La Dolce Vita

It feel like forever ago that I went to Prague when in reality it was only 3 weeks ago. That’s the thing about being abroad though- everything goes so fast and you are consistently busy that things seem father away then they actually are. Prague was an amazing trip though. My friend Dana and I took a 12 hour bus ride with some other friends and stayed at my friend from school Steph’s place. Lets just say we may have saved money… but 12 hours is WAY to long for a bus ride. 

Prague was definitely a different feel than the other places I’ve been in Europe. It’s very somber and the people never really seem to be smiling. Also, I must say it had the worst fashion out of any place I’ve been too. However, I did love Prague. It was a very artistic city, similar to Amsterdam, and it had many cool attractions in it. We set foot the first day to take on the city (with Steph as our personal tour guide) and got to see many sites. The first place we stopped was the John Lennon wall. It used to be a normal wall but every since 1980 it has been covered in words inspired by John Lennon by people all over the world. We borrowed a pen from this group of Italians to write what we wanted on the wall and then spend a good half hour just reading what was written on the walls and taking cool pictures. It was pretty cool to see tourist come and go and really realize the power that The Beatles and John Lennon had, and the legend that it continues to be today. 

Me, Dana and Steph by the big peace sign on the John Lennon Wall

It really is.

After that we stopped and got STARBUCKS. Don’t get me wrong, I love, I mean LOVE my Italian cappuccinos but a starbucks addict like myself couldn’t help but become overjoyed with the site of starbucks. Anyways, we happily went on our way to the Prague Castle. The Prague Castle was one of the coolest pieces of architecture I have seen since I’ve been here. I guess living it Florence I’ve become so accustom to Renaissance architecture and art that I’m so amazed by all the other types of art that are a part of European history. In the United States, nothing is older than a few hundrads years old. The buildings in Europe and the history that Europe has fascinates me greatly because of how long ago it was. The Prague Castle started off with Roman style architecture in the 10th century than took more of a Gothic turn in the 14th century. I really, really loved this castle. Architecture has become something that really interests me. 

The Prague Castle 

Casual shaka infront of the guard 

After we explored the castle we ran into this toy museum. A little strange, yes, but we felt like being adventurous. They had so many different Barbie dolls, including the first ever Barbie doll created (I went in primarily because I knew my mother would love it!)

First Barbie ever made 

After having this amazing organic meal from some vegetarian restaurant, we continued to the main square in Prague and ran into some friends from AXO at Wisconsin. It’s funny how many people you run into abroad. We then stumbled across this museum called the Museum of Young Art. I thought it was one of the coolest museums I’ve been in since my stay in Europe. I love modern and contemporary art, and this museum was filled with crazy stuff. The kind of art that makes you wonder how crazy the artist is. It wasn’t a big museum, but it definitely had great artwork in it and is worth taking a look at if you like that type of art!

Painting inside Museum of Young Art

The entrance to the Museum of Young Art

After a full day of being a tourist, we got some thai food and got ready for the night. That night we went to a club that was pretty fun. The following day we walked around more of the town and then ended up going to the zoo. We got a little lost on the way…but we ended up there. Apparently it is the second largest zoo in the world. It was PACKED and had all the great animals that zoos should have. We walked into some den, not knowing what it was (because we don’t speak Czech…) and bats were flying everywhere, as in not enclosed in cages. Dana almost fainted on the spot. 

Just chillin’ with polar bears in Prague

That night Steph insisted that we have a traditional Czech meal. She informed us that the Czech love their meat. I’m not a vegetarian but I’m definitely not a big meat eater, however, when in Prague one must eat goulash- their traditional meal. It wasn’t too bad! Probably never have it again… but I’m glad I experienced it! That’s all what being abroad is about! 

Traditional Czech Meal- goulash 

That Saturday night was one of my roommates 21st birthday, so we met up with them and ended up going on a pub crawl around Prague. It ended at this 5 story club where each floor is a different theme. Definitely a fun city with good nightlife! The next day we got up bright and early and set off on our 12 hour ride back to Florence…And as always, it felt amazing to be back in Firenze. 

xo