2.5 Hours

 

                                       

 

      The Czech Republic is an experience.  One I will never forget. Taking the 2.5 hour journey back to Prague was the first big trip of our adventure.  Since I had already been to Prague, I was excited to learn and understand some of the site I had already seen and to explore those place that I had never even heard of.  Many people know that history is my LEAST favorite subject in the whole world.  However, being able to witness what you're learning about while someone is telling you its’ background is truly fascinating.  While most people don’t get the opportunity to witness the places in the textbooks and don’t get to venture outside of the classroom, I am given the pleasure to see it in person.  Right now, it is my reality.  

       The first day we went to visit the Charles Bridge and the John Lennon Wall.  While I had seen both when I had been in Prague before, the sight will always be breathtaking.  This trip was privileged with Jan and Martin as our guides.  Even though the bridge was completely full of people just like me (trying to figure out why I have not been here my whole life), the beauty of historical importance of everything around us.  As Jan and Martin gave us lessons throughout the tour, the architecture and scenery distracted me at every turn. To think that this was just the beginning.

       

Our second day was spent at the Prague Castle.  After the up-hill hike, yes I said HIKE, we finally got to the top.  Once you see the view, the mountain that we climbed was well worth it.  The castle’s many parts were each filled with aspects that were enough to take your breath away.  The cathedral had the most gorgeous stained windows. Many told stories that make you question how someone was able to create it.  It truly makes you grate for being able to witness such beauty.  

                                    

                             

       After another two-and-a half train ride, we arrived in Dresden for our third and final full day of the trip. The first place we went was The Dresden Frauenkirche.  The Dresden Frauenkirche is one of the oldest Lutheran churches.  It was destroyed by a bomb during WWII and then rebuilt.  If you look at the castle now, you see dark bricks and light bricks.  The light bricks are from the remodel and the dark bricks are the ones that survived the bomb.  We were able to visit the top of the church.  The view of the river was one of the most majestic sights.  Once we were done there, Jan and Martin gave us the choice of museums.  I went to the museum Zwinger.  This is one of the top five museums on Europe. I witnessed many paintings such as “Portrait of a Man Putting on a Glove” and “Portrait of a Man Holding a Black Cap.”  It was quite exquisite.  

                                    

                             

Returning to Prague, we had the night to ourselves.  After we got all fancied up, we went to a original Czech meal at T.G.I. Friday’s where we had Jack Daniel’s chicken and shrimp and quesadillas.  We then decided that we would like to go dancing, so we hailed a cab.  When the cab took us 15 kilometers from the center of Prague and into the less fortunate side of town, we decided that I was best to turn around and go back to the hostel.

The last day (Easter) was spent at the Jewish Quarter.  The walls were covered in black and red writing that turned out to be names.  This was where the names for every Jew from Czech and Moravia that was killed during WWII was recorded: more than 80,000 names.  

                                    

                                    

Inside were also many drawings done by children of what they knew and what they witnessed.  These were the most heartbreaking.  I chose some that stuck out to me (below) because their innocence had been stripped from them.  Most of the children that created the drawings did not survive.  This was the most sobering experience yet.

         

         

Happy Easter.

Launch.

                                               

      

Through my whole life, I never believed that I would ever have the opportunity to travel the way I am now.  As much as I am excited, the nerves have taken over.  For the first time in my life, I will leave home and embark on a journey completely on my own.  My family may have tried to convince me to not go to Saudi Arabia (which is where my sister kept telling people I was going), however, they were always supportive.  This is a trip I needed to make on my own for myself.  This is a trip where I grow.

The plane rides sparked my curiosity.  As I boarded the second plane, which also happened to be the longest flight, I realized that not one person around me spoke English.  I first saw this as a challenge, but then I understood that this would, more than likely, be a challenge that I face throughout the whole trip.  Communication then became easier than expected.  Instead of looking at spoken language as a barrier, I became aware of all the nonverbal communication that we could use.  It is surprising how far a smile or a nod can go.  

After three planes, two shuttles, a bus, and a metro ride, we finally arrived at our home for the next two days.  Never being out of the country, I didn’t know what to expect from a hostel.  Post Hostel Prague is more than I could ever want. The fundamentals; cleanliness, accessibility, location, etc.; were wonderful, but the greatest attribute was the environment.  The people that work there are warm, understanding, and incredibly friendly.  They went above expectations by organizing activities and trips and giving advice about anything and everything.  

People that were also staying at the hostel were also so wonderful.  On my first day in Prague, I met people from England, Croatia, Australia, Brazil, and fellow Americans.  Everyone was so accepting.  Being in a place with many people that were in Prague and exploring for the first time was refreshing.  No one expected anything from us, but instead allowed us to grow and experience the beauty of Prague right along side of them.  Although I may never seem them again after these two days, they are some of the best people I have ever met.

Taking the first step to this adventure has reassured me that if I want something bad enough, I can and will do it.  From this day forward, no one can hold me back because I am my own person.  People often become selfish when interjecting their own needs into your decisions.  However, you have to take time to understand what will truly be the best for you. It angers me that I almost let others hold me back from this trip, but it amazes me that I had the strength to listen to my own needs and my own wants.  I am changing.  I am progressing.  I will find myself this trip.  This is about me.