Just a Child in a Candy Shop

I remember when I was little and I got the chance to go into a candy or toy shop, I wanted to touch everything, eat everything, and look at everything. I didn't have enough eyes to see all the wonders surrounding me. Over this past weekend, I went to the city of Prague, where almost immediately from my first glimpse of the city I was a child in a candy shop again. I didn't have enough eyes to absorb all that was around me. I hadn't even left the bus yet and I was already in love. Once in Prague, the group was taken on a boat tour with a buffet. Lucky for us, the weather was a little bit cool but sunny with blue skies. The tour allowed me to see even more of the beautiful city. After the tour, we traveled up to the castle where the church is actually the highlight. As we reached the castle the sun was setting over the city, a truly beautiful site. Once entering the castle, I was greeted by a beautiful church, at the time the hour was changing so the church bells were ringing. I felt like I was in a movie. Unfortunately, the church was having a service so the group was unable to go in. On Saturday, I went with a group for a semi city tour. Just walking down the streets was the best part for me. Prague is defiantly a tourist haven, and honestly is made it so much more interesting. Surrounding me were people from all over the world speaking several different languages enjoying the beautiful city just like me. If one thing is clear, people are different all over the world with different cultures, languages, and habits but, no matter the differences everyone is connected by a love of travel and a appreciation of the beautiful city they are visiting.  As I walked through the streets of Prague, I again did not have enough eyes. With street performers, chocolate shops, beautiful architecture and various shops this is only understandable. I would suggest going on an off season month though. It is only the beginning of March, not even the beginning of the tourist season and there were people everywhere. It reminded me of being at Disney World. If Prague was beautiful during the day, it was gorgeous at night. With most people either in their beds or at the clubs the swarming streets during the day are desolate at night. I loved walking around the city center and over the Charles bridge at night. It was so peaceful and beautiful. I was only in Prague for 2.5 days but, I feel like a grew so much in just those two days. With countless more experiences under my belt. For one thing I stayed in my very first Hostel. Only ever traveling in the US with my family, I was very nervous for my first hostel experience. I have heard some horror stories as well as success stories. Let me just say, if every hostel experience from here on out is like my first, I will come home with no horror stories. The only remotely negative aspect was sharing a bathroom with 9 other people. Lucky for me I have plenty of experiences with limited bathrooms from my countless summers at camp and several mission trips. Hostel Mango if i'm ever in Prague again i'll be sure to visit. I also had the chance to tap my own beer. 

The very first night the group was taken to a bar where you could tap your own beer. The beer is brewed at the bar and then at each table is a tap. They give you tips on how to tap it based on how much foam you like. The bar had a very fun atmosphere and was a great way to become closer to my fellow students. 

Words and pictures will never be able to give justice to the exquisiteness of Prague. But here are a few snap shots from my weekend in Prague.  

The Charles Bridge

Church in the Castle 

Prague Specialty, Tredelnik. Served plain, with ice cream, berries, or chocolate.
I had three of them, one original the first night and then one with ice cream and one with chocolate 

view from the castle 

" Eiffel Tower" of Prague

 John Lennon Wall

My time in Prague was brief, but I loved every second of it. As the bus journeyed home from Prague, I was overcome with so much gratefulness to my family and friends who encouraged me to take the steps necessary to study abroad. I can not thank all those who believed in me enough. Without you, I would not have been able to experience the breathtaking scenery of Prague. As I sit in my dorm room writing this blog, I am giddy with excitement for all the adventures the semesters still has in store. " I am not the same having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world" -Mary Anne Radmacher

Until Next Time,

Alex