Masopust and Merriment

Which is scarier?

Locals using Masopust as an excuse to get in touch with their inner ghoul,

or a herd of eight year olds on Segways?

Unsuspecting folks out for a stroll on Kampa Island had the option to fear both last Saturday afternoon. Masopust, or "goodbye to meat" (maso means meat, pust derives from pustit which means to let go), is the pre-Lent celebration in the Czech Republic, and Masopust festivities were in high gear last weekend on Kampa and elsewhere with the countdown to Ash Wednesday. People in costumes, pigs on spits, music, dancing, ... you get the picture.

The family was invited to Kampa for part of a birthday celebration in honor of one of Ben's classmates.

Charles Bridge in the late afternoon light, taken from Kampa Island.

Jonaš, the birthday boy!

I have to admit I was dubious about the idea of eight year olds (not to mention six year olds!) on Segways, but Jonaš's lovely mother assured me it would be just fine.

It was more than fine. It was a blast!

A friend of the party hosts owns a company that tours Prague on Segways. You'll see groups of three to ten cruising up Petřin Hill, contemplating the Astronomical Clock, crossing Charles Bridge.

 

Apparently they let young kids on them -- but only after the speed gauge is set to a limit of 10km per hour.

A certain six year old got in on the action ...

and he looked frighteningly at home careening around Kampa.

Parents were not immune to the allure of the Segway.

"Mom, please! You're embarrassing me ..." (Neither of them actually said that, but I imagine they will when they look at these pictures in the years to come.)

Karl had fun on his ride, too, but he managed to keep his enthusiasm in check (czech?).

Catherine, mother of Ben's friend Ieuan, seized this chance to give chase to Gregory, her four year old.

She looks to be enjoying this a little too much, no?

Garrett, on the other hand, took after the big kids on two wheels.

The party moved on. Ben went back to Jonaš's house for dinner, cake, movies, and a sleepover (these people set a high bar for birthday parties), leaving Karl, Garrett, and me to revel in Masopust festivities on Kampa.

Next to Charles Bridge, a rock band played "Johnny B. Goode" and "Rock This Town" while folks milled around swilling their pivo (beer) and svařák (hot wine). Prague Castle loomed in the distance.

Festive costumes in carnival colors.

This guy channeled his inner Mozart and showed us that Don Giovanni's Commendatore enjoyed a lager now and then. And why not?

History, shmistory. Garrett judges the quality of a fair by the presence of cotton candy. Kampa's Masopust: A+.

And Karl?

For Karl, it was all about the pig.

Parting shot: St. Nicholas in Malá Strana (Little Quarter). Took this shot and then ran to jump on the tram for home.