Cruel & lawless society - Prague.

Prague's history is littered with violence. Much like Australia, I suppose. I don't this for sure, having never been on a 'historical' tour of Melbourne, but I'm pretty sure that the tour would not be peppered with quotes such as 'and this is where the old members (old being previous not ancient) of parliament were thrown out of the top story windows onto the spikes below - they died'. Despite or maybe as a result of this Prague is beautiful. We're staying in the old town. There's a massively historical building on every corner. I can't even begin to remember what they all are or who lived in them or who died in them or who gave birth in them. From Kafka to Einstien to King Charles to Queen Ann and her 15 children.
I've found the rival to the 'Isle of Bastards'. A well that was used in whatever ancient century for when a man stole something, he was placed in the well, naked and was taken up and down in a cage all day for all to see. We don't need an Island anymore, we just build a well. I'll be onto that as soon as I get home...
All I've done is wander the streets. I'm very much aware that where we are staying is in the heart of the tourist area. I've lost count of the different accents & languages I've heard. When I make it to somewhere where I can upload my photos you'll see the masses of people. The Christmas Markets are open all the time as are the shops. There seems to be no method to the hours they keep. Although, this morning we couldn't get into the supermarket, they open at 11am because it's New Years Day - slack.
We had a few flakes of snow yesterday, quite thrilling for the girl who has only ever really seen man made snow on Mt Buller. But it's mostly rained and been very very cold. Thermals have been bought into play as have as many layers as possible! I'm not complaining at all (I know it's been 42 degrees at home so I'm happy in my freezing state!), but it is the coldest I've ever ever been. Makes for fast walking I can tell you that!
On NYE we made the very cold journey to the Charles Bridge. With approximately millions of tourists, locals and ratbags. This is where the lawless aspect of Prague comes into play. The fireworks started at about 9pm and continued until 4 or 5am. They love fireworks here. The official fireworks at midnight were accompanied by hundreds of un-official displays. Not just in the distance either. Right next to us, detonated (and I use that in it's most serious form) by CHILDREN, children who haven't been walking long, they are that young. It was a case of ducking for cover when one child followed it's 'bright' fathers example and pointed a spent rocket casing at a crowd of people however the casing was not spent just having a break and there was lots of diving! All up, this made for an amazing night and such a beautiful way to spend NYE. Was the first for many that I have been quite straight, sober and of sound mind. All I had was a delicious mulled wine as we leant on the railing over the river to watch the fireworks (jealous?!!).
This morning we woke up to snow flakes, which have completely stopped now but it was great while it lasted.
I should stop this now because I can hear my family singing 'Good King Wencleslas' and the rest of the people in the apartment block are looking in my direction in horror. Rolling my eyes and sighing dramatically isn't working..I need to hide!
Next stop Vienna.
Happy New Year everyone.