3 Cities in 8 Days

Beautiful Prague Vista

        

        I just got back from a wonderful week outside of Denmark. My program took me on what felt like a whirlwind tour of Hamburg and Berlin, Germany and then I spent an equally packed weekend exploring the gorgeous and picturesque city of Prague. Despite starting my week off getting pick pocketed (so long cracked iPhone!), my time away from Copenhagen was a blast. Some highlights included a street art tour in Hamburg, a historical bike tour in Berlin, and a powerful visit to the Old Jewish Quarter in Prague. 

One of the oldest theatres in Europe, now a community center

        

The week started with a few hour train ride to Hamburg, a delightful and historic German city that is largely newer construction. On our tour, our expat guide discussed how intensely it was targeted during WWII and how this resulted in the largely new construction that we saw. Despite their history, the city is home to a vibrant street art culture on top of their traditional bent for great food and beer. It was exciting to see how the city has rebounded in the past few years.

German food = meat + beer

Soviet Space Needle!

        I had heard wonderful things about Berlin, so had high expectations, and they were exceeded. Berlin is one of the most important cities of world history in the past century and their full acknowledgement of their role on the world stage is impressive. Even the way buildings were restored after WWII and the fall of communism were done so in order to preserve the memories of the past. A perk of this cultural awareness are the many free museums that offer exceptionally well curated history lessons. On the sustainability front, Berlin is one of the greener cities of Europe. We got to experience it first hand on tours of many well known urban gardens as well as some funky and innovative takes on the intersections of art and green living.

         After a few days of studies, friends and I were treated to a phenomenal sunset viewed from a Prague-bound train. Our Airbnb left much to be desired but for under $20 a night, who can really complain? Prague is honestly one of the most beautiful places that I have ever been. On our first full day there, our tour guide took us throughout the city, pointing out the main sights like Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, and the Jewish Quarter. Simply stunning. Another city that is closely tied to the rise and fall of communism, Prague's was largely preserved throughout WWII as its culture shifted. This has led to a truly unique blend of very old buildings (11th century plus) and a modernizing culture. The prices in Prague were also a welcome change to Copenhagen's overpriced food scene. 

Between this traveling and the time change, I am taking it easy this week. But, more travels await! 

Spanish Synagogue in Prague's Jewish Quarter