Time where did you go?

It has recently dawned on me how fast time has gone by. In less than 1 month I'll be back home in California and sadly, I don't want to leave London. I have fallen in love for the first time and no, it wasn't with a man but with Europe. Europe has opened the doors to endless opportunities, excitement, surprises, individual growth, happiness, cultures, change, and a fresh new take on life. Some people keep rubbing in my current realization with the statement, "welcome back to reality." But honestly, living in London and traveling for the past 3 months has been my reality. And really what is reality? I think reality is whatever you make it to be. I know that when I return home I'll be a slightly different person. I know I'll always hold on to my roots, but I'm not going to just put my experience studying abroad and traveling in the back of my mind as a great memory. However, I'm taking all my new knowledge, growth, and change and continuing my exciting, new life back home. 

It's funny because I just re-read my first blog post, which I wrote at home right before I left for the airport. That memory seems so distant yet so close in time. And now look, I'm writing this  post in my flat, lying in my bed, looking out at my peaceful streets 3 months since then. Honestly, where did time go? I couldn't agree more with the phrase, time goes by fast when you're having fun. I think sometimes I am having too much fun, but then again, I sit back, think for a second and smile because I can honestly say I deserve it. Everyone deserves the amount of fun I get to enjoy. Everyone deserves to be happy.

Well I'm living each day to it's fullest because each lasting moment is too precious not to fully cherish. I find myself constantly walking aimlessly through the city, taking in the landscapes, the brick buildings, the trees, the walks through the busy London streets, and the overall atmosphere. I don't want any memory to be forgotten because as each hour goes by, part of this experience adds to the past. Each minute, each hour, each day is precious and I'm embracing every moment as if it were my last. No matter how cheesy that sounds, it's true. I'm not leaving with any regrets no matter the conditions or circumstances. 

I have been truly blessed so far and I couldn't be more thankful. My journey in London is slowly coming to an end but I'm not letting the remaining time dictate my future.  Even though I'll shortly leave my journey in London, this doesn't mean my journey ends...I'm excited to see what happens next!

Cheers

xoxo

Prague: Czech it out!

Greetings!

Another trip and yet another successful, wonderful weekend. This time I ventured to the beautiful town of Prague in the Czech Republic. It had to have been the prettiest city I have visited thus far. The ornate, colorful buildings, cobble stone roads, and small narrow streets with small shops contrasted with Prague Castle  in the distance fit the quintessential Disney fairy tale land-- the place I longed to live in as a child, specifically in France where Belle grew up. lol  Although I was in a capital city, the quaint, village-like atmosphere was apparent and such a refreshing and relaxing break from the busy, metropolitan city of London. 

I stayed in a 7-bed flat in the heart of the city with 6 of my other friends. It was so nice and I only had to pay $18 a night. Seriously, one great thing about traveling in Europe- it's cheap. Maybe the money conversions suck but I have traveled to so many different countries usually paying under $150 for round trip flight and hotel/hostel. I can't even fly to San Francisco for that price. Okay so back to Prague...we got in on Friday afternoon in the 30 degree Fahrenheit weather (yes, it was freezing!) and headed out for a traditional Prague dinner. I had some interesting pork dumplings, which weren't too bad but at least I gave it a try. Prague is definitely a meat-loving city because that's what all their dishes consumed of. So unfortunately, it wasn't much to my liking but I still enjoyed some other traditions, like potato pancakes. Well later that evening we walked through famous Old Town Square watching  Clock Tower strike the hour to see the 12 Apostles and rooster make their debut. 

The next day we headed out for a free walking tour. This was great. We got to visit the Jewish Quarters, visit all the historic monuments in Prague, and ate at the best bagel place ever, Bohemia Bagel...so good :) After, we ended up doing a littler more sight-seeing, ate dinner in the square, and then went out on a pub crawl. Omg, so much fun! I'll leave it at that. The rest is up to your imagination. haha The following morning we slept in a bit and then took a tour of Prague Castle. This tour was one of my favorites.  Along our way to the castle, we got to see the Lennon Wall. It's inspiring words, colorful images, and lyrics remember John Lennon but also symbolizes youth ideals of love, peace, and happiness. I loved this wall! We ended  our day  finally ascending to the top of the castle, taking in the beautiful St. Vitus church, views of the city, and enjoying a great dinner together. My trip in Prague couldn't have been better, and I highly recommend everyone visiting if they can. 

And a couple new discoveries....

- Prague is called Praha in the Czech Republic

- If you are of Czech descent, you are also considered a Bohemian. 

Blessings in disguise...learning something new everyday. Try it! You'll surprise yourself.

Cheers

xoxo