Berlin to Budapest: Part 1

After an Amazing 2 weeks in Europe I'm back in full swing, and all I can say is that I've missed the 'Blogging World' so much! It's taken me a while to write-up and edit photos but Part 1 is finally done ...

A little bit about my trip:

I decided to take a Contiki Trip titled 'Berlin to Budapest'. Eastern Europe has always been on my list of places to visit, so when I found this particular trip, I knew it was destiny. I enjoy travelling by myself and  Group tour is always a great way to do it, in addition you get to meet Amazing new people from around the globe. Might I add, the Group of People Travelling with me were nothing short of Wonderful and I have made  long-life friendships! 

Berlin:

Top (from R to L): Berliner Dom and Berlin TV Tower (or Fernsehturm), Graffiti, Brandenburg Gate.
Bottom (from R to L): Berliner Mauer East-side Gallery, Reichstag, Berlin TV tower & St. Mary's Church in Alexanderplatz

We started off in Berlin on the 7th of April learning about East and West Germany, the 2nd World War and Hitlers Regime visiting the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp (which was extremely interesting and very heart wrenching). 

The most interesting part in Berlin, besides the rich history and architecture, was the Kunsthaus Tacheles, which is a run-down house in the district known as Mitte that  has huge, Vivid Graffiti-Style Murals on the interior and exterior walls, Modern Art Sculptures are featured inside as well. The weather in Berlin was rather cold and it even snowed on the first day that we arrived, but it didn't dampen our spirits.

Dresden:

Top (from R to L): Dresden Castle, The Zwinger Palace.
Middle (from L to R):  The Frauenkirche, King John of Saxony Statue in Theatre Square, Part of Brühl's Terrace
Bottom (from R to L):  Finanzministerium, View from Brühl's Terrace across the Elbe River

On our way to Prague we made a short Stop in Dresden — I honestly wish we had more time here as the city is a Little Gem (2 hours isn't nearly enough time to explore) but we did what we could, stopping to get a quick bite while we wondered through the Beautiful City.

Prague:

Top (from R to L): Hradčany Castle Clock Tower, The front of the Hradčany Castle, View of Prague on the Vltava River, Astronomical Clock Tower in Old Town Square
Bottom (from R to L): The Fred and Ginger Building, Church of Our Lady before Tyn, View of Prague from Hradčany Castle

Prague was my Favourite City on the Tour, and a very close second-place to Paris! This city is Gorgeous and really stole a Piece of my Heart! Everything from the architecture, to the food was interesting and intriguing. One of my favourite places here is the Hradčany Castle, the view from here is breathtaking as you can look over all of Prague. The Fred and Ginger Building (Tančící dům) is Uniquely Beautiful and stands out amongst the Old Architecture surrounding it. 

Some Great Food to try:

Trdelnik: doughy pastry with a hole covered in cinnamon sugar and nuts (really yummy)

Honey Mead: Alcoholic beverage made from Honey, it's very sweet and delicious, and goes down well in cold weather!

Becherovka: a herbal alcoholic drink taken as a shot. It is similar to Jägermeister but much sweeter - I really liked this :)

Knedliky: Boiled Bread-like dumpling usually eaten as a side dish (similar to how you would eat potatoes)

Hot Chocolate: If you are a fan of Hot Chocolate there is a restaurant called Lehka Hlava (Clear Head) and they serve a great hot chocolate, it's literally a melted slab of chocolate in a cup! 

The Old Town Square is a must-visit! This has the Astronomical Clock and the Church of Our Lady Before Tyn. This is really a city where everyday should start off with the words "Once Upon a Time..." instead of "Good Morning!" Definitely a city I will be returning to!

Kutná Hora:

Top Row: St. Barbara's Church and surroundings
Bottom (from R to L): The Sedlec Ossuary Chandelier, View from St. Barbara's Church, Bones decorating The Sedlec Ossuary

On our way to Vienna, we made a stop in Kutná Hora, a small town in the Czech Republic. We visited The Sedlec Ossuary (Kostnice Sedlec), which is a small Roman Catholic chapel, located beneath the Cemetery Church of All Saints (Hřbitovní kostel Všech Svatých). It contains approximately, between 40'000 and 70'000 human skeletons, whose bones have been arranged to form eerie decoration and furnishings for the chapel. This was something I had never seen and found this place really fascinating and a tad Creepy.


Once in the city, we walked up to the Saint Barbara Cathedral (Chrám svaté Barbory) which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most visited Gothic Churches in Central Europe.

If you're Q-rious to find out about the rest of the trip, come back tomorrow for Berlin to Budapest: Part 2 ...

All Photo's are Copyright Property of Q-riouser & Q-riouser and photographed by Marina Brokorenko