So, I have a bit of a beer buzz going on and it's only 3:30 in the afternoon here. We got up early this morning to explore the Prague castle and the cathedral next door. As most churches in Europe are, this one is exquisite in detail and in size. Amazing. There will be pictures to follow some day. After all of the site seeing, I went to grab an afternoon birthday drink with a woman from my group. She lives 3 miles from me in Sherman Oaks!!! Small world!! We decided to go to this little bar that we passed by last night. It's set in a cave type of building and the only light is candle light. One huge pint later and we were happy Americans. We stumbled out of the dark bar into the 93 degree midday sun. As we navigated our way down the cobblestone alley, we passed by another bar. We decided we must look in. It was a cute little garden that we'll probably go back to later for a drink. Each bar in Prague only serves one type of beer. And as the Czech saying goes: "You must be faithful to one woman and one beer.....at least for one night." So, we could not mix our beers.
Tonight we are going to a concert in one of Prague's greatest venues. They are putting on a concert with all of the songs by Czech's great composers. I figure it's a great way to mix authentic Czech with some culture and a birthday treat all in one. Also, everything in Prague is very inexpensive compared to back home. Tickets for this concert tonight come out to $20. Our afternoon beers for $1.20 each for a huge pint. Gotta love a city before it adopts the euro!!
I've wandered around the city so much in the past couple of days that I feel I know it pretty well. I've left the map in my room and I just wander off. Worst comes to worst, I just ask somebody to point me in the direction of the German Embassy and I'm all good. Public transporation works well here and is easy to navigate. Although, walking the city is just as easy and doesn't take that long.
I'm still having trouble trying to learn the Czech language, which is a little frustrating, but I'm dealing. Only things I know so far: Please, Thank you, Hello, Beer please, and Check please. That's working so far, but it would be nice to know more. Perhaps next time!
Julie and I have talked some more and we have decided that we are in fact going to Pamplona for running of the bulls!! What else have we decided: That we are not going to sleep during the 36-40 hours that we are there. I'll let you know how that goes!!!! Should be really crazy and a lot of fun. You only live once right?
That's all I have to report for now. I'm off to take a quick nap and then shower before the culture. Nothing like sleeping off a beer buzz before taking in some culture. God bless being 26 and traveling Europe!!! Thanks to everyone for your birthday wishes!! I miss you guys and part of me really wishes I were at home for my birthday. But, as my new friend Susan from Sherman Oaks said, "You'll never forget your 26th birthday, spent in the Prague Castle and a candle lit bar." And it's so true.
Till next time.....love ya!
Jill
