For years now I have been planning a trip. I call it my Birthday Trip. I hope to take a vacation with those women who are nearest and dearest to me and visit Europe. Specifically Eastern Europe. The cities and countries I would like to visit are ones that can be found on most travel tours, however there are specific things I would like to do while there. Below is my outline, and I would LOVE to hear your feedback as to what other places or things I should add to my list.
Germany, specifically Berlin. I have previously been to Munich and it’s gorgeous. I loved it completely and I have high hopes for Berlin. As many people are, I’m interested in the history of Berlin primarily during World War 2. I want to see Checkpoint Charlie, the Berlin Wall(or what is left of it), The Brandenburg Gate, and the Holocaust Memorial. Of course you can’t travel to Germany and not enjoy the cuisine and beer. So that is certainly something I will take part in as well.
I have been to Austria previously, and I loved Salzburg. We did spend time in Vienna but it didn’t seem like it was enough time to fully enjoy it. Things that I wanted to see and do in Vienna are Schönbrunn Palace, St Stephens Cathedral, Spanish Riding School and the Lipizzaner horses, Hundertwasserhaus, The Imperial Crypt and the Capuchin Church, and the Judenplatz Holocaust Memorial. Not to mention the wonderful pastries, coffees, and chocolates the city has to offer.
Prague is a city that has been on my list since I first started traveling in high school. I don’t know why the city has also intrigued me but it has. A few things that are on my need to see list include; The Infant Jesus of Prague, the Astronomical Clock and old town square, the Charles Bridge, the Old Jewish Ghetto, and The Lennon Wall. I’m sure I’m missing many other attractions, but that just means I’ll have to return in the future.
My favorite history teacher in high school was from Hungary. I’ve wanted to see Budapest for several years and this birthday trip seemed to be the perfect time to do so. On my need to see list I have, Fisherman’s Bastion, Great Market Hall, The River Danube and the Chain Bridge, Shoes on the Danube Bank, The Jewish Quarter, House of Terror (sounds ominous), and the Dohany Street Synagogue. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m willing to see the castles, and restaurants as well, but some of these things are on the list simply for my love of history.
I want to visit Poland, as there is a lot of history there, and honestly my family can trace their history to Pomerania, which at the time was part of Germany, but now part of Poland. However the city I would like to spend more time in is Krakow. In Krakow, there are many things to see and do of course, some on my list include, St. Mary’s Basilica, Wieliczka Salt Mine, Jewish Quarter, Schindler’s List Passage, Auschwitz Concentration Camp. I was privileged to visit the Dachau Concentration Camp in Germany when I was there, and it was a very humbling and solemn location, I can only imagine how Auschwitz will affect me, but I feel it is something I need to see, simply to never forget.
Be strong, be beautiful, be you
Amateur Connoisseur 