Prague 2013

We are sitting in a cafe in Prague, full from the New Years Day brunch special which included goulash, dumplings, all manner of pork breakfast items, and, confusingly, a selection of sushi. We are sitting in the outdoor part of the cafe, warmed by heaters and a fireplace and blankets provided by the cafe for patrons. The Czech Sauvignon Blanc is helping too. Outside, people walk by bundled up in coats and scarves. Out and about on New Year's Day. The streets are still strung with Christmas decorations and on every corner is a stand selling mulled wine or grog, which is hot water and rum flavored with lemon and sugar.

This is, truly, one of the best places on earth. The city itself is a bustling, friendly, lively place with amazing food and a warm, alcoholic glow. But our little table in this cafe is the only place in the world I want to be, tucked away reading our books and pausing to people watch. There is a table of drunk Brits behind us, in town just for the night for New Years, and flirting with the waitress. A Czech family sits beside us, the parents enjoying beer and the children happily playing with new toys from a shopping trip.

Last night, we greeted 2013 surrounded by joyous revelers and more fireworks than I've ever seen. All up and down the river, fireworks were set off from bridges, rooftops, boats, and even from city sidewalks.

I could not dream up a better way to spend New Years Eve or Day.