Maria & Brett's HUGE Trip 06-07-08-09-? ok, so the Socceroos lost in 'that' penalty against Italy; Adriatic summers aren't long enough (bliss!); and we found that you should never use the term "Eastern Bloc" when talking to a Czech (Central Europe, please).

Czech Rep - St Mikulas Day (How to psychologically damage your kids)

Czech Republic | Wednesday, December 6, 2006 | 15 photos

6 December marks the 'name day' for St Mikulas (St Nick), who is the patron saint of children. Each year to mark the start of Christmas festivities trios of adults roam the streets on the eve of 6 Dec dressed as St Nick, an Angel and a Devil. The children must either sing a song or recite a poem to receive either a gift from St Nick or be dragged down to hell by the Devil - who carries chains around his neck for that purpose! It's not hard to see why kids would be completely freaked out of their mind at this time of year, especially if there's an inkling that they've been naughty.