Prague, Czech puns, and more monopoly money

There really are no words to describe how beautiful Prague is. I've seen my fair share of Europe, but this city is by far the most beautiful that I have ever seen. Most everyone who I have talked to about their travels in Europe almost always say that Prague was their favorite city. While I can't say that it bumped London out of its spot as my favorite city in Europe, it definitely is up there on my top cities list.

Just a glimpse of the architecture

So anyway, we arrived at our hostel early Thursday afternoon and had enough time to put our stuff up, listen to the rules, and leave to go back into the city for our guided tour. This time we stayed at the PLUS Prague Hostel which was soooo much nicer than the one in Berlin! The wi-fi actually worked, I didn't have to share a bathroom with the entire floor, and there was a mirror in the room. Oh and a pretty cool bar (but I'll get to that later). Karin navigated our group then into the city, where we would meet our tour guide. The great thing about Prague transportation is that there are only 3 different subway lines. The bad thing is that I understand no Czech so when they call out the stops I could never tell if it was the one I actually needed unless I could see the name of the station on the wall. But luckily Karin's a pro and got us to our meeting spot. After finding some snacks, our tour guide finally showed up. Unfortunately for us, she was older and therefore didn't speak all that loud. Meaning that I really can't say I learned a lot from this tour which really is a shame since it focused on communism in the former Czechoslovakia. Though I did learn about the Velvet Revolution and that the Communism Museum is located above a casino. 

The casino that the Communism Museum is over

Paint a brick!

This statue. Literally no words. 

Memorial of the Velvet Revolution

Astronomical Clock!

We ended our tour at the Charles Bridge aka the central tourist bridge aka I don't care because it was beautiful! The view of the Danube and the other bridges over it, as well as all the statues on the bridge. Ugh, just too pretty. After making our way over the bridge, Rin, Emma and I had dinner with the boys at this Czech restaurant. I really wish I remembered what it was called because it was soooo good and so cheap! Emma and I split the goulash which was fantastic, and we also sampled some local beer that were like not even 2 Euros each. That was definitely one thing I loved about Prague, everything was so much cheaper! Even if the monopoly money didn't make sense (I took out a 1000 Koruny which was the equivalent of $50...).

View from the Charles Bridge

The best Czech beer!

Goulash!

After dinner we made our way to the Lennon Wall since we were so close to it. Emma shared the history of the wall with us. Wow, what an amazing piece of art. I just happened to have a couple of sharpies on me, so we all signed the wall. Afterwards we went to the John Lennon pub which was a hilarious time. Our waitress was super sassy, especially when one in our group ordered absinthe and she was called over to demonstrate how to drink it. We essentially did our own little pub crawl back to the hostel, ending it at the hostel bar where it seemed like everyone from our program was hanging for the night.

Rin, Emma, and I at the John Lennon Wall

We all live in a yellow submarine

Walking across the Charles Bridge at night

The next morning we had speakers to listen to, so we were yet again divided into Groups A and B. Luckily for my group, our meeting was at the hotel down the street which was super convenient. Our first speaker really was more of a lecturer (I mean he was an Econ professor), but it was super interesting. He focused on socialism and why it doesn't work and the Czech Republic's transition to a market economy. The next guy was a journalist who looked like a shorter eastern European version of Leonardo DiCaprio. He opened the floor for Q&A right off the bat and we learned a lot about the Czech people and government. I'd say of our trip, he was my favorite guest speaker by far. After our meetings were through we went into town and grabbed lunch at this market right off the subway stop. I had boar sausage which was surprisingly really good, and then we were off to wander again through Prague. We stopped at several markets (I bought my postcard) and again went over the Charles Bridge. Unfortunately for us it really started to rain, so Emma, Rin and I ducked into a café for a while. Once the rain was through we made our way back to the hostel to get ready to go out. We ended up at this club called Lucerna which was doing an 80s and 90s night. We kinda ended up being the youngest ones there as it turned into us dancing with people our parent's age. It was still a blast though as they played awesome music.

One of the many markets

OMG the Charles Bridge...AGAIN!

Ugh so pretty 

The only picture I snagged at Lucerna. I believe Britney was singing on screen in the background.

My last day in Prague ended up not being so great due to some stuff going on back at home, but I tried to make the most of it. Jacob and I were the last 2 at the hostel that morning, so we palled up for the day and found this really cool market by the river. He was a gent and bought me ice cream as a thank you for reminding him that he had left his laptop back at the hostel! He had to go off and get that which left me alone for about 2 hours by myself. Again, I just wandered with no set destination, and met up with everyone back at the train station. After taking 2 benadryl on the bus to sleep, I slept the entire 8 hr bus ride home, and woke up in Freiburg! As great as the trip was, I definitely was missing my home away from home. And boy has it been good to be back this past week. Even if that does mean I actually have to go to class now :P

Some cool graffiti

A view OF the Charles Bridge

I think the Czechs are still a little resentful of the communists...

Song of the Trip: Strawberry Bubblegum by Justin Timberlake

Best food: My goulash! Hands down a winner.

Ice Cream: Well actually it was delicious chocolate gelato from the market that Jacob and I went to

Must Do: See the Lennon Wall. Seriously, it's so cool.

Don't Do: Use public transportation without a valid ticket. A few kids in my program were checked with unvalidated tickets. Let's just say it cost them a few hundred Koruny...

Nightlife: Check out Lucerna! It was a blast, even if it was an older crowd.