Collin Medford

Before I begin, I want to say that this post will be heavily picture based in contrary to my previous posts. I could write a novel about what I did the past 12 days, but I want to talk about the main highlights and some of the funnier moments on my trip to Berlin, Prague, Vienna, and Budapest.

This is a photo from Saint Christopher’s Hostel in Berlin. I met some German friends at the foosball table and later that night they took us out to this club called the Fritz. It’s an old train station converted into a nightclub with five different music rooms.  It took us an extra two hours to get home because we took the wrong subway, and although frustrating, I smile every time I think about it.

My favorite part of Berlin was getting to see one of my best friends who I haven’t seen in three years. We didn’t miss a beat and she and I shared each other’s company at arguably one of the best Vietnamese restaurants in Berlin.  I miss her already, but I know we’ll see each other again.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Berlin is a gigantic city with so much history.  We only had 1.5 days to explore so we made the most of it and went to the main tourist sites that are pictured above. At some point in my life, I will go back to Berlin, I’m seriously considering living there after my program ends just so I can learn German. I’ll be back though, maybe sooner than later.

Prague was the next destination in our epic 10-day trip. We left Sunday afternoon and 5 hours later we arrived in Praha. The first night we took it easy, and went out for a traditional Czech dinner. I had beef Goulash with dumplings and half liter of beer.  The beer is cheaper then water and it’s damn good beer.  If you ever come to Europe don’t expect to drink out of water fountains because they don’t exist.

Our hostel was, “how you say” fucking awesome.  We had convenient storage under our beds and a dope shower. It was a REALLY nice room for a hostel.   On Monday Simon, our tour guide, gave the best “free” tour I’ve experienced since being in Europe. The “free” tours are a hit and miss depending on your guide. He walked us around the basic landmarks of old town Prague, and the Jewish quarter. He even showed us a bar were we could buy pot.  The guy made me laugh and smile and I still remember some of the history he taught us.  That’s what you want out of a free walking tour.

If you like history here is a question to think about. If you were born in 1918 and have lived your entire life in the Czech Republic, how many different countries have you resided in? My initial thought was 3, but the answer is 8. This question makes you realize what the Czechoslovakians have been through in the past 100 years. About 80% of the population in Prague is atheist. The country has seen so many changes that they are still trying to find their own identity. If you have any questions please send me an email. Also, what semi-famous movie filmed an action scene featuring the Charles bridge? Check back later today for my post on Vienna and Budapest.

“Photo Credits Reed Stiefvater”