[Frankfurt, Germany] Fun Fact:Transportation and financial center of Germany and the 5th largest city in Germany.
march 25th
Friday morning, Brittany, Danielle, and myself began our weekend with an early morning walk to the bus stop in Albano and a RyanAir flight to Frankfurt, Germany. Our plan for Frankfurt was...well we didn't have one. We researched in the train station where we potentially wanted to go and what we wanted to see, but other than that spontaneity was what we had in mind for the day. We learned one thing about Frankfurt quickly...public transportation is great and following the lead of the locals, free as well.
Our first stop off the metro was the historical square: Romerberg. It was exactly how I pictured Germany to be. Tudor architecture, steep roofs, and brown, red, and green trim on the buildings. I'm being honest when I say after being in Europe for two months now, German people were by far the nicest people I've come across. When we were taking a group picture in Romer square, a car stopped for us, yeah right Italy!
We all wanted a snack before we continued so I had to try a soft pretzel in honor of Nick. I must say it was probably one of the best soft pretzels of my life, and these things are everywhere and cheap! (Why doesn't Italy have soft pretzels, or just pretzels in general?).
One thing I love about Europe that I'm going to miss when I leave here in 3 1/2 weeks is the fresh flower stands. Germany was filled with them. Every few feet we walked I felt like someone was selling flowers, tulips, daisies, lilies, etc. It puts you in a great mood, how can you not smile on the inside when you see something so gorgeous and delicate. I made a deal with myself that when I'm in Auburn or when I own my own house fresh flowers will always be in the kitchen or living room. When I was going up in Pennsylvania my mom always had them around and I have to do the same. It's proven they make you feel and work better...
The rest of the day we wandered around and made our way to a new part of town: Bornheim
Danielle and Brittany decided to purchase really old books from now on in every new place we went (great idea i think) as a souvenir to remember where ever it is by. With that being decided we started to look through antique book stores for the perfect reminder of Frankfurt. In the first shop we went into I didn't find a book, but I did find a mini-Izzie! (I miss my goldendoodle daughter.) As we continued walking we happened to spot a little shop down a small little alley. As we were walking under the arch way, Brittany said, "I have a good feeling about this." And she was right! Both her and Danielle found great books from the 17th century and we made a new friend from New York. He moved to Germany 16 years ago to work for the local newspaper. His girlfriend owned the bookstore that we stumbled upon and gave the girls great deals on the antique books they bought. The store had the greatest "chandelier" and was set up for a book reading (wine and pretzels included!). We asked where a good place for dinner would be with authentic German food. After a long conversation involving names and directions the precious older woman told him just to walk us there, so he did. He showed us where the locals went and pointed out a few different things the area had to offer. We ended up at a place called Sonne. Brittany and I shared trout and potatoes and Danielle got a typical German dish of liverwurst and cabbage, she said it was good...
After dinner we took the metro back to Romer Square and found Starbucks! I know I should want American stuff but we all couldn't have been more enthusiastic to see that great green and white sign. After our coffee's we headed to the train station to catch our overnight train. what. an. experience. But before I found Nick the greatest present: a beer-stein! Authentic all the way from Germany! (he already knows, and loves it!)
Note to self: 2nd class=never again. splurge the extra 30euro for 1st class sleeper car. Danielle and I were fortunate to be in the same car so our upright sleeping seats were by each other. Poor Brittany got stuck with some rando 3 cars up. It was altogether an adventure and learning experience. We made it to Prague safe and sound and that's all that really matters.
 |
| Romer Square |
 |
| Giant Nutcracker |
 |
| German Pretzel |
 |
| Sign I found in Romer Square |
 |
| New York= far. |
 |
| Flower Stand |
 |
| Tulips |
 |
| Mini Izzie at the Bookshop |
 |
| Great Chandelier at the Bookshop |
 |
| Dinner in Frankfurt, Germany |
[Prague, Czech Republic] march 26th
Welcome to another city with free public transportation...kinda, and messed up money. I spend 1600 crown or whatever the call it, in reality it was about 60euro.The first the we all did after we checked into our gorgeous, four star hotel: Eurostar David, located right next to Gehry's Dancing Houses, was SHOWER! after that train there was nothing we all wanted to do more. We made it to the Prague Castle, Astronomical Clock,and Monastery, walked across the famous Charles' Bridge and snapped pictures of the gorgeous architecture. We had another great dinner and dessert and topped our night off with a Black Light Theater show. Weird, but interesting. No sound or lights. It was Alice and Wonderland themed. I have to admit I fell asleep, not by choice but I don't do well in warm places with no lights on. You'll have to consult Brittany and Danielle about the 2nd half of the show. Supposedly there was some nakedness going on. After we returned to the hotel I passed out and didn't wake up till my alarm went off at 10:30. To be honest I could have slept another 10 hours. Traveling really wears a girl out. After making our way to the subway, bus stop, and airport, more Starbuck's got into our systems and I enjoyed a great American lunch from Subway. Thank you Subway for making it into Prague, you made my day! (I know I should be embracing Italian food and what other local delicacies a country has to offer, but sometimes you just want an American sandwich!)
It's slowly coming to an end, but for now there's a whole agenda that has to be fulfilled
before I zip up my suitcases to return to the States.
Ciao till the 10th.
