Well after an
early taxi ride, train ride and a short wait at the airport, I was off to
Germany. The flight was short but good and not bad for a cheap airline. After
arriving a few minutes late and then the airport bus was late, which set if the
chain reaction if my day. After arriving at the bus station that I needed in
Munich I was three minutes late and watched the bus pull out as I was coming
in. The people at the help desk were nice about the issues and helped me get my
ticket switched to the next bus. Well the struggle continued there, the bus
left late, got lost (how do you get lost in your own country and in the route
you take multiple times?), then there was traffic and lots of it. After some
very interesting conversations, about everything and anything with the German
Guys that sat near me (they were drinking beer). It was a very interesting
experience! Though I
finally made it to Heidelberg, Germany. Upon my arrival I
found my hostel and got settled in my room before going to get some food and
wait for it a margarita (you thought I was gonna say beer didn't you?). Then I
walked around a bit dodging the pregaming teens going to the club and such (I'm
still not use to see teens drink legally). Any way I paneled out what sights I
want and should see before I leave tomorrow afternoon to head off to the next
location on my trip. I will have to stop at a store and pick up some water for
my next bus trip it is a long one which today's turned out to be longer than it
was suppose to be. Wifi will be my friend for that journey as well as my
unlimited supply of books on my kindle who has been my saving grace while
traveling and while abroad. Hopefully tomorrow's trip will be better than
today's. I have now experiences almost every mode of transport in Europe I
believe
(metro, bus, train, plane, taxi,
and
car, I'm missing Vespa). Maybe one day... After a night of good sleep I was
up with the sun and off to see the sights or at least I thought so... Which the
lady gave me the wrong bus number so I got lost. But I got there eventually and
had an amazing time walking around the university square and to the closer
sights. I found some cute souvenirs and ate some wonderful pretzels. Oh and I
love Germany because they have Mountain Dew and Dr. Pepper. I was having
withdraws. After spending a few
hours wondering around I headed back to get my
things ready to catch the bus to the next city. I got the bus and started out
fine. but slowly started to wear me out though it is wearing on me. It is a very long bus ride, but worth
the price compared to train and other modes of transportation. Second thing
about this ride I have noticed that wind turbines and everywhere in Germany.
Seriously it's like Starbucks and McDonald's in the U.S.. The countdown still
continues too 5 days and counting until I am home (from Saturday). Ready to
continue my last adventure though
as
well as to go home. Dresden the city of crazy trams Germany. I cannot tell you
how many times I got lost on the tram system in Dresden. Too many for anyone
with a almost finished college education and a map that is for sure. My host
was lovely and very helpful and had great advice for me. I managed to get free
maps from the public transportation company and it was marvelous
(college kids love free). I managed to find
and reach the one of the main centers and home to so many buildings worthy of
multiple glances. After many surprise performances and funny gestures I made my
way around and found the best bakery thanks to a Czech local and had an amazing
breakfast/brunch treat. After a few more hours of walking I headed
back to take
a nap before catching my next bus. Well after my nap and getting lost again and
again I made it to the bus station and found a place to eat and sit (since I
was still a little early). Then I walked around and.picked up a few things I
needed (travel shampoo, etc.) and found the right bus stop side (international
side). Of course I was there early and the bus was late and by late I mean 35
minutes late, but finally it arrived and I was off to Prague. Which it is a way
shorter trip than imagined. I arrived to the Prague station and got some Czech
money out and met my host at the station. Where she proceeded to show me the
ways of the Czech metro and public transport system. We made it to her house
and I met her dog and her boyfriend who are both nice and friendly. They showed
me my room and then she explained the map and gave me some information to read
about Prague and it was very helpful. Then it was bed time and time to be ready
to explore Prague.
I woke up before my alarm (boo) and decided to just get up
instead of fighting the sun and trying to sleep. So I was up and ready to
explore Prague alone. Which I started with the castle and it's grounds (which I
got a student discount yay!). Then it was on to Charles Bridge and the John
Lennon wall. (which is amazing). After which I made my way through Old town
square by when I was tired so I
headed back to my host's house to rest before
dinner.One thing I learned is you do as the locals do... So I have drank Czech
beer now and it's quite good as well are the local dishes and sweets. Next stop
another bus to Berlin. The morning brought a trip to the new square full of
shops in Prague. With the clouds and a storm rolling in I decided to stop and
grab some lunch before heading to the bus station. I ate a small lunch at a
tram cafe. It was good food and even better view. Then it was time to head to
the bus station. On the way there I stopped in this store and found a special
surprise for my biggest supporter and probably the happiest person to see me on
Friday (my momma). Then it was time to head to the station. Where while waiting
I met three Canadians that are on the same bus with me and we got the front
seats on the top of the bus. We are front row viewers of the beauty that is the
Czech Republic and Germany. So as we ride a sense of peace crosses me because
the scenery reminds me of home and those Tennessee hills and valleys. 3 days
left until I can be home and see my family. No matter where you go, remember
where
you came from. My new life moto and quote. Life can always change your
current life situation and location, but it can never change where you were
raised and the values instilled by your family. Berlin baby! Home to many
historical moments in time. Too many to see in the one day I had. Well I
started my day by taking a "free" walking tour and it was great the
guide was very entertaining and adapted his humor to fit the mostly younger
group. He knew a lot about the sights and the city. After the 2.5 hours tour I
was off to explore more on my own. Which wasn't that bad once you get the hang
of the U and S bahn systems. It was quite a long and interesting day. It was
crazy to see some of the places that the darkest part of the world's history
took places and rhe monuments recognizing the victims of those dark moments in
time. Besides that we saw the last standing Nazi building, and Check Point
Charlie. There is so much to see and do in Berlin that at least 3 days or more
is needed. Besides the historical stuff, I got to see the place where the
soccer (futbol) tournament is happening in Berlin this weekend. It is crazy to
see double of everything in Berlin because of the division after WWII. As well
as seeing all the old architecture mixed with the new and modern architecture
lthat is everywhere in Berlin and in Germany in general.
Well now I'm on the plane back to Milan and I
can say I will miss Europe, but I am ready to be home and back in the U.S. even
with all of her faults and scars, it's still home
and always will be. On that
note I
also want to think those you
serve in our servicemen in our armed forces (past, present and future) for
fighting for my ability to travel the world and have a save and free country to
return too. Also because I thanks them for what they give up when they join and
serve the country. I have nothing, but respect for those men and women, because
I have barely been able to be away from my family and I had probably more
access to talk to them, so I couldn't imagine how hard it is for them. So thank
you from me and I am sure all other travelers for your service and the ability
we have to return home to a free country. 1 day left by the time you
read this. U.S. see you soon! Thank you to those who have kept up with my travels
throughout my experience abroad as well. I might have one or two more in me
after this one (about returning home).
Ciao for now!
See you soon!
I'm coming
home!
Home to
Tennessee!
Well after an
early taxi ride, train ride and a short wait at the airport, I was off to
Germany. The flight was short but good and not bad for a cheap airline. After
arriving a few minutes late and then the airport bus was late, which set if the
chain reaction if my day. After arriving at the bus station that I needed in
Munich I was three minutes late and watched the bus pull out as I was coming
in. The people at the help desk were nice about the issues and helped me get my
ticket switched to the next bus. Well the struggle continued there, the bus
left late, got lost (how do you get lost in your own country and in the route
you take multiple times?), then there was traffic and lots of it. After some
very interesting conversations, about everything and anything with the German
Guys that sat near me (they were drinking beer). It was a very interesting
experience! Though I 
