WEEK ZES

Three weeks ago I went to Prague in the Czech Republic for my friend Alex's 21st birthday and I'm finally going to share how it went...

USC Girls at St. Vitus Cathedral

Our flight was at around 8 AM so we left our apartment around 5:30 for the train station.   After about 6 hours of traveling including a train, a plane, and a taxi we finally made it to our hostel, the Czech Inn.  This adorable hostel was filled with 30+ USC students studying abroad all over Europe, all in town to celebrate three girls' 21st birthdays.  We got lucky with our own spacious room with four bunk beds. 







As soon as we got there we grabbed a meal, got a tutorial on the tram system, and headed straight for the castle.  We explored the castle grounds and cathedrals, which are up on a hill overlooking the entire city.  The view was breathtaking:  

Maggie (studying in London) and Me at the Lennon Wall

After a million photos, we walked through the hillside and made our way to the Lennon wall.  It is covered in graffiti of symbols and lyrics inspired by the Beatles and John Lennon.   On our way back to the hostel we crossed the Charles Bridge as the sun was setting.  From the bridge you can see the both the city and the hillside with the castle on top with the water in between (one of the most beautiful views I have ever seen).  It was filled with vendors, street artists, and tons of tourists enjoying the view.   After a long nap, we had a fantastic birthday dinner for Alex and spent the night catching up with USC friends and celebrating her birthday. 

21!

Finally got a Kappa picture...

Beef Goulash with Dumplings!

The next morning I had a DELICIOUS Czech meal of beef goulash with dumplings.  It was even better than imagined, definitely an ideal meal for me.  We eventually made our way to the Old Town Square to watch the Astronomical Clock.  It was installed in 1410 and the oldest one that still works.  Every hour the clock changes, bells ring, and apostles are shown through a window at the top one at a time.  We spent the day outside exploring the city, and enjoying the great weather (our first bit of sunshine in a long time).   While Alex was distracted we bought her a slice of cake and discretely guided her to the bridge during sunset.  We sang her Happy Birthday and ate cake while taking in the view for a second time. 

Astronomical Clock

Old Town Square

Birthday Celebration on the Bridge

Prague is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever been to and I would love to go back one day.  Everything looked like it could be in Disneyland and the Czech were very friendly and helpful (and it's a lot easier to enjoy a city when you aren't freezing to death).  Since Prague, we have spent the last couple of weeks enjoying Amsterdam as the weather keeps getting better.  I leave for London tonight (for another 21st birthday celebration!), but promise to post pictures from the last two weeks and this weekend when I get back!