Christmas Ornaments - Timeless Thursdays 24

11/12/2020 - At the moment we are being banged by scary winds and rain, please pray for the Philippines. 5th typhoon in 2 weeks, this is a very strong one we have now.

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Christmas is almost around the corner. In the Philippines, Christmas begins at September 1st until the feats of the Epiphany on January 6th. During this time, streets are lighted with Christmas lights and different displays. But of course, this year would be very different because it's almost the middle of November but houses are still not lit yet (I can't speak with my eyes since I still can't go outside often, but speaking from my updates from my Filipino friends)

Whenever I travel, I always make sure I take home a little something from that country that I visited. Before, I used to hoard a lot of stuff but after 10 years of travelling, I realize I don't need a lot of souvenirs, I just need at least one or two that I can treasure forever. On my trip to Europe, since it was during the last three weeks of December, there are Christmas Markets in almost every city I visited. Too bad I wasn't able to see one in Amsterdam, my first stop out of Paris, but I found my first one in Milan.

    

A Christmas elf boy ornament I got near the Duomo

I was so happy to see this one on the store. It's a bit unusual for me to see a lot of witch inspired ornaments and decorations on sale at the market dressed up on festive and colorful dresses, but as a traveler who's eyes are open to different cultures and perspectives, I really appreciate seeing them as well. I think I got this for 4 euros a piece so I bought two, one for me and another for my brother's friend who was hosting me in Milan for my 12 hour stop in the city.

    

The Charles bridge and Prague's Astronomical Tower

On my stop at Prague, I did not miss getting one of course at the Christmas market in the old town square. It was packed with people but everyone was happy as a system of speakers blow out joyous carols which heightens the Christmas feeling! That moment made me realize that I really was on a Christmas Village, something I used to build at home using ceramic figures of shops and churches and stuff. I was there, on the real thing! And as a remembrance of that magical moment, I got this beautiful hand-painted ornament from a very kind Czech uncle who even agreed to have a photo taken with me. His work will forever be treasured on my tree.

Beautiful handmade Czech Christmas ornaments made by this Uncle

Ornaments are just simple things that adds beauty and color to a Christmas tree. Not everyone appreciates these little trinkets the way I do, but knowing all the stories behind every special ornament is a timeless spirit that will forever be attached to each of these. Hope I can bring more from my future travels and add it to my tree every Christmas season to add more joy and cheer to my holidays.

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By the way, I would like to share with everyone this beautiful Disney short animated film made by Disney UK that tells a story about a Filipino Grandma and her granddaughter living somewhere in London. It was trending here in the Philippines and in the Filipino community around the world and it really touched a lot of hearts, mine included! Always wanted a Disney movie about our culture, and thanks to Disney UK, we had a very good taste of it this Christmas! Watch it below.

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And another thing my friends! I was featured on Becky's Blog about World Superstitions where she invited me to be part of her collaborative post about different beliefs in the world. Of course I shared something about our own culture here in the Philippines. Check out the 10th edition of her series on this link: Trekking with Becky

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I would love to welcome and invite everyone to join Timeless Thursdays.

Timeless Thursdays is open for anyone who wishes to share old photos or old thoughts that you would like to share as beautiful memories with everyone. This can be from yesterday, a year ago, or something from your grandma's treasure chest.

This runs every Thursday at 12 am (Manila/Perth Time) until Sunday at 11:59 pm (Manila/Perth Time)

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Prague Castle

During our three day stay in the Czech Republic, we visited one of the most historic and architecturally diverse landmark in the city of Prague. Prague Castle was a very beautiful complex that shows different styles of designs and materials in buildings that dates back to centuries ago. We were not able to visit the museums inside but seeing it from a free pass across the complex is good enough to be amazed by this place of marvel, especially from a Filipino like me where castles don't exist in our country and culture.

Saint Vitus Cathedral from the Entrance

Built in the 9th century, Prague Castle is a castle complex that houses not just the historical seats of Bohemian Kings, Holy Roman Emperors, and former leaders of Czechoslovakia, but also the official office of the president of the Czech Republic or also known today as the country of Czechia. From the view of the photo I took above, there alone you can see the mix of styles on the buildings inside the Castle complex. It is simply amazing to enter such a place with different worlds living in it. 

Four Hour Tram Tickets

Just like most European cities, public transport is on a per-hour basis, unlike here in the Philippines and other Asian nations that goes by the per ride basis. We have four tickets one for each of our family members. After we crossed the bridge from our place we took a tram all the way to Pražský hrad tram station which is directly on the entrance to the castle complex. 

Entrance is free for the complex but if you wish to enter the museums that are inside, you need to pay separate entrance for each or purchase a day pass for all of it. Since our stay was limited, we thought to just see the complex area and it was a good experience. Next time though, if given a chance, I hope I can enter the museums. I would need at least a while day for it I guess.

Czech Castle Guard

I have always been amazed by national guards from different countries whenever I get to travel to different historical cities. They look very brave and still even after hours of just standing, plus I really admire their stance and with the uniforms that they wear, they look very strong and striking. Here are a few more guards from my trips who I had the chance to take a photo of.

Beijing, China                            Seoul, South Korea                         Manila, Philippines

Getting passed the guards, we then went on to a spacious courtyard fenced by multi-story buildings and centered by a beautiful fountain area. A lot of tourists were there taking pictures. I was very lucky to see new sets of guards marching over into the entrance, I guess they will change guards at that moment (You can watch it on the Video that I will share below).

At the west of the courtyard where we follow the other tourists, we were then greeted by this enormous cathedral that looks so beautiful and can be seen at the city center or at the Charles Bridge. The Saint Vitus Cathedral.

Saint Vitus Cathedral

Saint Vitus Cathedral is a very important landmark of Prague which features a very strong example of Gothic architecture. It is known as Saint Vitus Cathedral, which is it's official name until 1997 but now it is officially named as the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saints Vitus, Wenceslaus and Adalbert. It is a Roman Catholic cathedral dedicated in honor of the Bohemian saints. 

At the end of the walk that we did, since it was already dark at around 4 in the afternoon, we alighted at a different exit where you can see a gorgeous view of the city center from the top of the hill where the castle complex is located. It did snow a little bit more but again, just flurries, but still I'm grateful! Maybe it's not yet time for me to see the real thing just yet, maybe God is saving it for a more magical moment huh? That is if we can travel again amidst this pandemic. Keeping the faith.

Gorgeous winter view of Prague

Aside from these sights that I shared from my beautiful memory, I would also like to invite you to watch my VLOG entry about Prague Castle! This is my latest post on my YouTube Channel - Steven's Queue which I would like to invite you to watch and also, to subscribe to my Channel. It's easy! Just click on the link and when you're at my YouTube Channel Page, just click on the Subscribe button. See you there!

Charles Bridge - Timeless Thursdays 5

Around half a kilometer stretch across the Vltava River of Czechia is a stone bridge that is called Charles Bridge. It was built for almost 50 years under the orders of King Charles IV, King of Bohemia and the first Bohemian King to become Holy Roman Emperor. Let me share some of the shots I took while I was on the bridge and around its area.

Charles Bridge / Karlův Most

This post is part of Skywatch Friday. Click the image link below to see more skies around the world!

Ever since I saw Linkin Park's Numb music video when I was in late high school, I already grew curious about Prague, specifically this beautiful bridge where some of the video's scenes were taken. I was dark and eerie and beautiful. Since then, it has driven me to dream about this magical bridge and last December, I was there, walking along its path and wandering in awe.

Charles Bridge as seen from Manesův Most

Known to be one of the most famous symbols not just of Prague but of the whole Czech Republic, Charles Bridge or Karlův Most features 30 statues and statuettes which depicts religious personas of the Catholic Church including Jesus Christ, Virgin Mary, and other biblical figures and Catholic Saints. What we see now are just replicas of these Baroque statues that are mostly made from dark stones. (Left photo by my cousin Carmina)

Installed in 1683 was the statue of Saint John of Nepomuk. He is the patron saint of Bohemia and even has patronage in some cities and towns in the Philippines.Saint John is known as the first martyr of the Seal of Confessional. On this site at the Bridge, he was drowned by the orders of King Charles or Wenceslaus, King of the Romans and King of Bohemia, after he refuse to expose what the Queen has confessed to him.

Aside from his statue, a specific pilgrimage spot has been dedicated to Saint John of Nepomuk which serves as a shrine where he was believed to be thrown away to drown and die. A brass sculpture is rubbed while the pilgrims pray and remember the Saint.

Walking along the Saint Charles bridge on a -2 degree Celsius morning was a beautiful and unforgettable experience. I know all of the European cities are big dreams that came true on that trip but this specific memory is just so vivid because of the feels I have felt while I was there. Let me thank my cousin Carmina for being with me on this beautiful city and walking along the historic stones of Karluv Most. I'll forever be grateful!

Never stop crossing bridges and leaving marks

Steve

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I would love to welcome and invite everyone to join this new Linky that I thought of starting - Timeless Thursdays. (Bear with me for any short-comings, this is my first link ever)

Timeless Thursdays is open for anyone who wishes to share old photos or old thoughts that you would like to share as beautiful memories with everyone. This can be from yesterday, a year ago, or something from your grandma's treasure chest.

This runs every Thursday at 12 am (Manila/Perth Time) until Monday the same time (12 am)

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Snapshots of Prague

Prague, Czechia - December 28-29, 2019