happy holidays!

Today is my last day in Prague before I travel through a few more countries for Christmas and the New Year. I can't believe over three months have passed since I've been here, time has gone by so quickly.

Mom and her friend Jean came to visit Prague and are currently traveling around Europe as well. It was so great to have a piece of home during the holidays!

Here is where I'll be the next two weeks...

December
22-23 Budapest, Hungary
24-27 Geneva, Switzerland
28 Thessaloniki, Greece
29-31 Athens, Greece

January
1-6 Rome, Italy
7 Prague, CZ and then Houston, Texas!

Studying abroad in Prague was one of the best decisions I've made. I've met people from literally all over the world, traveled to places I'd never imagined seeing, and most of all - learned a lot about myself and developed lasting friendships.

I'll really miss Prague and Europe, but am looking forward to heading back to Austin in January!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

paris, france

Visiting Paris was definitely one of my most memorable experiences. The city is absolutely lovely and there is so much to see and do!

Besides visiting The Louvre, Museum D'Orsay, Notre Dame, Hotel de Ville and the Pantheon, we greatly enjoyed walking around different Parisian areas. We walked down the Champs Elysées and window shopped on the way to the Arc de Triomphe. We strolled down Mouffetard Street with fresh crepes and enjoyed the streets and shops in the Latin Quarter, Saint Michel, and Saint Germain. In addition, simply wandering down the Seine was beautiful in itself and seeing Paris at night from Montmarte gave an incomparable view of the city.

Notre Dame.


Notre Dame.


Notre Dame.


Les Halles.


Eiffel Tower.


Eiffel Tower.

Eiffel Tower.

This mosque had the best mint tea ever!

The Pantheon.

Luxembourg Palace.

The Louvre.

The Louvre.

The Louvre.

Mona Lisa.

Christmas markets amidst the financial district and La Defense Arch.

Arc de Triomphe.

Museum D'Orsay.

Museum D'Orsay.

Moulin Rouge.

The fondue restaurant served wine in baby bottles.

The best fondue restaurant in the world!

A fountain in the rain.

vienna, austria

I had a lovely trip to Vienna, Austria this past weekend. The entire city is bursting with Christmas decor, open-air markets, and music. Vienna was unforgettable and set the mood for a cheery holiday season!

Toys at the Christmas markets.


Ornaments at the Christmas markets.


Christmas markets.


Statue at Schönbrunn Palace.

Schönbrunn Palace.

Schönbrunn Palace.

Schönbrunn Palace.

Schönbrunn Palace.

Entrance of Schönbrunn Palace.

Schönbrunn Palace.

The squirrels were practically domesticated!

Drinking glühwein (mulled wine) at the Christmas markets.

Danube River.

Christmas decorations in the streets of Vienna.

The cathedral Stephansdom in Vienna's city centre.

At night, they have a spotlight that changes colors on the side of the church. It was so neat!

There was an amazing pianist busking right in front of this beautiful statue.

The streets of Vienna.

Rathaus (City Hall).

Rathaus had Christmas markets, decorations everywhere, and crafts for children inside.

Statue of Athena in front of the Austrian Parliament.

Hofburg Palace.

Hofburg Palace.

Karlskirche.

Karlskirche.

Stadtpark - so many benches, but no one in sight to sit.


Freedom.