SAPA

Leoš and I went to SAPA and normally we ALWAYS go to the same pho place, but we really wanted to try something new.  Leoš did a bit of research and found a small restaurant that a few blogs raved about.  The bun cha was absolutely amazing.  The bun bo nam bo was really good too.  Then I realized that the place next door was a place that my student's father really enjoys.  He always gets fresh spring rolls from the place.  I decided to get it to go and it was a GREAT decision.  The rolls were wonderful.  I'm quite happy that we decided to branch out to new places this time around. We will most definitely return to the two restaurants!

                                                      appropriate hat considering where it was made

                                                            bun bo nam bo

                 best bun cha in Prague (they have a certificate stating this in the restaurant)

                                                        fresh rice paper spring rolls

Snow

The first real snow of the season was a bit earlier than it was last year.  I was in the village, so I decided to take a quick walk in the forest.  It was really nice.  But the biggest surprise was the amount of snow that was in Prague.  Normally the snow only stays in the village and the snow in Prague melts.  Its been a while since I have properly been able to see Prague covered in snow.  It was so beautiful.  We went on our normal walk through Petrin, by the castle and then managed to walk by some Christmas markets.  It was such a nice day.

                                                                Hello Dolly!

                                                    Petrin Park

                                                    Mikulaš and the devil riding their bikes

                                                     hot chocolate that looks like chocolate soup

                                                                great Thai food

                                  Christmas Market in Old Town Square: too touristy and too crowded

                                                    hot wine: apricot and elderflower

                                                much better Christmas Market at Namesti Republiky