The second stop of our trip was in lovely Prague:

The first thing we did upon arriving was walk to the town square where we all went our separate ways.

The Minerts and a group of us decided our time that afternoon would be best spent paddle boating on the Moldova River by Karl's Bridge. I jealously coveted the fact that some of us got to use the Volkwagen Bug paddle boat.

Karl's Bridge

We got an hour to putter around the river and around the island in the center. It of course afforded great vantage points for photos that not most tourists to Prague get to enjoy. Take that, you masses! I was in a paddle boats with the Minerts, which was an enjoyable experience. We talked about living around the world and where I would prefer to live. They seemed a little shocked about the fact that I love Arkansas as much as I do.

Oh Arkansas, you are my little hidden gem.

After paddle boating we paid to go up the Old Townhall tower (and if I actually paid to do it you know it was less than $5). And I did not take the elevator up, although I could have. Bri has that effect on people.We got to the top and took our pictures as we walked around.

Then just as we were about to head back down we realized the sun was beginning to set over the palace hill, so we stayed up and watched the day turn to night.

And as per tradition I went to Hard Rock! I don't think it took too much convincing to get some friends to come along.

After Hard Rock we walked around the city some more. I would venture to say that I prefer cities by night. The way things are lit up, they make me want to snap my shutter and end up with millions of photos by night's end.

Here is Karl's Bridge with the Palace in the background:

The next morning we toured Prague Castle, which by the way is the largest in the world. The castle dates back to the 9th Century with the first walled building being the Church of Our Lady. The first palace was built in the 12th century and in the 14th century was restyled in a Gothic style by Charles IV. The Kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman Emperors, and the presidents of Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic have all kept their offices there.

After the castle we once again hit the road for our next stop. Dresden!

Our first stop on our ten day trip was in a small town in the Czech Republic. When you look in the dictionary for quaint there is a picture of Český Krumlov. The town has been made a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the center of the town is a castle, with winding streets radiating out as small alleyways of eclectic shops and homes. The town and castle began in the 13th century, with possession of the castle changing from family to family until 1945. Although the town fell into disrepair during the Communist years, it has been restored since 1989.

Man that sounded stuffy. 

Just look. Really. That's all you need:

My Groupies. Follow me everywhere. Can't get rid of them. Le Sigh. Clockwise from Left: Josh, Chris, Bri, and Stephen.

The Vltava River runs through the town.

When we arrived in Halstatt it was raining. The clouds were rolling over the mountain tops, leaving snow capped peaks in their wake. Below were houses perched on the mountain side next to an alpine lake.

Yes. You are jealous. I know.

I am still alive. I'm working on a few new posts for the next few days. Hope everyone is in good health and good moods.

The Joy Formidable- Whirring

Last week as a group we went to Schönbrunn Palace, which was the summer home of the Habsburgs until 1916, when the Habsburg dynasty ended.

We did a tour of the inside and got to see some pretty cool rooms, including where Kennady and Kruschev met in 1961 for the Vienna Summit. Totally cool for a politics geek like me.
Unfortunately we were not allowed to take photos while inside, so I don't have much to share, as far as photography is concerned.
We saw the private rooms where Franz Josef spent much of his time, as well as those of Sissy. We also saw where the family would meet for dinner. Sissy was apparently very concerned with her weight and therefore neglected to join the family on many occasions. I can't understand why because apparently one of Franz Josef's favorite meals was Schnitzel with potatoes. My kind of man.

The gardens were gorgeous so it was great to stroll around after the tour. Like Versailles and many other palaces, the gardens had many manicured bushes, trees, and flower beds creating walkways past beautiful fountains. I also saw this wonderful photo op:

That little girl just sat there and stared at me for about two minutes with her little crown on before her mom called her away. Small children make me smile.

I would like everyone to know that I am now a proud Dirndl owner. And yes I will wear it to special occasions, like Christmas, and Easter, and anything in between that justifies Dirndl wearing. There is a pleased expression on my face as I think about this. As McKenna would say: "Me gusta."

Herrenchiemsee is situated on an island in the Herrenchiemsee (See= Lake) and is a replica of Versailles,  built by Ludwig II of Bavaria (the same man who built Neuschwanstein, aka, Cinderella's Palace in Disney World). Lu was quite enamored with Louis the Sun King, and therefore built the palace as a monument to the right of kings. He never lived in it himself.

The coolest part was learning about Professor Minerts experiences as a tour guide at the palace. Shortly after his mission he worked on the island and gave english as well as german tours of the castle. I so badly want my german to be that good! I dream of that happening one day. Some girls dream of finding their prince and living happily ever after (not that that wouldn't be fabulous... any takers?.... anyone?) or being famous. Not me. I want to be able to speak 20 different languages. Fluently. 

One day. One day Maddie. 

After Obersalzburg, we drove to Haag am Hausruck, which is where the church was started in Austria. We went to the little branch there on Sunday and visited a few important locations of church in Austria.

The Abbey

Camille and Naomi

The Minerts are so cute.

Enjoying our delicious find.