Helmut the Gnomes' first appearance

I'd like to introduce you to our traveling companion, Helmut the Gnome. Here he is enjoying a light drizzle on Charles Bridge with Prague Castle in the background.

Stay tuned for Helmut's tour of Eastern European landmarks.

When the lights go down on the city

After a long day battling the rain we stopped inside a market that sold all kinds of Czech crafts such as handmade soaps, lotions, wooden puppets, and all sorts of other authentic Czech pieces.  Just as we finished picking out which items to purchase, the power went off and the whole street lost electricity.  Of course, as Americans we just wanted to know... can we still buy this stuff?

The staff there was very helpful and got to work calculating the prices by hand with candlelight.  Of course, we found this to be blogworthy so we asked the girls if we could take their picture while they finished the calculations.  They were so excited that they had us take several pics to make sure we got their "good sides".  They immediately pulled out an Iphone and found me on Facebook and sent me a friend request.  We promised to post the pics on Facebook so they could have a copy.  

The first picture is taken with flash, so you can't really see how dark the store was.  The second picture more adequately represents the situation.  

In case you're wondering, we got out of there with our wares.  Not sure how long or why the power was off.

I don't think we're in Kansas anymore...

As we wandered through the alleys of Old Town Prague, we came upon the most peculiar museum EVER.  We simply couldn't pass it by.  "IT" being the Sex Machines Museum.  What is that you ask?  This is not for the faint of heart.  Republicans... this is your warning, turn back now.

It's 3 stories of museum dedicated to "mechanical apparatus" from ancient to modern times... use your imagination.  No, not even your imagination can deliver the full impact of this museum.  

The best 250 crowns ($12) I've spent thus far.   While looking at one of the "exhibits," and assuming we were the only English speakers in the room, Stacie said "What would you do if something like that came at you?"  Without missing a beat, a random man replied "run, run far away.  Do not look back, just keep running."  We both laughed until our sides hurt.  I think I may have nightmares tonight.