Buses, Berlin, Bratwurst

Deutschland 

      After saying ciao bella to Italy, I head out for the Autobahn. However, why not make a stop over in Switzerland first?

Zurich, Switzerland

   
  When one thinks of Switzerland, they think of yodelers and cheese. We pass through the alps as we journey from Milan to Zurich. It is only a four hour bus ride until we arrive at a random parking lot across from a Starbucks. Naturally, we walk in because Wi-Fi and no one knows where we're at. This is where we have our first encounters with the magic that is the exchange rate between the world and the Swiss Franc (i.e, an 9 USD grande coffee) .
        We decide to take a personal walking tour through the city. The streets are narrow and often on hills, but views are well worth it. Naturally, we visit the main points such as the bridge and the main church of the city. We spend some time in the train station before leaving and decide student budgets and Switzerland are not synonymous with one another. Though, one day when I'm on a Bill Gates budget, this is where I'll have my vacation home.

Cologne, Germany
         After an eternal bus ride with one stop in Stuttgart we arrive in Cologne, Germany. We arrive at the hostel where we partake in breakfast and wait for the walking tour. I should also mention that this walking tour advertises itself as an "alternative walking tour". It's free, so why not?
         The beginning of the tour takes us through certain neighborhoods. One of interest being the student neighborhood where they fought for their right to party. Almost literally. By day the church served as a center for children and by night a center for partying university students.
          Our tour continues and tells us the story of it's history including the infamous church. The church sort of creeps upon oneself without notice. As always in Europe, there is construction going on. Never the less, it is overwhelming and tends to make one feel small.
          After the tour, we pay a visit to the chocolate museum. It is more designed for either the young or young at heart. The museum tells of how chocolate is made and makes me feel slightly guilty for eating it as it shows pictures of child workers and explains the concept of workers rights. However, I still eat my free Lindt chocolate. I'm a student. The struggle is real.

Hamburg, Germany
           After another bus, we arrive in Hamburg. We purchase our tram tickets and journey to the Reeperbahn where our hostel in located. The Reeperbahn is also where The Beatles made their first international appearance and where the city red light district is located. Our hostel is quite nice; just ignore the ladies of the night.
          The first day is quite a relaxing one. I venture through the city where I treat myself to a coffee and a muffin. I also make a trip to a grocery store because student budget. Once I am back at the hostel I have an interesting conversation with two other backpackers and end the night with Big Bang Theory.
       
Our second day in Hamburg is one of
 meaning. There is something that can be said for such a city. A city that has been ravaged by history, but yet continually comes back to continue today. The story begins century ago with nobility and wealth. Though, perhaps the most somber, are the remnants of WWII. The most striking memorial is the rubble left over from a bombing of a church. It is left today as a reminder to future generations to what violence and war can cause. An important reminder indeed.
          On a happier note, we visit another chocolate factory. This time, we create our own chocolate bars. I fill mine and design it. It serves as a reminder why I'm not in art school. Safe to say, I've knocked chocolate maker/designer off of my future career list.

Berlin, Germany
       Our final stop on the spring break journey is Berlin, Germany. When most children dreamed of Disneyland, I dreamed of Berlin. Why you ask? Why not?! It is a city filled with stories of history and heartache and coming together again. Being the huge city it is we take a free walking tour. Our guide was English with an odd hatred for capitalism.
      The first point is the Brandenburg Gate. A symbol that represents all of its major historical turns. Napoleon, Hitler, and the ending of separation occurred here. I imagine what the people who once walked here and those who have lived through all historical times.

       We continue on the tour, but I was not emotionally prepared for our next memorial; the Jewish holocaust memorial. It is hard to describe, but it begins with low level aisles and nothing too overwhelming. However, continuing through the divisions become higher and the air colder. It is very frightening when unable to turn back around and there is an intense feeling of being alone. Though, the architect designed it in such a way that one will be left with thought.
       Next, the tour goes to the Berlin Wall. A wall that separated what once was two separate nations. It is , again, a somber feeling. It is also important to fully comprehend the desire and desperation




people had to leave a life behind in order to be reunited with their families and special ones. I was personally reminded to be grateful of things I take for granted every single day and make a promise to myself to anything I can to make a better place.

      We then make our way through Berlin stopping at all major points. It is difficult to fully absorb what this city has gone through. I have a new love for the city and could write pages about it alone, but I will leave this post with the most important "come back" to tragedy. We stop at the place where the Nazi book burning occurred. A small memorial is left. It is easy to miss as it is a small window into a cellar like room. This room is full of pure white, empty bookshelves; enough for the amount of books destroyed. Looking across the street, a book sale is going on. Our guide tells us this happens every single day in order to remember what happened during that time and celebrate the today of life.

Swimming across Venice to get hit by Cars in Rome

Swimming across Venice to get hit by Cars in Rome

    This will be part one of my spring break adventure European style. Let us tell the tale beginning in Venice....

Venice, Italy

    How does one get to Venice from Austria you ask? Well, it's not swimming. We're students so of course flying isn't an option either so night train it is. Now, I was unfamiliar with this, but when in Rome (more on that later) right? I became closer with old friends and made new ones. However, I'm not quite sure what to classify what the guy with a Kesha fascination was. Fun story to tell my dog? Who knows.
    We finally arrive at around 5 am, but there isn't any water around. Apparently, there are two train stations. After buying a ticket and getting fined on the train we arrive to the "real Venice". Once again, we must use another method of transportation called a boat. They're great when you're other option is swimming. Hey, we were all getting desperate.
    I'll skip the boat ride fun and go straight to the hostel. First, let me state that you have to be a strong individual emotionally to handle Italian hostels. This hostel , however, was quite nice with a , let's just go with interesting, owner.
    Of course, we then head out and make the most of our day. I was seeing Venice differently this time than before. We did not stay on the main island, but became acquainted with them all. It was a beautiful day full of warmth and gelato. Lots of gelato.

Florence, Italy

    We woke early to venture off to Florence. A beautiful city filled with tasty food, great views, and questionable hostels. Let's start with the hostel. First, upon arrival we notice there isn't a clear, distinct sign. Eventually, we discover it is in a walk-up. When we pay, we discover the hostel owner keeps his change in a plastic bag and one of the only two showers is in the lobby. It can't get any worse, right? No, it does. The room is about the size of an average bedroom. However, there is one, really loud toilet for the six twin beds with two inches between them. Let me change that statement. They were cots. We continue on anyway.
    We tour the magnificence that is the duomo. Worth the sketchy hostel! Only in Italy is it that I discover I have issues with crowds in tight spaces. However, the fear of dying was well worth the view. I am in aw of how regular people could build such a structure. The ornate details are astounding. It isn't hard to believe it is a UNESCO heritage site.
     Afterwards, we visit some other sites that one must simply see , including multiple David statues, and the market. The market is where I discover a hidden talent for haggling. I love scarves. It's a bit of a problem. However, I can't resist a bargain. Me and the sales guy go back and fourth. I explain to him that I roll with a crew so my friend must also get a discount. Cha-ching! Two scarves for almost half off. I was feeling like a balla the rest of the day.
     We then head off to watch the sunset on the famous bridge. Forgive me, I do not remember the name as I had yet to sleep. It was truly something indescribable . Sort of like a Picasso painting, but in a good way. It was how I had imagined Tuscany and magazines don't do it justice. Neither does that one movie about the strange lady.

Rome, Italy

    Ah, Rome. Upon arrival we set our stuff at the hostel with a creepy elevator, but less sketchy than the last. Off to the Vatican! It was perhaps the highlight of Rome. A country within a country. We walk for what seemed like a while to arrive to the Sistine Chapel. Sadly, they didn't allow pictures, but it was worth being sleep deprived and 12 Euros. One is quickly humbled by the experience.
     After the Vatican , like true tourists, we purchased necessary souvenirs and Papa Francisco post cards. Hey, I love him OK?
     We tour the sites of Rome for the next two days. Really, two days was not enough to see all there was to see. It's truly a city worth writing home about. Though, it is a strange experience to walk around such a historic city. We often ran into random Roman ruins while walking. They are just sort of there.
     However, it is advised that you have extensive medical coverage before going to Rome. Paris, New York, LA, y'all don't have anything on Rome. I was quite thankful that I came equipped with Austrian, American, and death insurance. I mean, if the bus hurdling towards us at 60 miles an hour was going to kill us, at least our bodies could be shipped back home.

Milan and Pisa, Italy
    The Italian portion of our journey ends , officially, in Milan, but I am combining the cities because we didn't have much time in either of them. In Pisa though, we discovered an excellent hostel with equally excellent owners. Possibly the friendliest people we had met the entire journey. Heck, we even shared a meal together. It reminded me of the people in Alabama. We woke early the next day to make it to the tower before taking a train to Milan. It was an interesting day with rain and Burger King. I mean, who would think it would be that close to the tower?
    Next, we journey to Milan. We arrived in the late afternoon so we didn't really have an opportunity to do much touring around. However, we had quite the confusion with the reservations. We were split apart and half of us sent to another hostel. We were given a map with a general area circled; 10 minutes he said. He lied. A lot. It was 45 minutes into a neighborhood that was no longer on the map. Though, it ended up being the best hostel of the entire Italian journey. A helpful staff an a warm shower after a long journey. Also, themed rooms. Ours , of course, being Bach.

Ciao Bella Italia! 

Stolen Sandwiches, Student Visas, and Paco

Oh Bayern....

     Why Bayern (Bavaria) you ask? Well, that only requires a simple answer; obtaining a visa. Our origin , of course, was Linz and our destination Munich, Germany. Mind you that this was the first time I had ever even been in a train station. In other words, I was pretty darn excited. I do come from Alabama. We have Baptists and football, but not trains worth much. With a little skip in my step I meet my friend , number two of three on the journey, and run towards the tram so we can gather our other member to journey to the hauptbahnhof (train station). After we arrived picked up our tickets, we go to the grocery store , in the train station, because I was the idiot who decided not to eat early. I pick my sandwich and coke, take them to the counter to pay only to turn around to find that my dinner had been stolen. Yes, my sandwich of all things! Though, don't worry, I took another and on to Munich we went.

      After running to a connection and following a group of teenagers from the UK we finally found our hostel; another first. Let's just say most men don't sleep in pajamas so we choose the second room. This was not the murder house mystery I was expecting. However, there was a mystery mate. Who? We still do not know, but we name him Paco.

     The next morning we wake early to find our way to the visa office. This would perhaps be the greatest journey of all. I mean, getting lost is the greatest way to know a city. You might even be lucky enough to see the gnome children. We arrived at the visa office 15 miles and 2 hours later to find out that the office personal man was indifferent about documents and fingerprints; made the process easy. On the way back to the hostel we decide to view some sights  , free ones, and the outside of buildings with a plan to join a proper city tour in the morning.

     The next morning on the city tour , also free, we truly learned what history and titles the city truly holds. For instance, did you know that the Glockenspiel was rated the 2nd most overrated tourist attraction? On a more serious note, we discovered the spirit of the people. Perhaps the most memorable stop on the tour was the golden line. This serves as a memorial to those who chose to resist the Nazis before and during war time. People would take this path so they would not have to face SS guards at the memorial of the beer hall putsch. Of course the guards eventually caught on to this and began to guard the alternative path on the Viscardigasse. Today it serves as a memorial and symbol of resistance.

Schnitzel and Schnee

Schnitzel and Schnee

     Today marks my last day in the village of Schwertberg. Since my first day, I have experienced authentic African food and sled down a mountain.

     My adventure began somewhere near the border of the Czech Republic. Here I saw a step mountainside that looked to be from a film. Being that we were a bit startled, we began on a much nicer hillside next to a frozen pond (swimming was forbidden) .  We decided to be a little brave once we had gone as far as we could go up the hill. It was time for the real deal. I would compare the feeling of looking at the mountain like the moment before you drop down the first hill on the Goliath at Six Flags without a seat belt. Yes, for real. It was like being children again. Sledding and daring to go higher up the mountain so the sleds would go faster. It was as if I had snow cones from a carnival being thrown in my face, but it tasted like the five flavor kind in the biggest size; only kind I wanted as a child. 

     Once we had enough , after I ran into the squirrel statue, we went to the ski haus (whatever we call it in America). There we found treats, warm beverages, and schnitzel. I decided the wiener schnitzel would be too much for me so I took a hand at a traditional pastry. Of course, a coca-cola as well. We spent time exchanging stories of our day and laughter. It was now time to leave the ski area/mountain forest and partake in a traditional African meal. 

     Our dear friend Leonard invited us all to gather at his friends apartment. Here , he said, we would have a taste of another culture; quite literally. First the meal began with a rice, vegetable, and chicken mix. I found this to be delicious, but was told it was only a precursor to the real thing. The "real thing" included a maiz (sort of corn meal thing) and a meat. The instructions were that you had to make a ball of the maiz and dunk it in the meat and sauce. However, there was a fork option. While I began with this, I ended up eating with my hands. It tasted as if I was at someones grandmothers house. We all know granny's(nanas) make the best food. The best part of it all was experiencing another culture I would not have been able to experience had I not made the decision to go abroad. As always, we ended with desert and goodbyes. 

     I ended my time in Schwertberg with Stammtisch and brownies. I will not say goodbye, but rather see you later. I am thankful for the wonderful hospitality of such great friends and people. However, I now must say hallo to Linz. 

Auf wiedersehen! 

     

Erste Wochenende

Schwertberg

  After 2 planes and a car I have arrived in Schwertberg. Schwertberg is a small village town in the state of Upper Austria. Though it is a small place, it is not short of characters and flavor. Here you will find local specifics as well as the standard wiener schnitzel. 

   Upon my arrival I was quickly introduced to the infamous Austrian winter. However, I believe it is still just as charming during winter as it is in the spring. 

    Let us begin at the kirche (church). It is at the center of the village. Next to the church in Schwertberg is a small memorial to those soldiers that were killed in the line of duty during  WWII. Upon entering the cathedral one can take in the beautiful structures that stand at the alter. The view is best from above where the organ is also able to be seen.  

     Further down the way you will find the schloss (castle). This castle was first built in medieval times and still stands today. It has been owned by the Hoyos family since 1911. 

Auf wiedersehen!