Munich, Prague & Berlin Road Trip!

Before I get into the road trip I need to express my love for Christmas time in Germany and more specifically the Christmas Markets. Taylor and I did our first market in Trier and it was beautiful. There were stands filled with gifts, candles, wreaths, ornaments and anything Christmasy you can think of! There were food stands with desserts, nuts that smelled incredible, and of course sausages. The food and Christmas decorations are all fine and dandy but let's not forget the real reason people go to the markets... Gluehwein! Gluehwein is a mulled wine mixed with various spices. It is advised to drink slowly because these warm drinks served in little cute mugs are no joke!

Okay, road trip time! 

My best friend, Kaitlin, arrived to Germany in December. She was teaching English in Taiwan for a few years and when that came to an end she set off on a few month traveling spree! Right before she came to Europe she was trekking the Annapurna circuit in Nepal and traveling India East to West. 

Before she came we didn't have much of a plan except to catch up and see some major European cities along the way! The first few days were spent showing her around our small town and surrounding areas and then we devised a mini road trip plan to Munich, Prague and Berlin.

Munich

Taylor and I had been to Munich before and really loved it. The Bavarian city is probably more ideal during Oktoberfest but I still think it's must-see in Germany. 

Kaitlin and I got into Munich around 4PM, just as the sun was setting. We stayed at the 4You Hostel the first night which was located in a nice area right downtown. We made our way to the Christmas Market that was completely packed full of people and of course got some Gluehwein and a brat. 

The next day we wandered around the city sightseeing where we found some pubs and street entertainers. I told Kaitlin we had to see the famous river surfers but by the time we were walking over to them it was already dark. Sure as shit, they were in wetsuits surfing in the cold water with a spot light on them! 

Prague

Munich to Prague was about a three hour drive. I didn't know that you needed a vignette to drive in the Czech but thankfully they sold them right at the border. I also wasn't aware that they used the Koruna as currency. Easy enough we found a bank and grabbed some out! 

Driving in big european cities with small streets is insane and Prague was no different. At one point I was driving on the cobble stone street following a light rail train wondering if I was supposed to be in that lane. I pulled over to let other cars pass me so I could follow them and it was indeed a lane. The next thing I know I am being chased by a different light rail train. Thankfully we made it to our hostel after lots of deep breaths and holy crap moments.

We stayed three nights in Prague at the Hostel One. The staff was incredibly friendly making sure we got a tour of the map and what to see in the city. The night we arrived they were doing a pub crawl/night tour that included dinner and free drinks so we signed up right away for that. We saw some interesting statues and sights and were able to sketch some graffiti on the Lennon Wall. 

The next few days were spent sight seeing with the people from our dorm room. Prague instantly became one of my favorite cities in Europe with the cobble stone streets, the old building structures, and the beer that is cheaper than water.

Berlin

This was my second time visiting Berlin but I think it's one of the best cities in Germany so I had no problem going again! 

We stayed at the Wombat's Hostel that was situated in the center of the city and next to a metro station. I wasn't impressed with the staff but it was super clean and had a bar, restaurant and a community kitchen which is great for long stays!

We did sightseeing during the day and decided to go to the Jewish museum as well. We also made our way to the Berlin Wall (East Side gallery) which was something I didn't see on my previous trip! Unfortunately we didn't make it to the wall until it was dark because the sun sets so early but it was still extremely impressive to see. 

Hindsight, we should have spent more time in each city but being able to visit all these places in just a week was pretty incredible and especially the time I was able to spend with Kaitlin! Until our next adventure, friend!!!