Day 24: Home at Last

This trip has been amazing. I'm so sad it's over, but I'm also so thankful to go back to a place with friends and family where I'm not alone. Now, I have officially landed at JFK! I'm staying at a friends tonight on Long Island, then taking a bus back to RPI tomorrow, and then Saturday I move to Vermont! What a crazy week. I'm so thankful for this experience, and so glad I took the opportunity!

Reflection:

After my trip there are several things I've reflected on. There are cultural differences, things I liked, things I didn't like, things I would have done differently, things I wouldn't change, new places I want to go, places I want to return, and things people asked me about traveling solo. But overall, I have no regrets. There could always be more time, there is always could-a would-a should-a; but life is too short to live like that. So I couldn't be happier with how my trip went.

Day 23: The Last Full Day

I can't even believe that today is my last full day in Europe. I spent it wandering around and exploring Budapest. But, at a much more relaxed pace than other cities. I started off down Andrassy Ave towards Hero Square. I picked up a coffee and crousiant on my way,  and headed out. Andrassy Ave is full of shops, museums, old buildings, etc. It's a very unique street. At the end, is Hero's Square. It wasn't the most impressive, but there was a castle. One of the most famous thermal baths is also there in the park. I would go there, but had my spa experience in Vienna already. Here, I basically wandered around for a few hours to see what I could see. Then, I took transit back into town.

I walked along the Danube river to see the Shoes on the Danube. This is a memorial to the murder of those shot by the Hungarian nazis. Just like Dachau near Munich and the Memorial for Murdered Jews in Berlin, it's awful to see.

Then, parliament was just up the river. It's an absolutely beautiful building. Not much to see, but amazing architecture. From there, I took transit further south towards the market and shopping streets.

Now, I was on the hunt for Birkenstocks! After much searching for the store, I finally found it. And now, I have myself a new pair of birks! I continued in my shopping mood, and also happened to buy some other souvenirs. After a few hours if meanding, seeing Vasa Utca, and the Great Market Hall, I headed back towards my hostel.

However, on the way back I heard some music. I expected to turn the corner and see a small group of women singing and fiddlers. But what I saw was a stage with live music and dancing! So I joined the crown watching. It turns out, there is a music/dance festival in Budapest for the summer, with events throughout the city. This happened to be one of them. The group I saw was from Athens, Greece and did an amazing traditional dance! From there I headed back to my hostel.

Exhausted, I'm taking a break now to update this. Then, I plan to go find some traditional Hungarian food and wine. Walk the town, and maybe find somewhere to go out tonight. Then tomorrow, I'm on my way back to the states!

Day 21: Therme Wien

After deciding last night to go to a spa today rather than Budapest, Lisa and I woke up early to get a good start to the day. We had a breakfast of cappuccino, cake, and fruit. Then we packed, and were ready for our day of relaxation.

At the spa we first went into a warm pool with jets as massage and relaxation. There were various spots of jets, as well as alternating types such as a sequence from back to calves to massage you from head to toe (almost.) Then, we headed to the water slide! There were two indoor water slides. One was for inner tubes, and the other for just people. We tried a double tube first, which I think was the most fun! We also did individual inner tubes, as well as the slide for just people. Then, after some fun we headed to the quiet pool. Here, it was like a cave with a waterfall, dark walls and ceiling, low lighting, and curved into the back. However, after three couples came in all cuddly looking for a more private area, we decided it was time to go. From there, we lounged pool side to relax and have some snacks.

After a break lounging by the pool, we headed to the sauna. Here, I truly got a European experience. Although I expected to see some naked people at the spa, I didn't expect to see all the naked people! (Well women then is, in this instance.) It's definitely culture shock, and an adjustment. We did a steam room which was 48°C. Afterwards, we were both dead. It's so relaxing. A little difficult at first for sure, to be in a room so hot. You almost have to force yourself to stay in. But afterwards, it's worth it. After passing out for about 30 min, we had a change of pace, and did an exercise class. Water aerobics are pretty awesome, a very clever way to work out I'd say.

After that, we went back to the sauna to experience an orange salt scrub. This was another experience to be in a room with 12 naked ladies. Something you'd never have in the U.S. After a bit more down time, and a full day, we headed home.

The spa truly makes you relaxed but tired, and after a full three weeks of travel, I could feel it. After eating some curry chicken, we watched a movie and headed to bed. I really enjoyed staying with Lisa and her family. Her parents are very hospitable, welcoming, and kind. I definitely feel like family. It's so nice to finally have met them too! Now tomorrow, I'm back on my own, and to my last destination; Budapest, Hungary.

Day 16: Off to Munich I Go!

This morning, Erik dropped me off at the train station, and I headed to Munich! It was about a two hour trip, so I arrived around 11:00. I had found a hostel the previous night, so called to confirm that they still had room, and headed that way. But, this hostel was different than anyone I had stayed at before. It was basically too good to be true. Even though it was sleeping on the floor like camping in s large tent; I paid for three nights, which was less than I had paid at any hostel thus far for one night! It also had a park, basketball court, table tennis, laundry, community kitchen, cafeteria with breakfast and dinner, piano bar, and bon fire! It's probably one of the coolest places I've stayed. The atmosphere was very laid back. With so many community areas, it also really enhanced being able to meet people. I've found as a solo traveler that this is especially important. Most people travel in pairs, if not groups. However, this makes it difficult for people like me to connect with others. Some are more home bodies too and like to stick together. But having a bon fire and dinner available to eat there made it really easy to meet people.

Anyways, once I made it there, and set up my bed, I had to figure out what to do for the rest of the day. I knew I'd have two and a half days in Munich, plus there were a couple of day trip activities close by. One of which, is Dachau. Dachau was the first concentration camp. Now, this isn't a place I wanted to go; but felt that I should, and I'll explain why later. Several people since going have asked me why I feel they should go. I'm not going to explain much about it, or post pictures. I hardly even took any pictures. It wasn't a pleasant experience, but one I'll never forget. The extent of inhumane acts was beyond my knowledge. It was disgusting, creepy, terrible, sad , and gave me chills. It honestly took me about three minutes to walk through the gate because I simply didn't want to go in. I can't comprehend how one human being can do that to another. No one is lesser, all are equal. Although it's not a fun or pleasant experience, I believe there are three reasons to go to places like that. 1) to remember what happened as to not repeat history. 2) to make it real and personal. Reading something in a book doesn't make it real, and part of your life of world, but seeing it does. 3) to remember and honor those who went through hell. At the very least to pay your respect to them.

After getting back from Dachau, I didn't want to do anything. If I could, I would have curled up in a corner alone and reflected. But at this point, that might have done more harm than good being alond. So I simply sat at the hostel, ate dinner, met a few people, sat around the bon fire, then went to bed.

Day 13: Up All Night

Today Erik and I explored Prague, and I love it. The city is beautiful, rich with culture, cheap (relatively), and on a river. I'll update later! Good night!!

Update:
I woke up around 8:30 this morning, and decided to take advantage of being the only one up in our dorm with the bathroom free to use the sink to do some wash. I did a few days of wash in the sink, set up my clothes line on the under side of the bunk above me using the criss cross wires to tie the line, and had my laundry drying all over the place.

Then, Erik and I started off our morning. We wanted to make the 1045 walking tour, but by the time we left the hostel, caught a tram, and got downtown, we missed it. So from there, we decided to find a place for breakfast. We found a cute little cafe tucked away in a garden. The food was different - more lunch and cake than breakfast - but good. Then, we set out to see the town.

As we walked through old town, it was filled with little artisan shops. Everything from paintings to laser cut wooden clocks to puppets were on display. One shop had beautiful paintings of various scenic view of Prague which was something I had been hoping to find in a city. Erik and I bargained, and got a deal for 6 various paintings.

From there, we were going to do a 2:00 tour of the city, however we decided to go up to the Prague Castle instead. So, over the Charles bridge we went. It was crammed with tourists, but the views of the city were gorgeous. Up the hill, the views got even better, and at the top, most of the city could be seen. We found the Prague Castle with church inside. Although Erik has seen multiple European churches, I had never seen one like this. It was enormous with Gothic style architecture. The inside had gorgeous paintings and stained glass. The ceilings were tall, and an ornate tomb became a center piece on one side. It was beautiful to see. The castle was cool to see too, however it was unfurnished, with a lack of character. We sort of rushed through this to get to a different tour at 3:00.

From there, we headed back down the hill into old town. Now, it was time to find something to eat. We found a donor (a Turkish gyro) to eat on the way to the tour. This tour wasn't a typically city tour though, it was the communist history tour of Prague. It was 2 hours and very interesting, however the ratio of walking to information was very poor. We saw more than enough of the city in just two hours. After that, we were both sick of walking. We found a local fruit stand, grabbed some fruit and water, and sat at a nearby waterfront park for a bit. Then, Erik headed back to the hostel and I went back into town. I wanted to get a better feel for the city before leaving, and everything so far had been rushed and more outside of the city center. I meandered around for about old town for a bit. As I headed back to the hostel, I found myself at the wrong tram stop, so I headed to a different one, which also turned out to be wrong, and finally the third time was a charm. I get so frustrated getting lost in a city though. I've managed to get lost in every city at least once. I think that comes with traveling alone. I don't have another person to ask which way to go or get lost with. After I finally got back to the hostel though around 8:00, Erik and I were starving so headed out to eat. We got some delicious Mexican food up the street. We tlatr while chatting with some cool people from all around the world at our hostel.

That night, our tour guide from earlier in the day had invited us out to meet up at a beer garden with some of his friends, so we did. We caught the very end of the Italy Spain futboll game from Berlin (I believe Spain won 2-1 with a goal in the last minute or so.. but I could also be very wrong.) From there, we headed into the park that the beer garden was in. We met various people from Spain, Germany, Czech Republic, Italy, and the U.S. there. Most were English teachers living in Prague. One if the coolest things I've found with traveling is hearing other people's stories. Because English is the international language too, it's easy for everyone to communicate - and I like that I can understand what's going on. It makes me less guilty as an American to only speak English because it's everyone else's second language. However, while at the park, the sprinklers came on so we got indirectly kicked out. Some people went home at this point, but there was a bar that Erik and I wanted to see. The Hanger is an airplane themed bar with a various mix of music. It was a very unique place! Definitely different than a typical bar or club, but in a good way. We were probably there until around 4:00 or 5:00 - I honestly don't know. We wound up at more of a club down the street where we danced until the sun came up; literally. When we left, the sun was up! We took a taxi back to the hostel and arrived around 6:00am. Thankfully, our hostel gave us wrist bands with their address and phone number to get back, just for this purpose. We arrived with just enough time to get some sleep before checkout time.

Day 12: Reunions in Prague!

This morning I checked out of my hostel t go explore the last bit of Berlin before leaving. I went back downtown to see the Museum for Murdered Jews. This wasn't the ideal way to start a day, but I wanted to make sure I saw it before leaving. The stories, history, and expansion of the concentration camps was crazy to see right before me. The most moving part of the whole thing, was reading a goodbye letter from a mother to her children. I could never imagine knowing something horrible was ahead, and I'd never see my family again. I cherish my family so much and am so grateful for the relations that we have, that would truly be a fear. It's hard to explain the feelings while seeing the museum, but it's something one can't forget.

After the museum, I also wanted to see another strip of the Berlin Wall. This area is completely covered in graffiti. Some are random, some emotionally connected to the wall, others symbolic. It took me longer to walk than I expected, but the art was amazing.

From here, I headed back to my host to get my luggage, then set out to the train station. I had about a four hour trip to Prague from there. Then, I got to see Erik! Ironically he was standing outside the hostel as I walked up.  I showered right away (carrying a 25lb backpack up hill in 70°+ weather gets gross!) Then, we were starving so went out for some traditional Czech grub! We got two steak meals and three beers for about $22 which is AWESOME!

That night, we went out with our hostel to a cool abandoned train station. Although the music was a bit redundant and had a lacking light show, not quite our party style, so we dipped after a few hours and headed back to the hostel for some sleep.

Day 11: History Come to Life in Berlin

Today I realized that traveling makes the world more personal. It takes events, people, and places that we read and heard about in history, and moves it into our own world.

With only a day and a half left, there was a lot I wanted to see and do here. I've heard about free walking tours in each city, but never really took advantage of them. However, I'd heard that Berlin's is one of the best in Europe, so didn't want to miss it. With limited time, I set out early to get some exploring in before the 11:00 tour. I walked the boardwalk while heading towards the TV tower and museum island. I basically scurried around all the museums taking pictures from the outside, took a selfie with the TV tower and took the train towards the square where the tours all began.

After being lost and unable to find the tours, I finally found a group about to head out. The 3 hours tour was definitely well worth the time and walk. The guide was extremely friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. We learned about history from Hitler to the Berlin Wall to present day buildings. If you go to Berlin, I strongly recommend this tour.

Afterwards, I decided to go back to a few places we had passed on the tour. Places such as Reischstage and Brandenburg Gate. However, this just also happened to be the location of Berlin hosting the 2015 European Futboll club championships. Who knew?! Not me. But that's okay because it was the perfect spot to get some lunch, sit, and watch some Futboll. The actual game was on Saturday, so I believe this was just causal events and games going on. For lunch I had currywurst which is basically sausage with curry sauce over it. Not too bad. A little hot out for such a spicy dish, but good German food to try.

After getting some lunch, I also wanted to see the musuem at the Memorial to The Murdered Jews. However, with a security clearance, and a pocket knife in my purse, I decided to wait. And no, I don't feel that I need it, Europe has been very safe so far. I use it to cut cheese and bread when I picnic.

From here, I decided to venture further away from the city to trivoli gardens. This park is absolutely huge. Definitely much larger than central park. It completely removes you from feeling like you're in a city which is a nice change of pace considering most of my trip has been to cities. I wondered around for most of it, enjoying the scenery. At the center is a large statue of an angel on a tower that can be climbed for views of the city. That was a great place to see the surrounding area.

Then, I headed even farther out of the city. Although on the way, I also think I saw a group of naked men sun tanning in the park... I didn't want to stare, but I definitely saw tan lines. Apparently Europeans are very open about this. Anyways, past the end of the park, there was A church that was bombed during the war. However, unlike most destroyed buildings, it wasn't repaired. After seeing the dome in Hiroshima, I thought this would also be similar to see. The windows were blow out, and chunks missing. The two sights are very similar, and across the world from each child other.

After seeing the church, I headed back to my hostel. I grabbed some groceries and dinner, talked to a few people in the common room, then headed to bed.
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