Missing Berlin

Well, I miss Berlin already. It's my first night in Prague and so far its not as great as I've been expecting, but I'm ready to give it a better chance in the daylight. Busabout is the way I have been getting from country to country. Its way cheaper than the eurail pass and it lasts longer. Plus, you meet people your age wanting to do the same sort of things you do along the way. I have really enjoyed getting to know these people and hang out with them, besides our host families - who have been more than wonderful.

I neglected to take a picture of our first Servas host in Berlin. Her name is Isolde and she is a sweatheart. She once hitchiked her way from NYC to San Francisco. How cool is that? I wish it weren't so taboo these days to do such a thing. Our second host was a family: Muni, Claud, Melina, and Goldie the dog. They made us a delicious dinner including a cheese spread, wine, and desert (from 'splatch') every night. On top of that, they were just so delightful to be around and really made Karissa and I feel like we were part of a family, which is a great feeling to have when you're traveling so far away from home for so long.

I saw Terezin, the holding camp used by the Nazis, today. It was intense and if I had such a strong reaction to a holding camp I can't imagine what going through an actual concentration camp must be like. I'll definitely make it a point to visit one while I'm over here.

I don't have loads of time to write but I want to share SOME of the things I've learned while traveling so far:

-Australians are crazy
-always say 'hello' and 'thank you' to personell in their country's language
-learn as many european phrases as possible...don't be that dumb american that only knows english
-ask the locals for art museums you wont find on tourist maps..they're always better
-go to the touristy stuff too...you'll regret it if you dont
-dont be afraid of looking like a tourist with your map out on a street corner...if it helps you find your way do it no matter what (just maker sure your purse is close by while doing so)
-always count your change...european shopkeeps almost always try to cheat the tourists out of their change
-learn the currency before using it
-meet as many new people as you can
-stay out all night at least once in a while...youll have a blast and meet some fun people along the way
-write down your travels along the way...youll probably forget them later otherwise
-stay in touch with friends while gone...youll need them when you return to tell all your fabulous european adventures to (and bc you love them of course)

I'm sure there are so many more.
pictures when I can


p.s.
hello in prague is 'ahoy'
thank you in prague is 'dickwee'
this is fact