After Statistics ended, 9 others and I ventured to Munich, Prague, Krakow, and Budapest. Each of these places brought us joy, enlightenment, and cold weather. The last of which I did not even consider when deciding on Eastern Europe in February . . . oh well!!
While in München . . . I ate German pastries, visited Marienplatz, found a little piece of heaven at a snow park down by the river, ate a bratwurst from the central market, discovered a playground in the middle of the city, encountered a protest, watched a Bayern Munich game in a café/pub, experienced the Hofbräuhaus, and walked to a train station in snow.
Following München our group travelled to Prague, Czech Republic, where we went on a walking tour of the city, enjoyed some goulash and potato dumplings, walked the Charles Bridge, met up with 6 more of the GLS fan, watched the Astronomical Clock strike the hour, went on a walking tour of the Castle District, ate some bracelets, climbed the Astronomical Clock Tower for a panoramic view of the city, entertained by a fire street performer, and lastly, ate breakfast at McDonald's.
If you ever get the chance, GO TO PRAGUE. Honestly, it is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever been in. The buildings themselves were beautiful because of the architecture and color. Also, the Czech people were very welcoming; the fact that they spoke English probably aided in our love of this city!
We left Prague with heads hung low because we didn't want to leave, but off to Krakow the 10 of us went. Our group toured Auschwitz (the most eye-opening experience), ate an authentic Polish meal- Pierogis, descended 130 meters below the surface in the Wieliczka Salt Mine (learned that in one of the chapels mass, weddings, and concerts are held regularly), met a man who is going through seminary, bought souvenirs and listened to the Hejnał in Old Town Square, and enjoyed a rose marmalade donut, or "paczki," in celebration of Fat Thursday.
Finally, we ended our trip in Budapest, Hungary. I walked . . . a lot, explored a Hungarian Market, ate falafel sandwiches, enjoyed a thermal bath with fifteen strangers, went on a dinner cruise, and conquered hundreds of stairs that led to an incredible view of both the Buda and Pes(h)t side of the city. Budapest was my second favorite place on this whole trip because of the vantage point we had over the city.
This journey would not have been the same, or possible, without this great crew of people. It was one heck of a trip that I will never forget. Hopefully, I will be able to venture back some day . . . soon!
The next stop on the travel list is Italia . . . until next time . . .
Ciao!
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