Only an hours train ride southwest of Prague, you won't be disappointed with this idyllic setting.  Karlstejn Castle is perched above the town with the same name. 

Walk across the Berounka River and into town. 

Lined with shops, restaurants and quaint homes the main street through Karlstejn allows for a slow wander up the hill to the castle.











A large Gothic Castle founded in 1348 by Charles IV, it served as a place of safekeeping for his many treasures.  It is one of the most famous and frequently visited castles in Czech Republic.











On this particular trip we didn't go inside, but if you're going to hike all that way I suggest you do.


However, you won't be disappointed just taking in the view.


This is just one of the many beautiful castles that dot the Czech landscape.

Have you ever thought of Czech Republic being full of so many beautiful castles?

 You might know that I like to get off the beaten path.

The Prague Castle has some of it's own nooks where you can do just that. It is surrounded by gardens, a vineyard as well as a moat.

The Stag Moat (Jelení Příkop), is a natural ravine of the Brusnice stream, running alongside the castle.  Breeding of deer took place in this area in the 17th century, thus the name. 

Just steps away from the side entrance of the castle near the tram stop, can take you from the bustling tourist crowds to beautiful, quiet surroundings where you may only see another person or two.









Spires of St. Vitas Cathedral peeking through the trees.





The stream runs below you as you walk through the tunnel.

Daliborka Tower of the Prague Castle.



You can exit the way you came or through a tiny little path taking you back down to the Malostranska metro.

My friend, Mary Ann and I exited near the metro on this particular journey.


If you want to visit the moat this year, you'll have to hurry.  It's only open until October 31.  It will reopen April 1st.

The perspective of the castle, the beauty of the landscape and it's quiet location in the midst of the city make this walk so worth it!!

Have you visited the moat or like to get off the beaten path?

Linking up again with Bonnie, Camila, Jessi, and Amy for Travel Tuesday.

  On Saturday we celebrated Karis' Gotcha Day.  It was nine years ago that we brought our 5 month old baby girl home from an orphanage in Aš, Czech Republic.  

All of 9 years old!

Living in England, it's been harder to let go of summers.  I do however, think that Starbucks has this right:

For our little town we have a good selection of events throughout the year.  This past weekend was a French & Vintage market and Aston Martin road show.  The cars were more exciting than the market and I love a good market!

This steam omnibus made an appearance.

A monthly trip to Costco.  They had pumpkins!


Found canned pumpkin on sale!!  Score!  Much more pumpkin baking in my future!


Autumn decor might have exploded at our house.

Headed to the Vienna Christmas markets this season?
A friend in Vienna posted this article on facebook, a Comprehensive Guide to the Christmas Markets.

Do you decorate for the season or plan on making some kind of pumpkin goodness?

Too early for Christmas??

Not for a Christmas Afternoon Tea!!

Our venue, the beautiful Conrad London St. James hotel, formerly Intercontinental Westminster, thought our group of London Bloggers, gathering for our #LDNBloggersTea, was a perfect group to try out their Christmas Snow Scene Afternoon Tea.

Take a look at this menu!

The ingredients used for our tea were nicely displayed for us.



Beautiful flower arrangements set throughout the room.



Even a harpist.  He was amazing and even played a couple Christmas tunes for us!



The tea selection.  I chose the Vanilla Black Tea.





Brussel sprout salad, venison bites & turkey ballotine with cranberry sauce.



Smoked Salmon, beetroot & spinach and gammon with mustard sandwiches.



Orange Cranberry & Christmas Spice Scones.  I didn't get a good photo of the strawberry jam and blackberry curd.  The blackberry curd was tasty!



Executive Chef Zoe Wager came around to talk with us about the tea, the ingredients she used and how she thought through the lovely dessert display she created.



Is this dessert scene not the cutest thing?  It's like peering into a Christmas window display!



Winter berry Christmas tree on a brownie base.  Once cut into it was a lovely red mousse, meringue snowmen, Christmas postcard marshmallows, white forest yule logs, chocolate orange Battenberg present and snowflake macaroons.  So much to choose from!



To top it off, blueberry macaroons to take home.  Every detail was thought out and executed beautifully!  Thank you, Conrad London St. James!



Great company, food, location, an afternoon well spent!

If you find yourself in London during Christmas, be sure to make your way to the Conrad London St. James for the Christmas Snow Scene Afternoon Tea.  The tea begins on November 24 through Christmas eve.

£37 per person £45 with free flowing champagne.

 I paid a discounted rate for attending the #LDNBloggersTea and the purpose of reviewing the Christmas Snow Scene Afternoon Tea.

City of Westminster on Dwellable

Each, Most, Some Fridays I hope to be doing a daily diaries post so you can see into our weekly happenings.

About a year ago we started a tradition of taking the kids for some one on one time on Sunday mornings before church, rotating each week.  Jerry takes one one week, I take one the next.  We've had some great times.

We love our church family!  It's fun doing life with these guys.  We've been hosting a home group at our place and we're just finishing up The Basic Series by Francis Chan.  It's amazing stuff!  Church isn't about a building, traditions, being religious.  It's loving God, loving others and being a family of God.  Doing life together, being there for each other, whatever our personalities or circumstances.
 

I attended my third London Bloggers Tea on Sunday.  Always great to see so many bloggers together and catch up with some I haven't seen in awhile.  More about the tea coming soon!


We've had some unseasonably warm weather.  Doesn't keep me from wanting things of Fall, like making pumpkin shmear!!


Now if I could only find pumpkin bagels, I'd be set.  I know, I could make these.  Maybe, just maybe I'll do it one day!

Happy Weekend to you!!


Linking up with Kate's series Daily Diaries from The Lotus Creative.

I had to brush up on my Benjamin Franklin history before touring the Benjamin Franklin House in London.  Did you know Benjamin Franklin spent 16 years total in London?

 
The Benjamin Franklin House at 36 Craven Street is the only surviving residence of his (he was a boarder in the house) on either side of the Atlantic.

The Historical Experience tour blends live performance, sound, and projected imagery.  A museum as a theater.  An actress, plays the part of Polly Hewson, the landlady’s daughter who became like a second daughter to Franklin.  She takes us through the house as if Benjamin Franklin himself is there.

Historical Experience tours run Wednesday to Sunday at 1 pm, 2 pm, 3:15 pm, and 4:15 pm.  You can book tickets at their site.

The tour is not like any I've experienced before.  It was informative and gave you a look into life in that time.

Check their events page too!  A Halloween event, even a special Thanksgiving Dinner and Christmas party.

A bit of America in London that you won't want to miss!