulfilled me with excitement and joy as I
visited the excellent capital of the Czech
Republic, Prague. This is the most beautiful
city I've ever seen. During the three days that I
was there, I just fell in love with it and its
architecture. To tell the truth, each of
Prague's districts has its own characteristic
atmosphere and unique charm. Prague
presents itself to you as a changeable city,
which likes to alternate styles: it is romantic
and successful, ancient and modern, but
above all it is a city that is cosmopolitan
t h ro u g h a n d t h ro u g h , a n d i s u s e d to
welcoming foreigners and remaining in their
memory forever.
No doubt, Christmas in Prague is a
magical time when markets are up, shop
windows are bright and cheerful, Christmas
trees adorn the town squares and the early
dusk swamps in warm light. People are sweet
to each other and their mood is festive. All is
covered in fresh, white snow, so what more
can you ask for? Remember to bundle up and
take a stroll along the streets. If you get cold,
have some hot chocolate at a café, stop by a
tea room or buy a cup of mulled wine or grog
from a street vendor.
Being there it is just impossible to stay in
because there are a lot of things to try and
see and I definitely advise you to go ice skating
that is popular among tourists and locals alike.
Whether you're a seasoned pro and gracefully
cut circles across the ice or a slip-sliding first-
timer, there is nothing like having fun out in the
fresh air surrounded by glittering evening
lights and the historic buildings of Prague… By
the way, there is a Czech saying that goes like
this: "St. Catherine on ice, Christmas on mud".
St. Catherine's Day is on Nov. 25, so if you trust
the folklore wisdom, you can see what the
weather's like on that day and you'll know what
to expect at Christmas and during the year.
We were lucky it was not frosty so I can expect
2019 to be quite pleasant!
Also I can`t help telling about the main
holiday attractions in Prague which do
deserve to be explored by everyone. The main
squares of Prague. As early as November 20
Christmas markets appear on them. They not
only bring the atmosphere of the coming
holiday but also let you buy Christmas
decorations, toys, souvenirs and much more,
as well as very tasty snacks.
February 2019 №2
SUNRISE
Charles Bridge. It is one of the most
famous sights of Prague, a medieval bridge
over the Vltava River, connecting the historic
districts of Mala Strana and Old Place. It is
decorated with thirty sculptures. Baroque
statues began to be placed along either side
of Charles Bridge in the 17th century. The most
popular one is probably the one of St. John of
Nepomuk, a Czech martyr saint who was
executed being thrown into the Vltava from
the bridge. The plaque on the statue has been
polished to a shine by countless people having
touched it over the centuries. Touching the
statue is supposed to bring good luck and
ensure your return to Prague. On the shore
you can also feed ducks, swans and seagulls.
This is a very exciting and memorable
experience. What`s more this bridge is popular
with Czech artists, musicians and souvenir
vendors who stand in line on both sides of the
bridge all the year-round. The best time to
come to the bridge is at sunset when you can
enjoy a breathtaking view of the fully lit Prague
Castle against the evening sky.
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