One, this is a great song. Alright a while ago (over a month... October 4-8) I was in the beautiful Prague, Czech Republic. Eilis and I had decided to split up while she went to visit her family in Denmark, I headed to Prague for a few days of solitude before meeting up with Ginny in Budapest, but you have to wait for my next blog for that one...
My lovely sister, Meg, had a friend from college who actually moved to Prague and opened a hostel with another friend. I soon got to meet Daniel and David and they showed me the most wonderful hospitality as well as all the staff at the wonderful Mosaic House. My bus unfortunately got in at 5 am, and after going to the metro only to realize I had the wrong currency, back to the atm where I realized I had no idea what the exchange rate was I was just thankful to make it to the hostel. Thankfully they let me check into my room early and after brushing my teeth in the beautiful bathroom I pulled back my curtain to my bed (feeling like I was in a Hogwards dorm with dark red curtains) and slept till noon. I went for a run that afternoon, purely because I took my laundry to the laundrymat and all the clean clothes left that I was wearing were my running clothes. It was a grey day but I headed out for a park less than a km away. Well the run was beautiful and I quickly learned that I loved Prague. I ran past the theatre, churches, over one of the many bridges, and started making my way up a mountain which was the park (the guy at the desk failed to mention this). The views at the top were spectacular and I was glad I did it. On my run home well lets just say my 30 minute run home turned into an hour... But it finished with a sense of accomplishment.
At the hostel I made friends with a girl from australia and we had dinner at the hotel restaurant which was amazing! Nachos and non other than a BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger! Needless to say I was happy at the end of the day. The delicious Pilsner Prague is famous for washed it all down perfectly.
The next day was spent doing the free walking tour, having a bagel, yes Bagel in europe! I really enjoyed hearing the history of Prague, though a sad one. The most interesting part was my guide had lived in Prague for 25 years after marrying a man from there. Her mother-in-law had passed away two years before but while alive had lived SEVEN countries but never moved! The country changed that many times from its time with Slovakia, under the communist rule, etc. We also saw the Jewish district which is one of the largest in Europe because Hitler decided Prague should be the city to keep documentation of a distinct race. After the tour I was off to wander the streets. That night I went out with my Australian friend and her two other friends she had just met up with. I had traditional Czech goulash, which was delicious (Mom you would be proud of all I have eaten this trip).
Day three was spent sleeping in, meeting with Daniel and David to pick their brains on how they came to Prague and opened a restaurant. I wandered around that day as well seeing the Castle, crossing the famed Charles Bridge full of people rubbing the statue of the Saint who was thrown from the bridge for good luck. My favorite part of the day was when I found the amazing Lennon Wall full of quotes and graffiti of love and peace, all good things! That night was spent at dinner with David, his wife Brooke, and her parents. They treated me to a delicious dinner and great conversation. I was overwhelmed by their hospitality including David putting me in a private room for the night! It was great! I had my own bathroom and even a computer to skype Erin and wish her a Happy Birthday!
My last full day at Prague was uneventful. I decided to sleep in, traveling, though amazing, is exhausting. After seeing a few sights I headed to the hostel and meet two girls from New Zealand and another girl, Liz, from Australia. We spent the evening together, had dinner and great conversation. Before an early night for my early train ride to Budapest to see Ginny!
Traveling alone was great. It was suppose to give me time for solitude and to contemplate what I wanted to do with the rest of my time in Europe and when I returned. Unfortunately all that really happened was I decided I had to come back to Prague and send anyone I met there as well! Really it was a great break and I was extremely lucky to meet Daniel and David and see Prague and just immerse in its history and raw beauty.
Unfortunately, I have just learned I can not put my photos up on here once they are on shutterfly... that will be interesting when I get home, but here is the link! Prague photos!!!
