A hop, skip, and jump away was our hostile. It was a very modern room with two bunks and a bathroom that puts mine at home to shame. I could have showered in it for days, it was so nice! Shortly after arriving we were all asleep.
The next morning we woke up with smiles on our faces ready to journey into the town and take a free walking tour. We got directions from the front desk and we were on our way. What was suppose to be a 15 minute walk turned into an hour hike across the city. We approached the astronomical clock, and knew we were in the right place!
We begin the walking tour, and about two stops in I was already zoning off and thinking about lunch. I really do wish that I was more interested in the history behind the city, but to be honest I just wanted to look around and take pictures. I kept my mouth shut though and kept on walking. At about the half way point we took a short break at a local bakery. It was then that Autumn had the idea to dip out of the tour and find some real food. It didn't take me long to throw a tip at the chick and we were on our way. On our way back our attention was caught by the various musically inclined groups that were playing in Old Town. They were great, and very entertaining. After soaking up some tunes we walked back to our hostile and put our bags away. Then we walked a block over to enjoy an authentic czech cuisine.
Having been disappointed by nearly every restaurant on my trip to Europe I decided the settle for the chicken and potatoes. You can't go wrong right? Wrong. Something about my honey glazed chicken just didn't settle right with my taste buds and I quickly gave it away to various peeps at the table. The potatoes bites were actually very yummy and satisfied my growling tummy.
It actually looks better than it tastes.
After lunch (which we didn't end up eating until nearly 2:30) we decided to walk to the bridge and see that part of town. The walk along the river side was so beautiful. There were also many performers trying to grab everyone's attention such as the man who played the glasses. Just like the tourist we are we managed to stop to take countless pictures. Here are a few:
How cool is he?!
After crossing the bridge we stumbled upon the John Lennon wall. It was so neat seeing lyrics written in countless languages along the colorful wall. I only brought an ink pen, but I managed to make my mark.
John Lennon Wall
By the time we made it back to our hostile my feet were killing me and we decided to order pizza and get a good nights rest. The pizza came after an hour and a half and it was one of the worst things I have ever tasted. I was so hungry that I down a couple pieces anyway, and hit the hay.
The next morning we decided to tour the castle and spend the rest of the day shopping. The hike to the castle was just that.. a hike! By the time we made it to the top I was short of breath not only due to the mountain we climbed but also because of the breathtaking view. It was incredible.
Prague!
We then ventured over towards the castle. We first stopped in the gift shop which also had a ticket booth for the castle tours. As we entered the gift shop all I could think about was how much my little cousin Avery would LOVE to be there. She loves everything princess and magical, so I was searching for her a gift that was cute yet not so expensive that I would have to sell my right arm. As I moved to the second room of the gift shop I notice that Autumn wasn't around and I ask if anyone had seen her. Will tells me that she saws us come in so I continued shopping and checked out.
After I check out I go tell everyone to not leave because I'm going to go look around for Autumn considering 30 minutes had past and I had still yet to see her. I go back to the first room of the gift shop and search for her....nothing. I go to the fountain...nothing. I go to the entrance of the castle....nothing. I go back to the gift shop to see if she is there....nothing.
Everyone else had now finished checking out and were waiting near the ticket booths to buy the tickets. I'm now really beginning to freak out! Where in the world did she go?! I asked Kristen to go look with me for a second time. I searched through the gift shops again...nothing. We went all around the fountain while I'm yelling her name...nothing. (Did I mention there are people EVERYWHERE?) We go back to the castle...nothing. I then ask myself... Where would I be if I was Autumn? That's easy... sitting down somewhere. So, we walk around the castle to all of the benches...nothing again! My heart is pounding as my eyes search throughout the crowd. Kp and I walk back inside to meet the rest of the crew. Still no sight of her.
As we all sit there Sara and Whitney try using there phones that work about 1% of the time to get a hold of her. I stand there glaring out the window eyes still scanning the crowd. About 5 more minutes pass and I see Autumn coming out of the castle. I shout, "There she is!" I tell them to not move and I sprinted out the doors to go get her. Literally 15 seconds past and I was among the crowd and couldn't see her. With my head down I come back inside. Seconds later Autumn shows up.
I was so overwhelmed with different emotions I couldn't even say anything. I wasn't mad, I was just sick to my stomach thinking we had lost her, as was she thinking we left her.
*For anyone who read Autumn's blog and thought we were just chilling in the gift shop AC sipping on some lemon-aid this story is for you. I thought you might like to know that we do like the girl a little bit. :) This was a good lesson for all of us, and we make sure to triple check our head counts now.
We then purchased our tickets and headed to the castle. BEAUTIFUL is an understate meant.
me and the castle! :)
This is how crowded it was everywhere
The stained glass was incredible
The rest of the day we spent going in and out of every little shop on the strip. I found a few good finds so I was happy. Retail therapy at it's finest.
That night we went to a club and it was 80s and 90s night. It was one of the strangest things I have ever experienced. We managed to have a good time though singing all the lyrics to MJ of course!
The next morning we decided to find some American food before we headed back on the train. Soon enough we came upon a Hard Rock Cafe. Pure greatness. Everything from the English speaking waiter, free refills, ice, and the rack of ribs I ordered. It was the perfect ending to a great yet super exhausting weekend!
Until next time--
Sumer
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