I previously shared my plans for an exciting adventure. With limited funds, no employment, and some debt, I decided to escape to Europe for a few months. What could possibly go wrong?

For those interested in the backstory, feel free to explore the link below.

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<h2>My Big Adventure</h2>

<div><h3>What happens when you take your life savings to travel the world?</h3></div>

<div><p>karenpatricia.medium.com</p></div>

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Initially, my plan was to stay in the stunning city of Florence, Italy, for three months and immerse myself in local life. My friend Ruth, who shares my passion for travel and inspired this journey, found an incredibly affordable Airbnb for us. However, like many well-laid plans, ours went awry when the host canceled our reservation last minute due to a “family emergency,” which I suspect meant they found a more lucrative offer.

Searching for a comparable accommodation, we were dismayed to discover that prices had nearly doubled. After what I can only describe as a crisis meeting—during which a considerable amount of Prosecco might have been enjoyed—we devised a new plan. Instead of settling in one location for three months, we decided to explore multiple cities.

Our first destination became the charming city of Prague, Czech Republic, where we would spend a couple of weeks before moving on to longer stays in Rome and Florence. This experience taught me that while it's great to have a set plan, flexibility is vital when unexpected changes occur.

I had only a vague understanding of Prague or even the Czech Republic prior to Ruth's suggestion. Upon mentioning the trip to my mother, she expressed excitement, as the city frequently appeared in her favorite crime show, FBI International. My mother's enthusiasm made it clear that Prague was a must-visit.

Ruth is the more organized half of our duo, while I pride myself on my creativity—though she might disagree. I generate the ideas, and Ruth makes them a reality, which works well for us. In this instance, it was Ruth who proposed a week in Prague. Admittedly, it wasn’t on my bucket list, so I asked her why this city. Her response? She wanted to experience snow, and Prague was more likely to deliver than Italy.

I can imagine those living in colder climates shaking their heads at us. For them, snow can be burdensome each winter. However, for us Australians, it’s a rare treat. Sadly, the weather was uncooperative during our week in Prague, but the city's beauty quickly made us forget about the missing snow.

Through my preliminary research, I learned that Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic, historically significant as the capital of Bohemia and favored by Empress Maria Theresa of Austria. The city’s historic center was added to UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1992, ensuring the preservation of its stunning architecture.

Known for its Gothic style and the magnificent Prague Castle, the city earned its nickname “City of Spires” thanks to its numerous churches. It’s a photographer's paradise, and I soon found it to be one of my favorite destinations.

Now, let's shift from the historical context. As an everyday tourist, here’s what I discovered about Prague the moment I landed. Most locals have a good command of English, which made communication effortless for me, as my attempts at learning French and Italian have been less than successful. The friendliness of the people was a pleasant surprise, especially since Prague is the fourth most visited city in Europe, following London, Paris, and Rome.

Moreover, it is a budget-friendly alternative compared to those cities, making it feasible to experience it over a weekend. We spent a week there, enjoying laid-back days in bars and cafes. While the euro is accepted, we found that most establishments preferred the Czech koruna. We faced some challenges obtaining cash, as ATM fees were high and exchange rates unfavorable. Thankfully, credit and debit cards were widely accepted, and we didn’t mind using euros as tips where necessary.

This brings me to lesson number two: exchange currency before departure. Walking around Prague is delightful, and my Apple Watch recorded significant activity from exploring Old Town, the Jewish Quarter, and Charles Bridge, all the way to the heights of Prague Castle. The walking not only kept us fit but also allowed us to discover hidden gems that might have been overlooked from a tour bus.

Before my trip, I had heard that Czech people often appeared stern and didn’t smile, but I found this to be a myth. They were incredibly welcoming and eager to enhance our travel experience, which included enjoying copious amounts of beer and wine. Surprisingly, Prague is renowned for its beer culture, with Czechs consuming more beer per capita than any other European nation. They even claim to have invented Pilsner.

In Prague, drinking is a common pastime, with hot wine being a popular choice. Having tasted mulled wine in London and Paris, I can say the hot wine here was exceptional—rich with citrus flavors, perfect for the chilly weather. After a long day of sightseeing, we often took breaks in cozy cafes, enjoying a glass of hot wine alongside cheese platters and garlic baguettes, all while wrapped in furs to ward off the cold.

For those who prefer not to walk, the Hop On Hop Off Bus is a great option, readily available in tourist hotspots. It offers Wi-Fi and an app for commentary, but don't forget your earbuds to avoid disturbing fellow passengers.

The Vltava River flows through Prague, and walking across Charles Bridge provides breathtaking views. This historic bridge, commissioned in the 14th century by Charles IV, features numerous statues of important figures and is a vibrant hub for tourists, complete with street performers and vendors. I appreciated that the local vendors were not overly aggressive, allowing us to explore without feeling pressured.

One thing that stood out to me was the local wildlife. We saw creatures that resembled beavers but were actually water rats or Nutria. They are quite cute but can be aggressive, so a word of caution if you’re tempted to get too close.

We visited in winter, just after Christmas, when decorations and markets were being taken down. Although I imagine the city is magical during the holiday season, visiting at this time meant fewer crowds compared to the busier spring and summer months. This made exploring the main attractions manageable within a couple of days, and midweek visits helped us avoid long queues.

While I can't speak for the summer experience, winter had its perks: smaller crowds, minimal waiting, and clearer views from Prague Castle, as the trees had shed their leaves.

I highly recommend visiting Prague Castle, the city's most popular attraction according to Lonely Planet. It is massive and houses historic buildings, museums, and galleries. Entry to the grounds is free, but if you wish to explore the interiors, tickets and audio guides are available. We were content wandering the exterior, but I’d definitely opt for an official tour on a future visit.

On our last day, we joined a two-hour walking tour led by a local guide, which I wish we had done earlier to set the stage for our exploration. Our guide shared fascinating stories about key sites, including the synagogue in the Jewish Quarter, which was preserved during WWII for Hitler's planned Jewish museum. Another captivating tale involved the Astronomical Clock, built in 1410, and its legendary maker who was supposedly blinded to prevent him from replicating it elsewhere.

The clock is a masterpiece, with figures that move and entertain crowds every hour—a delightful sight.

As an Australian, I found it amusing that cannabis shops are prevalent throughout Prague, despite its illegal status. These stores promote weed and CBD products, but they’re more of a tourist attraction than anything else. If you’re hoping for authentic experiences, you may want to save your money.

Interestingly, our guide noted that the Czech Republic is one of the least religious countries in Europe, with nearly half the population identifying as non-religious. The churches we observed serve diverse purposes, functioning as event venues for weddings and parties.

Prague offers a wealth of experiences, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I relished my time there. It was a wonderful first stop on my grand adventure. The locals were friendly, the city was easy to navigate—though watch out for those cobblestones—and the costs were reasonable compared to other major European cities.

While a week may have felt lengthy, we had no rush and enjoyed exploring at our own pace. I would love to return and venture beyond the city to uncover more of the Czech Republic. It’s a stunning city with much to offer, particularly for history enthusiasts.

What I appreciated most was the preservation of the historical landscape. From Prague Castle, modern skyscrapers are visible, yet within the city, it feels as though time stands still, allowing one to imagine life in Bohemia days gone by—minus the cannabis shops, of course.

After a fantastic week in Prague, it was time to move on. Next on the itinerary is Vienna, Austria. I hope you’ll accompany me on this journey, and perhaps my stories will inspire others to embark on their own grand adventures.