SB2k13: A Photo A Day

This spring break was drastically different than any other one I've ever had. Maybe it was that it lasted two and a half weeks. Maybe it was because I'm in the real world now so I shouldn't even be getting a spring break. Maybe it was that I visited seven countries. Maybe it was the hilarity and confusion of various languages and currencies. Maybe it was the wonderful mix of travel companions. Maybe it was that I've spent too much time alone this year. Maybe it was that I just needed a break. Let's be honest, it was probably all of the above. Regardless, it was indescribably fun.

And I tried my best to blog along the way, there is honestly no way to convey to you the incredible sites we saw, the interesting travelers who crossed our paths, the insane places we slept, every time we got lost (and didn't get lost, thanks to Farley!) and all the wonderful rounds of "Perfect Mate Perfect" and "Would You Rather...?" that ensued. Between myself, Rita, Farley, Alison, and Bailey...we had quite the entertaining and eclectic travel crew. In order not to bore you (too much!), I will just share one photo from each day that best captures those 24 hours.

Day 1: Departing Wald-Michelbach, Germany to Gimmelwald, Switzerland

Team Members: Rita and myself

The dragons waving goodbye to us and we hopped into a sketchy van taxi.

Day 2: Gimmelwald, Switzerland

Team Members: Rita and myself (and our new local friends who took us sledding!)

Sledding the Alps, this picture was taken just after lunch at a delicious local "Ski in/Ski out" (or in our case, "Sled in/Sled out") restaurant.

Day 3: Leaving Gimmelwald, spent the day in Zurich, Switzerland and an overnight train to Vienna, Austria

Team Members: Rita and myself

Sad to leave the beautiful town of Gimmelwald.

Day 4: Vienna, Austria

Team Members: Rita, Farley and myself

Easter markets in snowy Vienna!

Day 5: Vienna, Austria

Team Members: Rita, Alison, Farley and myself

We ate at this delicious meat and cheese shop, where Rita fell in love with the owner.

Day 6: Vienna, Austria

Team Members: Rita, Farley and myself

We aren't sure why, but Vienna was insanely cold.  and windy. and snowy. and cold.

Day 7: Travel to Budapest, Hungary

Team Members: Rita, Farley and myself

Some sight seeing in the beautiful city of Budapest upon arrival.

Day 8: Budapest, Hungary

Team Members: Rita, Farley, Alison and myself

Here we were standing above so you can see both cities, Buda and Pest. Pest was the cooler side with all the ruin pubs, most of the historic buildings, and delicious places to eat.

Day 9: Budapest, Hungary

Team Members: Rita, Alison, Farley and myself

Budapest had the best kebabs and falafel!

Day 10: Travel to Bratislava, Slovakia

Team Members: Rita, Bailey, Alison, Farley and myself

This selfie shows Bailey's home/volleyball gym named PKO. Nicknamed "Probably Killed Overnight". This picture was the start to a wonderful few days in Bratislava.

Day 11: Bratislava, Slovakia

Team Members: Rita, Bailey, Alison and myself

Happy Easter. He is risen! And it is still snowing in Bratislava...but we had a fantastic home cooked Easter meal with Bailey's adoptive family. 

Day 12: Bratislava, Slovakia and an overnight train to Krakow, Poland

Team Members: Rita, Bailey, Alison and myself

Bratislava castle. "Can you take one more??" spoken in Bailey's british accent.

Day 13: Krakow, Poland

Team Members: Rita and myself

It was incredible and heart wrenching to visit Auschwitz. Here is the infamous gate.

Day 14: Krakow, Poland

Team Members: Rita and myself

The salt mines in Krakow were incredible, here we are with a statue carved from the salt.

Day 15: Krakow, Poland and an overnight train to Prague, Czech Republic

Team Members: Rita and myself

Poland is cold.

Day 16: Prague, Czech Republic

Team Members: Rita and myself

I just love the architecture and buildings in Prague, this was taken from the top of the clock tower!

Day 17: Prague Czech Republic

Team Members: Rita and myself

We LOVED visiting Easter markets the whole trip, but this smoked cheese stand in Prague takes the cake. So delicious.

Day 18: Leave Prague to return to Wald-Michelbach, Germany

Team Members: myself (solo for the first time in a month!)

Tossing away the maps, packing my bag for the final time, and returning to home sweet Wald-Michelbach!

And thats a wrap...xoxo