But first, Das Boot in Germany! (no I did not order it... I just posed with it hehe)
Munich
I learned a lot about Hitler and the Holocaust. I visited a concentration camp, Dachau, as well as a few beer halls and a treasury full of jewels.
Entrance to Dachau Concentration Camp
Prague
I stayed at a wonderful hostel in Prague where I met many wonderful people. Prague was absolutely gorgeous. Because Hitler loved the city so much it remained pretty undamaged in WWII and it really shows. The buildings and the castle are mostly intact. I had the most incredible hot chocolate at a cute little family run cafe. It was more like drinking chocolate syrup and I of course had mine with chili pepper in it. The most amazing thing I did in Prague was see Don Giovanni at the theater where it was first preformed, conducted by Mozart himself in 1787.
Berlin
There was so much to see and do in Berlin. Most notable was wandering around admiring the street art. I also spent a very long day in the Deutche History Museum, where I learned all about the history of Germany from 100 B.C. to the present day. Also at the museum was a special exhibit all about HItler and the Nazi party. It is the first exhibit of it's kind- on that focuses on the Nazis rather than the sufferers of the Holocaust. I also learned a lot about Communism and the fall of the Berlin wall.
Location of many Nazi rallies
Amsterdam
In Amsterdam I met up with my friend Sophie whom I met in Munich, reunited with in Berlin and then hung out for a final time in Amsterdam. We rented bikes and rode around the city admiring the beautiful parks and tiny canal ridden streets. During a walking tour I saw the red light district, many coffee shops and a special celebration in the main square. In the Netherlands they believe that Saint Nicholas comes from Spain with his 'helpers'. The celebration involved singing dancing and everyone painted their faces black to represent the 'helpers'. A little racially unethical...but very interesting to see!
Bruges
Because I spent extra days in Munich, Prague and Berlin I only had 1 day to see Belgium and I chose to spend it in Bruges. And I'm so glad I did! It was a glorious sunny day in the beautiful medieval town of Bruges. The streets are lined with chocolate shops and lace shops. I went into every chocolate shop.. just to look... and smell. I treated myself to a waffle with powdered sugar and of course beer. I also wandered into a few cute Christmas shops. Overall just walking the streets was incredible because of the fall leaves and old buildings.
Barcelona
Though I spent 5 days in Barcelona, I didn't see as much as I should have because I was having a bit of an anti-tourism wind. After seeing so many places in such a short time I was a little burned out. Also the hostel where I stayed was incredibly comfortable with great staff, great guests and an endless supply of movies. However when I did get out I enjoyed the main boulevard La Rambla, the famous market La Boqueria, the Gothic quarter with many old buildings and churches and Park Guell. My favorite thing in Barcelona was Gaudi's famous unfinished cathedral- La Sagrada Familia. I have never seen anything like it- it was incredible. Though I was a terrible tourist in Barcelona, I did get a chance to experience the nightlife extensively. With my hostelmates I went to many different bars and clubs experiencing the scene like true Catalonians... leaving for the bar at 11:30pm, going to the clubs at 2am and partying until 6am. Que exhaustivo!
I am currently in Cadiz, just came from Granada. I will write again soon!
Only 2 weeks left! Dios mio! No puedo creerlo!
