Riding on a Shooting Star

Friday, July 23, 2010

Prague : Cesky Krumlov

Cesky Krumlov is located approximately 180 km (110 miles) south of Prague and is best known for the fine architecture and the Cesky Krumlov Castle. It sits by the Vltara River, the same river that runs through Prague. "Cesky" simply means Czech, and "Krumlov" is derived from the German "Krumme Aue" which could be translated to "crooked meadow" due to the naturally tight curvature of the river.

We decided to take a guided tour to the city as it's approximately a 2 hour drive one way. We had the best guide ever! His usual work is an Engineer, but on his off days he loves to share his knowledge and passion of Prague by being a temporary tour guide =) He took great care of us and always told us that "You are my people, and I am your people!" He had a black umbrella that he never let out of our sight, so we could see where he was!

So, I'm guessing this art store sells paint? lol

Cesky Krumlov Castle and Chateau

The second largest castle in the country after Prague Castle.

Most of the Castle is covered in facade paintings.

Calling it a day in Cesky Krumlov, and we head back to Prague!

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Prague : Marionette World...Pinocchio!!

With a sturdy rod extending up through the body and into the head, the Czech rod marionettes are quite similar to Sicilian marionettes, but are said to be a lot more complex as they have extra strings for the arms and legs. There are also Czech marionettes that don't have a central rod, which are the most difficult to manipulate (above photo). They are hand carved, usually using lime wood.

National Marionette Theater in Prague

Many marionette stores, such as this one, are scattered throughout the city.

This guy sure makes it look easy to manipulate a marionette! And he's only using one hand!!

Check out this video of Pinocchio dancing to music!

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Tustin Lanes Bowling, Game on!!!

I can't remember the last time Danny and I went bowling (real bowling, not Wii bowling!), but we decided to enjoy a few games with our friends Ed, Adam and his girlfriend, Vivian! See our fun!

Danny getting ready!

The guys super pumped to bring their game onto the lane!

Me bringing my Wii skills into the game! (Which didn't help much, haha)

Danny going for the Strike!

Vivian going for the Spare!

Adam throwing a curve ball.

Ed, straight down the lane!

OK, the girls are not so happy the guys keep winning!

Video: Here is a collection of some great moments!

Game #1 : Danny wins!

Game #2 : Adam wins!

Game #3 : Ed wins!

In the end, we all had a fun time and the scores didn't matter much =)

Great fun everyone!

Thursday, July 15, 2010

MLB Mickey Mouse (All Star Game)

They are auctioning off all the 989 pound statues, but if you want a small one, they sell 7.5 inch figures! I'm very tempted to buy one!! Here are the All-Star designed Mickey statues.

All-Star Game #1 - Disneyland Esplanade, Anaheim

All-Star Game #2 - Anaheim Convention Ctr, Anaheim
This is my favorite statue out of all 36!

All-Star Game #3 - The Grove Anaheim, Anaheim

This one is cool, the top half is the sky, and the bottom half is the stadium.

All-Star Game #4 - Anaheim City Hall, Anaheim

Here are some extra photos of Mickey posing in front of some "high-profile" locations in Southern California!

Disneyland Entrance

At the Kodak Theatre in front of the El Capitan Theatre

Mickey gives support to a Disney Store!

Enjoying the open air in front of the Grove of Anaheim

Mickey getting a tan in Huntington Beach!

In front of a mural in Hollywood

Proudly in front of the Newport Sports Museum

Mickey about to watch a movie at The District AMC Theatre!

One of the best locations, the Angel Stadium! So dramatic!

Nicely shaded below an enormous Angels cap!

And lastly, Mickey & me! Although I took a picture with all 36 statues, I felt this photo most appropriate to post since the All-Star Game was held at the Angel Stadium! This ends my Mickey scavenger hunt, I had lots of fun!