Prague, Czech Republic

Another Tour of Europe post! This time featuring...PRAGUE! While Praha was very tourist-y, it was still a highlight of the trip--seemingly quintessential Europe. :)

The lilacs were all in bloom during our time in Praha. Particularly in the yard of this (beautiful) church, which was almost just a field of lilacs. It smelled so sweet, and wandering around through the huge lilac bushes made me feel like I was in Alice and Wonderland. Haha :)

View of Praha over the Vltava River, Charles Bridge at the forefront.

This door was massive.

My favorite building in Praha, I believe it was a synagogue. With Henry's Tower in the background.

One of the turrets from the above building.

St. Vitus Cathedral on the Prague Castle grounds

Inside St. Vitus

Detailed ceiling murals

Saint Wenceslas Square, with the National Museum in the background. Yes, this is the "good king" from our Christmas song, but as it turns out he was a saint, not a king. Interesting.

There were some incredible stained glass windows!

A simple image to end. This was taken in the dungeons of the castle.

Munich, Germany

Next stop on the European Tour: Munich, Germany! We were so excited to experience Bavaria. It was an incredible region with great food--the soft pretzels (brezen) and the white beer (weissbier) were unforgettable.

Beautiful castles and lots of taverns.

The German flag

The Rathaus (city hall)

One of the most famous buildings in Munich, the Glockenspiel, double clock towers (seen in the reflection of that window...)

A more direct view of one of the Glockenspiel, down a cute street.

Sissy soaking up the sun during our snack break...stands selling local produce lined the streets--including stands selling the German staple, white asparagus (spargel).

We took a day trip over to Dachau, the Nazi concentration camp. It was one of the most incredible experiences of my life-being there, in the very spot, where such atrocities were committed. This is the gate where most prisoners entered, under the Jour Haus. It reads, "work brings freedom," and represents the brain-washing that took place at this site. The camp was made out to be a 're-education and training' facility.

I'll only include one more photo of Dachau, even though I could make an entire post with lots of pictures and detailing everything that I learned there, since most probably do not want to see these photos.

This is the old trench and barbed wire fencing with a watch tower overlooking the barracks of the camp.

Ending on a very representative image...the street signs of Bavaria. :)

Look for images from Edinburgh, Scotland soon!!

Jamie and Matt Engaged!

I was thrilled to have the opportunity to take Jamie and Matt's engagement photographs last week. We had a blast in Parshallville and out on Lake Fenton :)






Opening with a fav :)

Really like the color of this one.

Jamie's dog, Chesney, loves Matt.

Laughing!

Brave souls--not at all afraid to get in the water!

Sweet.

Thank you Matt and Jamie! Enjoy your engagement :)

Vienna

Next stop on our tour of Europe: Vienna!

Stunning tulips everywhere

The seemingly never-ending field of tulips

The church where my sister and I spent Easter Sunday, Domkirche St. Stephan. It was a great experience, the choir was impressive, and the structure of the church itself was magnificent.

At church, Ostersonntag is Easter Sunday in German.

Loved watching this painter work in this park situated along the Danube River

The Burggarten

Great arching hallway

Karlskirche

That's all for now...check back in a few days for Jamie and Matt's engagement photos! :)

Paris

Paris, France!

Notre Dame in the spring. Simply gorgeous.

Inside Notre Dame

The choir soloist singing in Notre Dame. The choir was incredible.

Le Louvre

Le Louvre entrance

Sacre Coeur. This is right out of the camera, such great contrast due to the structural variation of this church's exterior.

Again, Sacre Coeur straight out of the camera. Apparently there has been someone praying here constantly for 125 years.

Sunset over the Seine River with the Eiffel Tower in the background.

Eiffel Tower!

Check back in a bit for the next European city of my tour...