Copenhagen Day 1

View from the top of the tower!

After a wonderful visit of the Copenhagen crew to Prague, I finally made my way to visit them in Denmark! I had absolutely no expectations for the city. I knew nothing about it, except that Vanderbilt loves sending kids there, and wLesson of the day: VISIT PEOPLE! I was lucky to have all of my best friends in one place, but just in general, it is nice to be the follower and have tour guides who are also college age, studying abroad, and know whats up in their city. It was nice to take a break from researching things to do, figuring out directions, or just planning in general. I got in around lunch time, coming up from the Metro to hear Munt scream “D!!!” across the street. I yelled out a very American “HELLO COPENHAGEN!” and ran to meet her and Colleen. We had AMAZING salads at Café Pauldan and caught up about everything that had happened since we last saw each other. Afterewards, we met up with Adam and other kids from their dorm and headed to Christiania.
I was beyond excited for this, which I had found on a buzzfeed earlier in the year and continued to keep note of. Christiania is a commune that is separate from Copenhagen, Denmark, and even the EU (made note of by the sign as you leave saying “you are now entering the EU”. I find the entire concept, as well as the laws, of Christiania really interesting, but in short, it is a very “hippie” type of place that preaches love, anti-violence, expression of art, etc. I was also unaware of the giant, beautiful tower that is right nearby, and it was great to climb to the very top of the outdoor spiral staircase. Later that day, Colleen and I

The tower we climbed!

went to grab food and I learned that Danes love LICORICE. Clearly, I should be Danish (well, minus the whole tall and blonde thing) as I sampled every type of gummy, candy, and even ice cream that I possibly could without being made fun of for my taste in candy once. That night, we went out together and it was so much fun. Leaving the bar, I was taken aback by the daylight. While the sun rises very early in Prague as well, this was much earlier and much brighter. Melissa, Adam, myself, and a few others headed to the Happy Wall where Munt and I took this picture for our friends from school. We finished the night sitting on the canal, watching the sun fully rise.  Its official, I love Copenhagen! 

Cesky Krumlov!

Czech army tanks?

Rise and shine! Another thing, besides a good breakfast, to actually wake me up in the morning is a trip! So at 7:45 I rolled out of bed and right onto the charter bus, conveniently located across the street from our apartment, and headed to Cesky Krumlov. Lesson of the day: Get outta town. I knew very little about Cesky Krumlov except for the fact tht there was a castle. It ended up being one of the most beautiful small towns I had ever seen. (Also, it is worth it to note that on our way there we essentially ran into the entire Czech army) Upon arrival, we went to a great viewpoint and learned a little bit about the town as a whole. Breaking for lunch, Claire, Olivia and I found a vegetarian restaurant thanks to Nicoles suggestion. 

“It’s by the main bridge, it has hummus on the menu, and the guy working there has shaggy blonde hair and looks like hes on something”….okay yeah that sounds like somewhere we can find? In actuality, it was actually great directions and we found both the crazy waiter and hummus immediately! Watching the kayakers go by on the river, we had a very relaxing lunch on the water. Afterwards, we went on the castle tour. This castle was very different from ones I had seen in the past, either in the UK or southern Europe. It definitely had more 

of a “Frozen” feel, with big dark wooden pillars, darker furniture, and less ornate. The most characteristic aspect of it was that they keep bears on the premises (and feed them bagettes, which is weird) and as these bears die they become rugs all over the castle. While odd, and extremely sad, it very much adds to the stereotype of a central European castle. I loved Cesky and would definitely recommend it to anyone! 

Field Trips Galore

Class was fully outside of the classroom today! Of course, right after I pulled a muscle in my knee, but nonetheless fun J For Jewish studies we headed to the Jewish quarter, and I especially found interest with the Spanish synagogue and the cemetery. While the one by my apartment is quite eerie, it has nothing on the main one. To think that the population of an entire football stadium is fit in that tiny area is more than shocking. Also, the Spanish synagogue was one of the most beautiful interiors of any church, synagogue, or mosque, I think I have ever seen anywhere in the world. Next, in Art and Architecture, we headed to look at Renaissance painting in a museum where our professor was the curator. I really am curious as to who exactly Josef is…really no one quite like him..haha. Still, I am beyond excited for a future class- 

I cannot wait to see the Cerny artwork!!! After class I headed back to Fittop and then rushed to the game. Lesson of the day: Actually follow the World Cup. If you happen to be lucky enough to be in Europe during this time, it is a waste to ignore it. We were not prepared enough to have gotten a table at a good pub, but thankfully found some space at Chapeau Rouge. Next game, I think we are going back to what we know best and attempting to find a table at the beer garden. Later that night, Claire and I – the lone Seifertova residents home – decided to go out together and headed to Déjà vu, which I have never been to before…or maybe I have…(that ones for you Dad). We ended the night with finally caving in to my favorite street food, doner kebab (that one is for you Mom). Another perfect day in Praha!

JzP and Jazz

Wednesday means the JzP farmers market. (As does Friday and Saturday..). I have found that I have way more money for nice restaurants, trips, and such by shopping at the farmers market. Julie and I both bought ALL of our groceries for 2 dollars each! Including apricots, cherries, cucumbers, tomatoes, dried fruit..etc etc. its insane how cheap and delicious it is. Thank god for having this up the street. (really really far up, it might be the steepest street in the world, but still) I finally introduced Olivia and Claire to Secret of Raw, realizing it is both really nice and super embarrassing that I know half the staff and also that the “summer menu” started the previous day. Still, I am very at home in my neighborhood. After lunch, Julie and I headed to ISA to plan our trip to Budapest and Vienna, as well as I communicated with Jamie and Margaret. Lesson of the day: Plan in advance and USE THE BUS Seriously, I could not regret not solidifying my trips before leaving, or within the first week, more than I do right now. You should have seen our faces as we marched over to the ticket counter at Hlvani 
Nadrazi, only to find that taking the train would cost over $500. Heading back to ISA for a second time, with Tamara’s assistance we translated websites and booked bus tickets. I cannot believe how much I still have to do for my post-Prague plans but am also getting so excited for everything to come. I seriously do not think I could be happier!! After the gym and some delicious take out from Masala, we headed to AghaRTA, a famous jazz club in Old Town. I LOVE live jazz, at least from my experiences in France and New Orleans, and was super excited. While it differed from the Nawlins soul Marj and I saw or the big  band dancing hall Nicole and I visited in Paris, the smooth jazz in this underground café was a perfect way to hang after a rainy Wednesday. Eric, Zach, Julie and I split a bottle of red wine and sat there for 2 of the 3 shows, staying over 2 hours! I really want to see one more show when I am here, and cannot wait for the outdoor concert  festival that happens towards the end of our trip! After dinner, we went to Bugsys, which truly is a great location after a cultural “night on the town” like ballet or jazz. 

I think today would mark the beginning of me transitioning from doing a million different things in Prague to instead wanting to just live my life here. I have a hard time with feeling like I should be making the experience as fulfilling as possible, but sometimes that means just doing the things I have to do and instead appreciate where I am rather than running around to make sure I see all of it. Now that I have done many things on my bucket list, I am excited to be able to continue to explore Prague but in an unhurried way.