czech republic / germany 2012

hello in czech and german

When a friend lives in a new land, and asks you if you want to visit, you go. OMG what an experience!

This was my first solo flight to Europe and after landing in Prague, I was ready for any future trip. My dearest friend and sister from another mister, Chrissy, met me at the airport and showed me the ropes of getting from point A to the world. It was early in the morning so it was time to take it all in. We went back to her apartment and it was 4 stories up. An old but very charming building. I was so happily overwhelmed, so much so that I was eager to attend my first CrossFit session (and well, that is another story about how my fire was lit for CF and has remained since). To say I slept well that night is an understatement. 

The next few days Chrissy showed me all over, we walked, we drank, we caught up, it was wonderful! We went to the Lennon Wall, the castle, the clock, the leaning building, the historic temple and graveyard, and so much more (I will fill in the official names later). I learned so much about the history of Prague, it was very humbling. 

Since I was there in September we decided to go to Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany. I mean, why not right? It was so much fun. We stopped in Regensburg, Germany on the way, stayed a night and explored. I got to experience my first conveyor belt sushi, so yummy and wow, so much food (and plates lol). Funny story, as we were walking around, we found a big gathering where they were giving away free beer! It was the first day of Oktoberfest so they were celebrating. So we stopped, got a beer and sat… only to realize it was non-alcholic! It was still good but it was a funny experience!

The next day we left for Munich and hit the ground running when we got there. What a beautiful city! Fun fact, there is a statue of a boar, known as the Sitting Boar but it’s official title is Porcellino by Peitro Tacca. It is a statue I am very familiar with – a replica can be found in Lyndon Center, Lyndonville, Vt, lovingly called the spitting pig! My other dear friend lived in Lyndonville and I spent many a day there visiting. I was shocked to see Porcellino elsewhere, I had no clue! I of course rubbed his nose for good luck! Also, there is surfing! See the video below. So neat to watch.

The day came and we hit Oktoberfest first thing in the morning and it did not disappoint. So. Much. Beer. I think I drank until I was sober! It was a time I will never forget, so much laughing, great food, and such great company! We met so many people and had a wonderful time. One of my favorite experiences was the swings… so scary but so fun!

On our way home we stopped in Mělník, a historic wine town in the Czech Republic on the Elbe River. We toured the castle and winery, drank wine and then visited the ossuary, my first experience with that! (An ossuary is where bones are stored once a cemetery has reached capacity, this ossuary is believed to house around 15,000 souls and was arranged in the early 20th century.)

Before our departure we stopped for some Budvar beer… or was it a Budweiser? It was both! Yes, there’s some very interesting history there, some legal battles still happening… but it was the best Budweiser I have ever had 😉

One of the most memorable parts of my trip was visiting the location of Chrissy’s research. She was in Prague for work and played a very important role in studying one of the most fascinating, underrated plants: mullein.