Here Comes Goodbye...

I can't believe it is finally coming to an end =( This is my last picture of Ireland from my plane home

Today I'm flying home... What I weird feeling. It hasn't even really fully hit me yet. The time I spent in Dublin is irreplaceable. It's a time I will look back on for the rest of my life. A time of no regrets. I'm more sad then I thought I would be at the end. I think because such an exciting time in my life is over it's okay to be sad. But that doesn't mean more excitement isn't to come. I want to travel more...experiencing the world is one of the greatest things you can do. If you were to ask me if I feel any different now then I did at the start of the year I'd probably say I feel more grown up. Even though it's not completely obvious its the small changes like that, that will shape you into the person you become. So goodbye Ireland. Goodbye studying abroad. I know I will be back, I will miss the freedom too much. I can only be thankful everyday for this opportunity I've had and hope young adults my age will take the same route.

PRAHA

This was the last stop on on our Christmas filled weekend!!

Prague which is situated about 5hrs north east from Munich was another adventure on our three day trip. We went from Munich to Prague by bus in order or us to attend another Christmas market. Each one went to was unique to the country and held many different trinkets and so many delicious foods! One thing i specifically enjoyed was the Tripoli which was some sort of hallowed out dough with sugar coating on it. They made it right there and I wish I could bring them back to the US with me. Although we were all on a pretty tight budget we were still able to get some Christmas gifts for our family and friends. They also have an astrological clock in Prague in the old town square. It was one of the coolest things because it not only told the time but the astrological signs as well. We ate dinner at an outdoor restaurant that had heaters and blankets and me and Lindsay both order coke which cost us roughly five euro (ridiculous). The most expense coke I have ever gotten. Other then that everything else in Prague was cheaper then most other countries. The currency was also different - they had crowns. The architecture in Prague was also the most beautiful I had seen thus far on my travels. Sunday the day we were leaving we made a quick detour to Prague Castle which showed stunning views of the city once you reached the top. It is also the biggest castle in Europe. We didn't have enough time to go in though... I guess next time. The cab ride to the Prague airport was more then expected so we were cleared out of our money by the time we arrived back in Dublin. Although we crunched in two cities within one weekend it was neat to be able to experience two different cultures that are only 5hrs apart. Christmas markets were a success! ( I made the font red for festivity)

(The best pastry EVER next to macaroons haha the authentic Czech Tripoli)

(The four of us! Traveling companions at the top of Prague Castle)

(Old Town Square filled with Christmas spirit!)

Guten Tag from Germany

** This past weekend was the last weekend to travel and me and my four friends decided to make a compact trip to Germany and Prague two really amazing travel destinations!

We flew into Munich Friday morning. I had been here once before in the airport. This time I was staying for one night. I also took two years of German in high school so I was prepared Haha but I'm sad to say I did not retain much. We ventured into the city right away because the Christmas markets they have there which are world renowned. It was on our Friday off but the city center was crowded for Christmas time. They types of buildings that lined Munich's skyline were like nothing I had ever seen before. I would almost classify them as Dutch! They had mulled cider at almost every stall it was very festive. For dinner we ventured to a authentic German restaurant! I got spatzil it was so good! The hostel we stayed at was clean and convenient but the crowds were loud at night and we needed to wake up early the next day for our bus! Because my last names German I also felt right at home aside from the fact I didn't speak the language. Also Side note: the people here weren't very litter conscious in my opinion because they would let stuff fall on the ground and not pick it up. It's just very interesting how cultures vary. I will have to make it back to Germany one day and stay for a longer time. I would really love to drive on the autobahn!

(Allison, Lindsay, and I by the Christmas tree outside the market)

(The very popular Christkindlmarket)

( The Munich City Hall, Unique Architecture)