“Through the window, the night air appeared dense, each snowflake slowed in its long, tumbling fall through the black. It was the kind of snow that brought children running out their doors, made them turn their faces skyward, and spin in circles with their arms outstretched.” -Eowyn Ivey, The Snow Child
Isn’t that what happens when the first snow falls? We watch in amazement as the muddy autumn world turns a crisp winter white. It’s as if the lacy flakes dance and twirl and mimic our hearts during the first snowfall — we feel lighter, more joyful. Snow turns us all into children again, if we let it.
This past weekend, in Prague, we had our first gorgeous snowfall. Yes, we suffered through an October snow that snapped tree limbs and piled atop colored leaves still on the trees. But this snow was different. It was the kind I classify as pure magic.
My family and our dear friends’ family met at the National Theater for an afternoon Advent Concert. It was beautiful (next week, I’ve decided I have to blog about the Theater, which I LOVE). When we exited the Theater, a shimmering of pixie dust glittered in the air, stirring the Castle and the Vltava and the vintage trams rumbling by the legendary Cafe Slavia into a magical land.
By the time we walked into Old Town Square, snow fell so thick it coated even our eyelashes.
The Christmas market stalls set up in Old Town Square sell Prague ham from a pig roasting on an open spit, Trdelnik from roasting bars turned above a fire, mulled wine from barrels, and handicraft items. A giant Christmas tree stands near the monument of Jan Hus, overlooking it all. An evening in Old Town Square during Christmastime is an experience not soon forgotten. And on a snowy evening, Prague’s Old Town Square is pure fairy tale.
Jennifer! This looks like a fairy tale! Prague is a magical place and you captured it so beautifully with the snow.
My favorite place is in the mountains. The huge snowflakes and the quiet all around. It makes you feel like you are the only person in the world.
Thank you, Hallie! I agree about the silence and falling snow. There’s something about it that is so soothing. Enjoy the gorgeous US mountains and snow!
Amazing. It’s a beautiful description of how the Prague Christmas markets are like in the snow. I loved it there and when the first snow fell, I was loving it as it was my first time in the snow.
Thank you, Christine! I’m so glad you enjoyed them, too!
Out of this world. Outstanding. I can utter only such words for those photographs. All pics are like fairy tale. Great work, keep it up.
Thank you so very much for the kind words!
You are just too humble. I have gone through some of your portfolios and all are superb.
I am trying hard to perfect myself in low light photography with my D90.
Visiting Prague is in my wish list for long.
Jennifer,
I stumbled upon your blog quite by accident and have loved reading it. Five years ago I visited Prague (for 3 days) with my son. The trip to Europe was his college graduation present. We loved Prague–it is one of my most favorite European cities. But many year before (1986-1989) I lived in Germany with my husband and 3 young children. Many of your words reminded me of my experiences and feelings at that time. Your photos of the Christmas market took me back to the magic of the German Christmas markets. How I miss it all. I can tell you, you will never get it out of your system. It has been many years since I’ve lived in Germany, but there are times something sparks a memory, and I feel so homesick for this place that was my home for only three years.
Thank you for bringing back some beautiful memories for me. I’m curious–where in the US did you come back to?
Hi Kim, Thank you so much for writing! I love hearing your thoughts, post re-patriation. Yes, it was the experience of a lifetime. We’re back in the Heartland, Ohio, and so grateful to be back. JK