Sometimes life feels like Groundhog Day. Has it really been a year since we went ice-skating at the Christmas markets? We went again today and it felt like we just did this yesterday but it has been a full year.
I love ice-skating. What I like most is the physical activity without all the sweating. I also like the Christmas carols. It would be even nicer on a big frozen loch by the mountains but I’ll make do with an artificial rink in the centre of Aberdeen.
This next photo is terrific. Ben took it and he somehow managed to get both kids in the background and not a single other person.
Here’s a photo of Provost Skene’s House. It was built in 1545. The building behind it was built in 2017 after much controversy. What do you think? Would it be better without that new building behind it? Or does the old with the new give it a nice contrast? I personally think it would look better with a full blue sky backdrop and the modern monstrosity removed. But that’s just me and maybe I’m old-fashioned. What do you think?
rachel.blog 
Love, love, *love* the penguin helpers. 😀
They’re great and make it much easier for kids just starting out. I’ve seen adults use them too.
There should have been more setback when they built the contemporary building. A LOT more: in CA some cities won’t allow a new larger building to overshadow its neighbors. (People here take their sunlight very seriously.) That said, in New York you have buildings of many sorts crowded together, and the visual effect is both jarring and energizing (“dynamic skyline” as some architectural critics put it). But I much prefer for the new to give respectful space to the old! Merry Christmas!
You’re right. The new building is way too close and does overshadow the medieval one. Maybe I’d be more tolerant of it had there been a bit of space between the two.
Glad you got some skating in!! I agree with the building. Either more space or more obvious work done to unite the two buildings.
Yes, they could have been more sympathetic to the old building when designing that new one. The alternative to the building was a public green space which is what I would have preferred.
That looks fun! We’ve just been to Prague Christmas Markets, but I didn’t see any ice rinks!! I especially like the penguins sled / ice scooter!
Prague is a wonderful city. Did you enjoy it? It’s like something out of a fairy tale.
We (Wife and Son) tried to ice skate recently but I guess they need more practice. I did not even venture into the rink. 😀
It is tricky at first but if you do it a few times you’ll gradually get your skating legs. It’s worth the effort!
I gave the kids ice skating lessons when they were small because it’s great to be confident when the annual ice rinks get set up.
I like old buildings next to ultra modern ones, that kind of contrasting design can be really interesting. This one doesn’t really look designed though, it just looks as if it appeared.
I think that’s a great reason to introduce kids to skating. It’s a fun and social activity but it really helps if you can get around without clinging to the sides. I can still remember when I took the kids onto the ice for the first time. It was a disaster. If I’d given up then they’d have missed out on all the fun they’ve had since then.