Day 7: Prague to Salzburg

Czeched out of Prague

Today was a pretty uneventful day. We left our hostel in Prague around 8:15. From there we headed to the main train station in the city where we caught our first train to Salzburg. We had to make a couple connections before our final destination. We enjoyed our own little cabin on one of the trains. We passed the time by reading and looking at the beautiful Czech Republic and Austria scenery. 

We finally arrived to the gorgeous Salzburg and felt at home right away!!!! We were told to head to a hair salon to get our key (this is an Airbnb, not hostel). However, when we got to the salon there was no key and no English speakers. After waiting for about 20 minutes, the owner of our little apartment showed up with the key! When we walked into our place, we were pleasantly surprised by the kitchen, balcony, TV, and bath tub. Keep in mind, we have been staying in hostels. We decided to take full advantage of the kitchen (and save money) by cooking our meals in while here in Salzburg. 

Tonight, we made spaghetti and it was even more delicious when enjoying it on an Austrian balcony. 

Well, like we said, a very uneventful, but exhausting day. Don't worry, we will have more for you tomorrow. 

- Em J & Mel

Day 6: Prague, Czech Republic

Fried Cheese & Happiness

We started out today by sleeping in a little bit. Even though our alarms went off at 8, we slowly rolled out of bed around 9. We took a couple trams to Old Town Square where we quickly found a Starbucks. We enjoy getting coffee out and about because we get free access to their bathrooms. Once we have fueled up for the day, we are each much more pleasant to be around :)

After our Starbucks stop, we strolled around Old Town Square for a little while. The Square consists of many shops and food vendors, along with some less desirable features such as creepy clowns and painted men. We decided to be adventurous and try local cuisine. Emily had Klobasy Sausage (yuck) and Mari had Strapacky (double yuck). At least we tried. Shortly after this failed attempt, we split a spear of potato chips (yum). 

Old Town Square houses the Astronomical Clock which was installed in 1410. 

Then we took a couple more trams and a lift to get to the Petrin Tower, aka the Eiffel Tower of Prague. 

Then, the moment you have all been waiting for...WE GOT FRIED CHEESE. And it was 100% everything it was cracked up to be. 

After that, we hiked up to the Strahov Monastery where the monks have been brewing their own beer since the 13th century. Of course, we had to try some and it was delicious!!!! By trying this beer, we were basically making a donation to the Church. 

For dinner, we ate at an outside restaurant/lawn/fun/garden place. Best meal yet. Great food, great atmosphere, great company. 

Tomorrow morning we leave bright and early for our first train ride to Salzburg! 

Stay tuned: we will confirm if the hills are alive with the sound of music. 

- Em J & Mel

Day 5: Prague, Czech Republic

"I don't know what that is, but I'm gonna take a picture of it"

Today we started our first full day in Prague by going to Mass in the most uniquely beautiful church we have ever been to, St. Vitus Cathedral. 

Next, after a full day of accidental malnourishment yesterday, we finally had the most delicious meal overlooking Prague. Emily had a cheeseburger. 

Then we ventured to Charles Bridge where we were able to finally take in the breathtaking views of Prague. After seeing the gorgeous buildings of this city, we have decided that we are going to tear down all the buildings in Knoxville and just start over. We think that's a pretty reasonable suggestion. 

As we were walking over the bridge, we took a spontaneous one-hour boat tour down the Vltava River. How aboat that (sorry we're tired and are attempting to be funny, you can be the judge)? 

After we got off the boat, we made our way to Stvanice, which is a small island off the shore. While we were there, there was a live Czech band playing. We didn't know what they were saying, but it sounded good. 

We made our way to the Lennon Wall next. As far as we could tell, it seemed to be just a wall filled with graffiti. 

After that we got to try a local treat called trdelnik!! It was the perfect, cinnamony afternoon snack. 

Then we made our way back to our hostel where we relaxed for a little while and then ate dinner. Mari had a cheeseburger. 

After dinner, we decided to check out possibly the weirdest thing about Prague. See picture below. Yes, those are babies climbing it. 

Now, we are sleepy. Lights off and we are wondering if the people in the room next to us (who are currently talking outside our bedroom) can converse elsewhere. 

- Em J & Mel

Day 4: Dublin to Prague

Buses to Baguettes

This morning we left our hostel in Dublin around 10:30. Upon arriving to the airport 2 hours early, they didn't even have a gate assigned for our flight yet. We were the first ones at our gate promptly after it was posted. 

Unfortunately, it was pouring by the time we got to Prague. We made our way to the main train station where we ate "dinner" before we caught the tram to our hostel. I bet you're wondering why dinner is in quotation marks. We each had a baguette, a coke, and split a bag of chips. Pretty sad, but pretty cheap. 

We eventually made our way to our hostel where the man at the front desk was dressed in a clown costume. He proceeded to tell us that it is the hostel's 7th birthday today and that they would be serving dinner on the terrace. However, we were already SO FULL from our "dinner," we had to pass. 

After an unexpectedly exhausting travel day, we are hitting the sheets early in anticipation for a long day tomorrow! 

PSA: no fried cheese yet, will keep you posted. 

- Em J & Mel

Since we don't have any pictures from today, here's a selfie.

Day 3: Dublin, Ireland

Flying by the Seat of Our Pants

Today is the day we learned how to use map (we only got lost once). After walking 9.9 miles, we have come to appreciate a day of spontaneously exploring a new city. What a fun day it was! 

We started out the day by sleeping too late and missing free breakfast. Like the true Americans we are, we had no problem stopping by Starbucks instead. 

First, we went to the Dublin Castle (established by King John of England in 1204 AD, just FYI). 

Next we went to St. Patrick's Cathedral. Instead of paying €6 to see the inside, we settled for a spot in the courtyard behind the Cathedral. Emily decided to take a picture of the trash can (still can't figure out why) and got a few elderly people to stare in fascination at the trash can until they realized it was just a trash can...

Then we ate lunch overlooking St. Stephen's Green and Grafton Street. Mari ate a burrito. This is where we found out that we had to pay to use to restroom. This trip could cost a lot for Emily. 

Then we sat in St. Stephen's Green for a nice afternoon break. 

Then, the biggest disappointment of the day was walking 4 miles to the Guinness Storehouse to find out we had to pay €18 just to walk in. Instead, we mooched off of their free wifi and promptly found the closest tram to bring us back. 

Lastly, we had pizza and "salad" for dinner. Below is a picture of this salad...

TOMORROW WE LEAVE FOR PRAGUE. Tonight we dream of fried cheese...

- Em J & Mel

Day 2: Dublin, Ireland

Karaoke singer or tour bus driver? 

We had an early start to this COLD Dublin day, waking up at 5:30 am. We searched for coffee, and we were super excited to find a convenience store that sold "Americano coffee." We were so distracted by this we did not notice we were standing right in front of a Starbucks. So "Americano coffee" it was. We passed 3 more Starbucks on the way to our Irish Day Tour.  

When we got on our bus, we were pleasantly surprised by the friendliness and chattiness of our tour guide/bus driver. When he wasn't talking, he was singing. Joseph was very informational, and he could really sing a tune. 

Our first stop was at the riveting "Barack Obama" plaza for a bathroom break. Hmmmmmm.........

Next, we stopped in Limerick where we had a quick walking tour. We saw a castle, took some pictures, and got back on the bus. 

The next stop was the BIG destination. When we say big, we mean LITERALLY huge! We are talking 700 feet cliffs. Also known as the Cliffs of Moher. See picture below. 

Next, Emily had a cheeseburger at lunch. 

On our way back towards Dublin, we made a few quick stops. We stopped at another smaller cliff, an old Abbey, and finally Mari's favorite stop of the whole trip so far (aside maybe from the zoo), The Hazel Mountain Chocolate store. Atlantic sea salt and chocolate caramels in our belly and joy in our hearts. 

Then we rode the rest of the way back to Dublin which the bus driver called "the snooze cruise." This meant everyone slept for two and a half hours while he continued to talk and sing. 

After the 13 hour tour, we are back in our hostel ready to call it a day. 

-Em J & Mel 

Day 1: Dublin, Ireland

Zombies or tourists?

After a 3 hour delay, we made it to Dublin around 9:45 this morning. 

Mari made us go to the Dublin zoo today. In case you were wondering, they have the same animals that are in the Knoxville zoo. 20 euro lost, but dozens of red headed children seen. 

After the zoo and a few tram rides, we got back to our hostel and took a much needed one hour power nap to fight jet lag. 

After getting lost and trying to figure out how to use a map, we finally arrived at the oldest pub in Ireland, "Brazen Head" (circa 1198). Shoutout to the Conatys for this suggestion! We plugged our noses while drinking Guinesses and Emily ate a Ceasar salad. 

Now it's bed time. 

-Em J & Mel