Over the summer, I traveled to Europe for a couple of weeks. I stayed with family members who live in Germany, and I traveled in and around Germany and the Czech Republic to some locations that were a little off the beaten path. This is not to say I went to the most exotic or obscure places. It is also not to say that there is anything wrong with visiting London, Paris, or Berlin, but I would like to share my experiences of a different side of Europe (note: these locations are all in either the Czech Republic or Germany- I don't want to write about places I have not seen).

Wiesbaden

Nestled in the pocket of the Rhine river, Wisebaden is the capital of the German province of Hessen. The city is home to roughly a quarter of a million people, as well as a small town's worth of Americans who live there for the military base in the city. A notable previous inhabitant of the city is Priscilla Presley, who met Elvis while he was stationed in Germany.

The Kurhaus of Wiesbaden- the inscription boasts of the "Water of the Mattiaci," an ancient Germanic tribe.

Eisenach

Deep in the heart of Germany, Eisenach is home to many fascinating draws- The Wartburg Castle (one time home of Martin Luther), the home of J.S. Bach, and some of the best bologneseschnitzel on earth. The villa that I stayed in was owned by a family of cars salesmen who had walls adorned with Deutsche Marks and Reich Marks- currency of Germany from the past.

The statue commemorating Bach.

Prague

Home to some of the most beautiful architecture in the world, multiple central hubs, the Vltava river, and rich, century old culture, the capital of the Czech Republic is a site to behold. My short stay meant I could not see it all, but many extended visits could not capture all this gem has to offer.