Berlin

In Berlin we stayed in a hostel outside of the more touristy area of town. We were close to bus stops and getting into the city was quite easy. While there we went on a walking tour (with a really great guide), visited the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial, and enjoyed just exploring. It was cool getting to see the things I've only read about...the Berlin wall, Brandenburg Gate, the Checkpoint Charlie museum, etc. View from the hostelPart of the display at Checkpoint CharlieA section of the Berlin Wall"Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe"Display at Sachsenhausen

Dresden

Dresden was my favorite part of the trip. We stayed with some OC friends. Kendra and Joel were wonderful hosts...it was so great to be able to relax and spend time with amazing people(not to mention the free passes they gave us for the public transportation!). The city was the perfect balance of old and new. I loved learning a bit of history then going to the organic coffee house.

Prague

Prague was definitely an interesting experience. The first thing we heard after arriving was that there was a strike and none of the public transportation was running. Next, they had no record of our reservation at the hostel so we spent the first night wandering around looking for a place to stay! Luckily it only rained on us a little bit before we found a hostel with a couple of free spots! In Prague we walked and walked and walked...I enjoyed the Charles Bridge (with the rest of the tourists) and the Prague Castle. Mostly, though, I was happy when it was time to move on to Dresden!

I'm back!

We arrived back "home" last night. What a trip! I want to share a few highlights and pictures. We met lots of interesting people, couch surfed, stayed with friends and in hostels...We saw beautiful architecture, ate great food, and experienced some more of Europe!

Here's a bit of Munich...View from the top of the Frauenkirche.MarienplatzThat's right, he's surfing. There's a spot in the Englischer Garten, called Eisbach, with a standing wave. Pretty cool! We visited Nymphenburg Palace and walked through the beautiful gardens.This is my HUGE, refreshing, and half lemonade beer from Hofbräuhaus.The Viktualienmarkt was a delicious place for lunch. They also had beautiful displays of fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers. The succulents were my favorite!

grateful

Hello there! It's high time for an update. Tonight I'm listening to Johnny Flynn, drinking a glass (or two) of strawberry wine, and packing for an adventure. Jake and I leave bright and early Sunday morning for a 2 week tour of Munich, Prague, Dresden, and Berlin. I have my camera and an empty memory card calling my name. I can't really believe it's time to travel. I've been waiting for this for so long! I'm ready to put life's craziness behind and just enjoy myself.

"By the cracks of the skin I climbed to the top--I climbed the tree to see the world--When the gusts came around to blow me down--I held on as tightly as you held onto me."

-the Cinematic Orchestra

Pretties

from my walk today.