Back to Western Europe

(Originally emailed on 20 Sep 2006)

Hello,

Just arrived Frankfurt this morning from Praque and will follow the "Romantic Road" tomorrow to Fussen to see the famous Neuschwanstein castle. It´s the first time I took the night train and because I didn´t book any sleeping car or couchette, I ended up sleeping in the normal compartment with my sleeping bag. Finally realised how useful a sleeping bag could be...

Prior to three days in Praque I was in Berlin for four days and it's really a great city to be, combining rich history and modernism. Most of all, the walking tour I had in Berlin was the best I ever have. Initially it was only for 4 hours, but I guess we ended up having almost 5 hours tour and gone through all the major sightseeing spots in Berln with comprehensive background introduction. The guide is passionate about what he is doing, and I think he is a History PHD with Ivy degree. What a gift to us!!

I never expect that much from Berlin but I am havig a great time there. People I met are nice and friendly, and I was even traveling in Praque for three days with an Amercan girl I met during the walking tour. Prauqe is not initially on my itinery because of the safety concern, but I am glad that I make it to come here. It's indeed beautiful, like the mix of Paris and Florance; however people are not generally speaking English and it's funny that you could really sense some sorts of the remaining communism here. It's even prettier in the winter when everything is covered with snow (from the photo I saw), but yeah, it will be damn freezing......

Although I have been traveling in Europe for a while, it's the first time I really stay in a real hostel in Praque, with mixed dorm and open shower place. And today in Frankfurt, the hostel is not far away from the central train station but sort of in the middle of the red light district. I think I will experience more of the different hoste life when I travel further.

I had uploaded some photos on my MSN space (not yet with the subtitle) and if you had added me on your list, you might be able to see that; otherwise just add my MSN and you should be able to access it after the athorisation.

Till then, take good care of yourself.