Thursday, July 19, 2007

Prague Pics



Yesterday, Pragousblogous and Travelswithmom visited several sites around Prague. The highlight - or perhaps lowlight - was the IBJP (see pragousblogous.blogspot.com). For pretty much my whole life, I have come into contact with images of the Infant Baby Jesus of Prague (I know infant and baby are redundant, but I like it that way). Yesterday, we went in search of the IBJP. I am rarely disappointed in historic things I try to see, but this was not only a bit of a let down, but kind of creepy too. The IBJP, if you do not know, is a statue of, well, the infant Baby Jesus, but people show devotion and faith by making the IBJP outfits.



The church holds a small museum where the fancier outfits are on display and there is a video of "the dressing of the IBJP" set to very dramatic music. Jess, Zach, and even Mom and I were all a little creeped out by the dressing of the doll. Although the making of the IBJP outfit is an act of devotion, it seemed a little too Vegas to us. The outfits were, well, to be frank, a bit like looking into Liberace's wardrobe.


Last night, we went for beer at Prague's oldest brew pub - U Flecků. It is a "tourist trap", but we found ourselves the only American tourists in the place last night. The beer was hearty and tasty and we enjoyed listening, although happy not to be in the same room, to the polka band.


Today we are off to do a close study of the Charles Bridge and to arrange our train tickets to Lenggreis, where we will be doing some rock climbing.




Locals try to cool down in Old Town





Jess cools down in front of her much used fan




Zach admires the local handicrafts at Manfaktura




Mom and Jodi enjoy Pivo at U Flecků

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

It is always great to see pictures of some of my favorite people. Today in Louisville is starting out hot and humid, (it's about 6:45 AM as I am writing this) but the trash and recyclables are out! Last night I ate at that Cuban restaurant at Holiday Manor. Had guacamola with plantains. Reminded me of our trip to PR. Also had a great seafood sandwich and a beer from Argentina. I look forward to taking Mom to this restaurant when she returns. It is run by the folks that Allan S was discussing. Have a great day, and hope the rock climbing goes well! Love ya. Dad

Ben said...

I love the picture of Mom & Jodi holding the beers. And I love the picture of Jess cooling her armpits in front of the fan. Have fun & love you much, Ben

Anonymous said...

Jodi:

My sources tell me that John has purchased a painting Potato Chip- Munks"in your absence. My little spy also mentioned he is planning on displaying it above the fireplace.

Anonymous said...

we already received a postcard!

Jodi said...

Scott,
Please stop encouraging my husband. Although, I do think the nature meets garbage genre is underappreciated.

letterknit said...

Hiya! IBJP sounds huh-larious! So glad you experienced that and shared it with us. Hello Bartley family! I hope to see you again soon!

Ron is packing up the entire house while I sift through all the crap in my "office". He packs, I sell stuff on craigslist. So far we've sold a bike, my old Palm, a bookshelf, canning jars, boombox, and Zip drive. Still working on a few others.

Jodi said...

Good luck with the sorting --- can't wait to have you two back in the hood. John just found a book on alibris written by his great great uncle on saving the redwood forest - a bit ironic considering his lumbernig tendancies. You'll have to check it out.

Jen b W said...

So the Infant Baby Jesus of Prague reminds me of the movie Talledega nights - LittleBaby Jesus bless us. Anyway if you haven't seen it worth the rental not much more. We are all doing good here. I got a job and am going to start Aug. 13. It is with the Olentangy School District. The job kind of fell in my lap. I will be an Administrative Assistant in the Data, Research and Accountability department. I am really excited. Fill you all in later.

letterknit said...

"Dear Lord Baby Jesus..."


Ron & I are going to the Redwoods tomorrow thru Thursday Jodi. We will say farewell to the Redwoods. I am obsessed with the Redwoods, I just read a book called "Wild Trees" that is about some people looking for the tallest redwoods. They climb them with climbing equipment and everything. I want to climb a redwood tree.

Anonymous said...

John called and brought me up to date on your safe arrival and palatial accommodations! Nice evening in Louisville, lawn looks nice, and I have a list of things to keep me busy this weekend. Madison Irene Welsch assisted by her Grandma Jane, got us rebates on a Cool Blue ?? mouthwash, plus free mouthwash. A savvy consumer at such a young age! Also, it is great to have Jennifer "join the fold" of those of us in the education circles. HMMMMM. Let's see who is in that education circle, Dad, Mom, Jennifer, Jodi, Jessica-who does that leave out. State Director of Tecnology for the Texas Department of Education-just a thought:)Mom and I are proud of all our children and grandchildren and in-laws. We are a fortunate pair of parents. Looking forward to more pics, emails, telephone calls, and postcards. Got my second card today. First was of the Vatican and today's was the church in Melk. I AM SPECIAL (unless of course someone else has gotten more than two cards, then I don't know what I am). Love ya Dad

Jodi said...

Congrats, Jen. That sounds great!