Prague is Just Fine

LOCATION:

Prague, Czech Republic

 

It's only natural that after seven weeks of travel, some cities - especially in neighboring countries - start to look the same. Don't get me wrong, I was excited about Prague and it was beautiful especially because it is one city essentially untouched by war. The architecture was very picturesque, but I am starting to notice a theme in European cities - town square, cathedral, clock tower. Is that bad of me to say? I am definitely grateful I am getting to see all of these places! One of our first stops was the Charles Bridge which leads from old town to the Prague Castle, and has tons of statues from the 18th century.

View from the bridge.

One of the many sculptures.

The astronomical clock in the town square - puts on a great show on the hour!

 

Across the bridge is the Prague Castle, which is very pretty also. They have a changing of the guard ceremony every hour. In the castle grounds is the Basilica of Saint George, which had some of the most beautiful stained glass I have seen, but unfortunately also some of the largest crowds I have seen!

The castle gates.

The front of the Basilica.

 

We ended up spending a lot of time just wandering around Prague, and found interesting architecture or sculpture almost everywhere.

This fountain inspired lots of giggles.

 

Notice anything off with this building? Or balcony?

 

I have been blessed with great weather so far on this trip for the most part, so if I had to experience drizzle, Prague was as good a place as any for it! Erin and I did a good job staying dry under the cover of bars, enjoying Czech beers and mulled wine.

Delicious beer.

 

More delicious beer.

 

And some delicious mulled wine!

 

Now is also a good time to mention how awesome the rail pass is. We got a 35 day unlimited pass, which means we can go almost anywhere in Europe for FREE (minus the large price tag the pass initially had, but that bill was paid months ago so it feels FREE!). For our longer trips we have paid a small reservation price, because our passes qualify us for first class seats which is super awesome. We get some funny looks though - Erin and I with our grubby student-looking backpacks, shuffling past all the executives with fancy briefcases. And whenever there is free water, coffee, candy, or free anything really, we try to stuff as much as we can in our pockets. Definitely not the usual first class travel clientele, but we are loving it!!

From Copenhagen to Berlin.

Overnight train from Berlin to Krakow.

 

I also think I forgot what a joy it is to travel by train. You can walk around, look out the window, and sometimes even go on a ferry... On a train... yes - our train went on a ferry! Still on tracks!

Beautiful scenery.

It's a train! On a boat!

 

Erin and I have been traveling together now for a week, with three left to go and so far it has been great! We are very good traveling partners - we both like to go-go-go during the day, but are more than happy to be back at the hotel sleeping by 10pm. I suppose this is the difference between traveling as an undergrad versus traveling as an adult!

 

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