Prague

Wow! We definitely needed that.  The trip gave us both the time to destress and reconnect that we needed. It was so nice to be the only people we both knew in a new city, but not have any real responsibilities for the week.  I could definitely live like that...

Our trip to Prague was so amazing!  I absolutely loved it.  The city had a very medieval feel to it.  Of the entire time we were there, it was sunny one day, but we decided we liked it better in the fog because it gave it a kind of personality.  The rooftops even seem to glow!  I always think it's funny that I prefer the cities that are less popular to the ones that most tourists love.  I guess that's probably because I'm not really your typical tourist.  I mean, yes, I definitely do the touristy things in new places, but I also seek out the activities and hobbies of the locals.  I want to learn about their culture and history.  I want to experience the life of the people and not just go for the typical reasons.  I like wandering and experiencing.

The architecture was UNREAL, the food was to die for, and the beverages....  Oh, where to even begin.  Czech beer is delicious, and as the locals will tell you, it's the best beer in the world.  I would have to agree with them, though. It's easily drinkable and the taste is light, yet agreeable.  This is something you could drink with a meal or enjoy on it's own.  Also, it is so cheap! Generally, a pint of Czech beer runs in the price range of anywhere from 29 - 50 czk, which is about 1.05 - 1.80 euro or $1.31 - $2.26.  It was cheaper than the water!

And the mulled wine! MMMMM!!! Called hot wine in most places in Prague, but essentially just warm spiced wine.  It was definitely my favorite drink and I've decided I'm going to learn how to create it at home.  I could drink it all day long and never get tired of it.  It can be either red or white, apparently, but I found the idea of hot white wine to be repulsive, so I never tried that (probably because I don't like white wine to begin with).

Besides the beer, I think James' favorite thing in Prague was the old style ham from the Old Town Square (where we spent most of our time), which I can vouch is delicious!  It was tender and juicy, but extremely filling.  He never did get around to trying the pork knuckle and pork knee that seemed to be so popular.  We did try the beef goulash and dumplings (thanks to a suggestion from the Czech woman on the flight over).  When the bring the plate to your table, you look at it and think 'there is no way I'm gonna be full after this,' but because the dumplings are so dense you actually are full!  The food is really rich and heavy, but due to probably centuries of refinement they pull it off.  Another favorite Czech food was the dessert, trdelník. This is a rolled pastry, toasted over an open flame, and coasted in cinnamon, sugar, and almonds.  I waited until our last night in Prague to get one, but that was actually the best thing because I would have gotten one every single day; they were so good!

The best thing we did, besides wander, was the Bernard Beer Spa.  I know, sounds weird, yeah?  Well, to be honest, it kinda was, but it was also not something you can experience everywhere else.  During the spa reservation, you spend half an hour soaking in the spa bath, which is full of bubbly water with hops, sugar, and yeast added along with a beer oil, and half an hour lounging in a heated bed to allow the vitamins time to soak into your skin and hair.  All the bad things are removed from the ingredients added to the spa, so you don't actually leave smelling like a brewery.  It's so relaxing.

Oh! I purchased a Kafka novel while we were there.  It would be pretty bad to not go to Prague and get a Kafka book... We also walked the streets around Prague castle, where Mozart (allegedly) used to wander as a young man.  There is so much history there, even though it was mostly untouched by war and turmoil.

I definitely think it would be pretty impossible to go to Prague and not enjoy it.  Everything is very close together and the city just has a really romantic feel, I think; even more so than Paris.  One afternoon on a really misty day, we were on Charles Bridge (Karluv Most), one of the more popular landmarks of the city.  We were just enjoying ourselves and basking in the romanticism and wonder of being in a beautiful Eastern European city for the first time when I looked over to another couple on the bridge and realized what was happening.  The man had proposed to his girlfriend on Charles Bridge!  That was one of the most romantic things I have ever been lucky enough to witness... I just loved it.  Charles Bridge, crossing over the River Vltava, in the city of Prague - one of the most romantic landmarks I've ever seen.

Most of the time, we just walked around or spent time sitting enjoying the city and chatting.  It was a great experience and I loved spending with the love of my life.  I would definitely go back and I think EVERYONE needs to visit the city at least once in their life.  I just wish everyone could experience it as we did.  This would have to be much longer to completely entail everything we did while we visited.

Much love!

The first few weeks

I cannot believe we've made it through five weeks of classes already! While it seems like I haven't been here long, I've learned way more than I could have imagined in these few short weeks. I'm loving it here!

Queen's University, Belfast is a dream. The professors are phenomenal and extremely personable. They are so involved in what we're thinking and doing inside and outside of lectures. I love the guidance I'm getting. I feel more free to think here than I ever have before. It helps that we only have class three days per week (Mon-Wed) because we get the rest of the week for self-study, assignment prep, and relaxation! Makes me feel less stressed than I would be otherwise..

Main Campus

MBC: Our main building

We went to Newgrange on Thursday because James and I had never been. I really enjoyed it! It was full of history and the landscape around it was absolutely stunning! Figures, this IS Ireland... Newgrange is a passage tomb that is 5200 years old.. It goes completely dark when the artificial lights aren't on, which is slightly terrifying. 

Newgrange

Entrance to passage tomb

Surrounding landscape

Now we've essentially got two weeks off, barring the Tuesday seminars and classes. Through one already, but it's been really nice. We're heading to Prague Wednesday because I have to be in Belfast tomorrow for the classes. I'm so excited! We decided to sign up for the beer spa and a Czech beer tasting! There's so much culture, beautiful architecture, history, and, of course, beer! The break will be absolutely PERFECT!

Also, I got a new job! I'm officially an Independent Merchandiser with Chloe + Isabel. You can view my page at mereritter.chloeandisabel.com. The holidays are coming up, so be sure you check out my boutique for gifts! The only downside is you can only ship to the US, so if you're outside the states and really want something, contact me privately and we'll work something out. I'm really enjoying the job, though. I'm able to express my creative side and customize everything! It's making me think some more about opening an Etsy shop so I can do more crafts... We'll see...