Another pair down and just 2 to go. Let's be honest, these socks are not much to write home about. They are a 2x2 rib in Regia's Jacquard in black, white and grey. Despite their boringness, (we were all taught 'beauty is skin-deep', but how often do we need to remind ourselves of this?), they are very utilitarian and will be perfect for my dad. He likes boring. He likes black, grey and white, especially when they are all mixed together.
Of course, the artsy shot... with a bit of green. I'm always amazed at how hardy my lawn is.
To make up for lack of inspiration, I've posted some photos from my trip to Prague in December. I would had taken a lot more photos if it wasn't so cold. We walked around a lot and one of the most interest areas that we'd visited was the Jewish quarters.
Jewish Quarters
The Old-New Synagogue in Prague is the oldest surviving synagogue in Europe. Located on Maiselova Street in Josefov, the old Jewish quarter of Prague, it was built to replace the 'Old' Synagogue, after the 'old' synagogue was destroyed by fire during the seige of Prague Castle.
Altneuschul, which is German for old-new-school because at the time that it was completed in 1275, it was the Neuschul or New Synagogue, but by the 16th century when other new synagogues were built in Prague, it became the Altneuschul or Old-New Synagogue. German was the official language in Prague until 1860.
The Czech call it is call Staronova. Maiselova street was once the main road of the Old Jewish Ghetto. Franz Kafka, attended this syngagogue when he lived in Prague and his bar mitzvah was held here. There are varying beliefs as to how old the synagogue actually is. One reference states it is the oldest synagogue in Europe perhaps dating from the 11th century although the present building is probably of the 14th century”. Another reference state that the synagogue was built sometime in the 11th century and was restored by Samuel Mizrahi in 1142 or 1171. It is believed by some that the synagogue was built in the middle of the 13th century. As the builders of the synagogue didn't follow a particular style, it is much harder to determine the precise age.
Clock on town hall, the one in Hebrew has a reverse mechanism and run counter-clockwise.
I think the socks are quite attractive Polly! And Prague is just gorgeous with the snow capped roofs! Thanx for sharing!
Posted by: Debi at January 18, 2006 08:51 AMPrague is my dream city to visit someday - thanks so much for posting the pics and giving some interesting details on the Jewish quarter. Although not Jewish myself, I've studied a lot of ancient Judeaism and am always fascinated to learn more - like a clock that runs backwards?! Crazy!!
Posted by: Sara at January 16, 2006 09:24 PMNothing boring about those socks. (Well, the foot part might have been boring to knit, but I didn't have to do the work *grin*)
MY sweetie just picked out a self-striper in dark blue/grey/black, and I feel lucky! No more all black socks.
Posted by: Colleen at January 16, 2006 04:25 PMThose socks are lovely. And thank you for posting the photos too. I always love seeing these bits and pieces of everyone's world.
Posted by: say at January 16, 2006 12:55 PMLovely socks! Good for you for tackling those pairs! And nice pics.. thanks for sharing :)
Posted by: Dani at January 16, 2006 04:15 AMThaks fro sharing the trip to Prague & the synagogue there. I loves me a travelogue. And I like the socks too, so there.
Posted by: gale (she shoots sheep shots) at January 15, 2006 08:59 PMUntil some time in the 19th century, Salonika (now Thessaloniki) in Greece would have had Prague well beaten in the Oldest Synagogue stakes -- St Paul himself is said to have preached in the synagogue there -- and probably did, before going back to his hotel to write the Epistle to the Thessalonians.
But Salonika had its Great Fire, as did so many other cities, and it did for the synagogue.
Great pictures, fascinating info.
Best wishes, Jean
Posted by: Jean at January 15, 2006 08:34 PMi am planning on visiting prague during my trip...now i cannot wait - thanks polly!
Posted by: jacqueline at January 15, 2006 08:01 PMHow can socks be boring when you include pictures and commentary on your travels? You have a wonderful, entertaining, and educational blog. Love it!
Posted by: Renée from Wisconsin at January 15, 2006 07:48 PMI always think not all gals have the luck of Claudia, whose husband would wear orange-coloured socks!
Prague is such a beautiful city!
Posted by: Agnes at January 15, 2006 06:32 PMPolly Polly Polly! I love visiting your blog when you give us tours of Europe. I feel like I've been given a professional tour. Are you a historian? Do you remember this stuff from your visit or are you reading from a walking tour brochure that you picked up at the Prague Tourist Welcome Center!? heh Thanks, once again, for sharing the photos of your travels and the history of the places you have visited. It's such a pleasure and makes me feel like I've been there. :)
Posted by: Laura at January 15, 2006 06:05 PMThose are fine socks. My dad just wants plain black, so consider yourself lucky!
Posted by: Chris at January 15, 2006 04:11 PM