Back in mainland Europe, we explored the middle of the continent - Deutschland and Czech Republic. Getting around the two countries was very easy. The transportation system including metro, buses, and trams in both Munich and Berlin was very easy and affordable as well.
Prague was much more compact and walkable. Although part of the European Union, it has its own currency called the Czech Crown, which currently is 1 USD = 23 Crowns.
For the transportation between Berlin and Munich, we booked two seats on a DB Bahn train as it was twice as fast as a bus. For the Munich-Prague transportation, we ended up booking an 18-euro Flixbus ride that offered cheap alternatives to trains.
Berlin
The capital of Germany has a very long and tough history throughout the years. The country and the city have been at the heart of World War I and World War II as the aggressors. The end of World War II wiped out much of the city from the Allied bombings, leaving it in ruins. Right when it needed to be rebuilt, the city was divided in half during the Cold War with a wall separating the two sides. The wall finally fell November 9, 1989.
After the wars, Berlin has witnessed a renaissance. It moved into the 21st century excited for the future but remembering the past. As we explored the town with the two of our travel companions from almost 6 months ago Jon and Lala (if you want to learn about our first meet-up check out our Section 1 blog on Bulgaria!), the second part rang true as we visited the Berlin Wall, Jewish Memorial, and WWII sights.
Among the Berlin highlights were:
- The Reichstag
- The Brandenburg Gate
- Museum Island (5 historic museums)
- The Kaiser Willhelm Memorial Church (split in half from the WWII bombings)
- The Techno Warehouse district by day (amazing art work, skateboarding, and rock climbing)
Berlin like many other places offered us unique food experiences. It started with a dinner at Samadhi for some SE Asia food, bringing us back to the first part of our journey.
Then was a vegan summer food festival located in Alexander Platz where we tried some vegan kebabs. Lastly, we had a picnic at a park where vendors sell Thai-style cuisine every Sunday.
Munich
The city of Monks has a rich history as well. Our journey began and ended with beer. Known for Oktoberfest, Munich happens to be a beer enthusiast’s best friend even during the off months. While there, we met our good friend Simon and his girlfriend Lexa for a round of drinks at the world famous Hofbrauhaus, where drinks are served by the liter!
The city is not all drinking though.... as we learned. We joined the Sandman’s free walking tour and were highly satisfied with a 2.5-hour history and religion lessons.
Highlights along the tour included:
- Marineplatz (the main square)
- Neus Rathaus (the glockenspiel building)
- Frauenkirche (amazing church)
- Viktuals Market (beir garten and fresh food)
- Theatine Church
- The Residence Palace (royal palace)
- The Opera House (number 4 as the first 3 burned down)
On our own, we explored the English Garden, which had a lot to offer. At the sunset, we walked to the Eisbach River and watched the only urban surfing we have ever seen.
As your walk deeper into the park, hundreds of people sunbathe and swim in the river (some with less clothing then others). The sight is back-dropped by the Greek Monopteros – the perfect spot to watch the sunset.
We paid our respects to the victims or holocaust by visiting Dachau Concentration Camp. It was one of the longest running camps during WWII and like Berlin, Vietnam, and Japan, the site gave us a very sobering and humbling feeling.
Prague
The capital of Czech Republic is gorgeous! Crossing the Vitaya River, we saw the church steeples peaking out of the cityscape. However, they paled in comparison to the Prague castle looming over it all.
We again opted to see the town and learn its history by joining one of Sandman's free walking tours. We learned about the fascinating and sometimes troubling past that Prague and Czech Republic people have. The highlights of the tour were:
- Old Town Square (the main square)
- The Church of Our Lady Tyn (one of my favorite cathedrals)
- City Hall (home to the oldest astronomical clock in the world)
- The Jan Hus monument (founder of the Hussite religion)
- The Jewish Quarter
- The Charles Bridge (oldest bridge in Prague)
- The Powder Tower (royal gate to the Old City)
- The Municipal House
Since we walked the same path Mozart walked when he premiered his Don Giovanni opera in 1787, we thought it would be great to see the opera performed by none other than marionettes. The National Marionette Theater put on a highly entertaining rendition of the opera, which we thoroughly enjoyed.
The next day, we took a short tram ride up the hill to see the Prague Castle. The castle itself holds claim as the largest castle grounds in the world and delivers on every promise of grandiose size and architecture. As you walk the ground you are reminded by the guards that this still serves as the office to the president (previously the home to the holy roman empire and the king).
At the center of the castle sits Saint Vitus Cathedral which is the most recognizable sight when looking up at the castle. The church is a spectacular Gothic feat.
Our time in Prague could not go without trying the famous Czech beer – Pilsner.
We had plenty of opportunities to try it at multiple pubs with our favorite being a little place called Hany Bany where a 0.5 liter of beer could be had for $1.40 or 32 crowns!
Bonus Riga
We had a bonus city on this trip. With a long layover in Riga, we decided to seize the opportunity and see the city. We hopped on the number 22 bus from the airport (2.30 euros per person round trip). Upon arriving we decided to join yet another free walking tour only this time it focused primarily on architecture rather than history.
Our tour began at the 101 year-old Opera House. The guide was telling us about the Art Nouvea architectural style that is broadly apparent in many buildings around the city. Suddenly, the rain started and the tour was cut short. But, on our way back to the bus, we made a detour to see a few amazing sights:
- The Riga Nativity of Christ Cathedral (gorgeous Golden domed church)
- The Freedom Monument (a sign of democracy)
- St. Peters Church (the tallest steeple in Riga)
- And the House of Black Heads (Home of the president)
Our time was short and rained over in Riga as we hopped on the bus back to the airport, but we were still happy to have the opportunity to see its lovely city center.
Until next time Germany, Czech Republic, and Latvia. Danke Schoen Jon, Lala, Simon, Lexa, and the Bohnackers for making our time special!
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