So here it is! The long awaited posting about my trip to Europe. It was amazing, eye-opening, educational, full of laughter and new friendships. I spent in a week in Prague with everyone from my class. That was interesting because we were learning all about Eastern European culture as well as business practices. So a lot of what we did that week were company visits, presentations, and working on our consulting projects. It was unbelievable that there were so many differences between the way that businesses work in the US compared to how they operate in the Czech Republic.
Prague during the walking tour
The figures on this clock moved when the clock strikes each hour
Prague CastleWe spent a day in Dresden, Germany and it was surprisingly very different from Prague! It was nice to see another city in Eastern Europe. Our tour guide, Sylvia, was awesome! She was so knowledgeable about the history of the town and it was amazing to see Communist buildings in the middle of such ornate architecture. For lunch, we had beer and bratwurst lol. It was the best brat I've ever had! Also, we stopped at the VW plant in Dresden. They had a place where you can test drive the Phaeton which is VW's most expensive car. It was almost like a virtual test drive. I actually drove the car but the car didn't move. It was like driving a really intense arcade game.
These photos were taken during our walking tour in Dresden
Communist building amongst all of the beautyOur presentation at Emco went very well so I ended up being nervous for nothing. We were able to interact with the CEO and top management of the company so it was great international experience. And Emco's products (organic cereals and trail mixes) were amazing! Along with all of the business things we did, we had a lot of time to explore Prague.
(Side note: my only complaint with Prague was that people can smoke anywhere, even inside the hotel lobby. My eyes were constantly red from all of the smoke.)
Some fun facts about differences in Prague:
-It is really hard to buy something when the tag says "200" but that is only about $12.
-The toilets don't hold water like we are used to. You go to the bathroom and then when you flush, water comes gushing out.
-When ordering water at a restaurant, you have to specify "with gas" or "without gas" - which means carbonated or not.
-There are no shower curtains - just half a door so water tends to go everywhere!
-I ate the best Chinese food I've ever had across the street from my hotel!
A view of the Alps from the plane to VeniceAfter Prague, it was time to go to Venice. What a fantastic city! No cars, motorcycles, or bikes...just boats! The options for transportation are walking or taking a boat. There weren't too many tourist attractions but just seeing the city was enough because it is so unique. We spent our time walking around, shopping, taking pictures, and, of course, feeding the pigeons.
Traveling to Rome was an adventure in itself. We took a train but we had several train changes. Suggestion: when traveling by train in Italy, only bring small luggage because there is no where to put big bags! There was no where to put our bags and the ticket lady was getting irritated with us! Anyway haha, when we were making our second train change, we were rushing because our train was running behind so we thought we would miss our next train. Thankfully, we got on with all of our luggage and were on our way. The train was packed and we ended up standing for most of the time. After about two and half hours, when we realized we should be getting to our next stop, we figure out that we are on the wrong train! Oops!
But that was a blessing in disguise because the train that we finally booked (that was definitely going to Rome) traveled down the coast of Italy and it was absolutely gorgeous! I think that train ride was actually one of the favorite memories. The girls and I had a small room that we didn't have to share with anyone else and were surrounded by windows so we were just able to take in the scenery.
We finally make it to Rome and it was a very different city from Venice. It was more like New York City but with ruins in the middle of it. I saw so many places that up until now I have only read about, like the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, the Forum, Vatican City, Patheon, Trevi Fountain, etc. I think the one thing that I am grateful for is that we took organized tours of most of these places. They are extraordinary buildings to see but it is nice to know what you are actually looking at.
Colosseum with all of my travel buddies :)
Palatine Hill
Trevi Fountain
Water fountains like this are throughout the city!
Pantheon
We were not supposed to take pictures inside of the Sistine Chapel but I couldn't resist. I can't even begin to find the words to explain how magnificent it was.
St. Peters Basilica and Vatican City
Three-wheeled car!
This was the last dinner that the eight of us would have together before we all went separate ways. Some of us went home, some went to Paris, and my group went to London. Our waiter was too cute to not photograph :)Now its time for London! First of all, I won't go into details, but never, NEVER fly with Ryan Air haha. We didn't have much time in London, only about two days total. So I took advantage of every second. The first night I went with Jen to see Parliament, Big Ben, London Tower, and Tower Bridge. Also, some of you may know of my fear of heights. Well I tried to forget my fears and go on to the London Eye. I'm so glad that I did because although I was terrified, it was a very cool experience.
Parliament and Big Ben
Me and Jen
Views from the London Eye
Tower Bridge (often mistaken as the London Bridge)The next day we saw Buckingham Palace which was gorgeous. We then walked over to take pictures with the guards that remain still no matter what. While we were over there, the police came and told everyone to clear the road. We knew someone was coming out of the property but we had no idea who. Out drives two cars and the man standing next to us said it was Charles and Camilla! I can't confirm that is true because I didn't take pictures but it was awesome nonetheless. That afternoon I went to see the London Aquarium which was fun and I was able to pet a sting ray :) That night I had fish and chips! But, they tasted just as the do here haha.
Buckingham Palace
So I put some highlighted pictures in this blog but if you are interested in seeing all of the pictures I took (and there are some great ones!) just let me know and I'll send you a link to check them all out!
That is the end of my journey. The trip was incredible and I feel completely blessed for being given the opportunity to travel Europe but as funny as it sounds:
There is no place like HOME! :)
