Madrid and Prague

Ahh, back to sweet old Jeddah. The sandbox that everyone loves to hate it seems. I don't mind it that much, but admittedly, coming from the vacation that I just came from - I'd rather have stayed on vacation.
Our travel to Madrid went along nicely although it was a very long day. As usual, we were carrying a normal amount of luggage but additionally we were carrying two HUGE water guns that were meant for Flor's nephews. Although it came as no surprise, the security officers in Brussels were not too keen to let us through. Neon yellow guns with a water reserve tank/backpack seem to pose a huge risk. Oh, and being carried around in Toys'R'Us bags. Scary stuff huh? Admittedly, the bags had Arabic writing on the sides. The trouble was well worth it though once we saw the faces of the kids when opening up the boxes. Only trouble was, the gun was bigger than the younger one!
We enjoyed great hospitality, sun and a very cooling pool for those too few days in Madrid.
Prague was absolutely positively the best vacation I think either one of use had ever gone on. The city is incredibly beautiful - tourist scenes and others alike. We rented a great apartment with Holečkova Apartments Praha (yes, relating to the photos on the site, what you see is what you get). The location was good even though it is not in the city center. The tram system is excellent enough so that we were able to be in Praha 1 (the city center district) within 10 minutes on the tram.
We used our time there to relax a bit, look at the most popular sites (that big tower on top of the hill, that big castle on top of the hill and that old bridge over the river... to name a few). We ate excellent food (albeit, not enough of local cuisine), took a bike ride to Stromovka park (and I managed to get hit by a car... but I think the car was more damaged) and looked at funny versions of ourselves in some mirror labyrinth. Got a quick lesson on what makes Absinth real or fake (tourist version he called it). Saw some incredible examples of how not to dress.
Prague is definitely a city to visit again. There is lots to do and an endless amount of variety in surroundings. A very green city which still holds on to the history that built it. The only unfortunate thing is that Europeanization is starting to shine through - mostly in price. I don't know what it is, but going to a foreign country I'd rather be presented with some foreign currency that I have to adapt to instead of using the good 'ol Euro. Ironic considering my homecountry's status. But going to Prague, I did business with korunas for the first time since I left Iceland. A warm and fuzzy feeling.
Well, back to real life here in Jeddah. Shifts coming up and an eight week outing. Next up, Iceland in September. I can hardly wait. In the meantime, click here for some photos from Prague. I apologize for the ego photos...

Labels: english, travel

as written by Tobbi G. at 10:50 AM GMT