I’m certain you have a list of things you hope to do before a certain time. For me, I had done most of what I had planned for this season in my life. And the only thing still outstanding was to go for a solo wellness trip.
I made a promise to myself to go for a solo wellness trip to a place I do not know the language; do not have any contact and ride an overnight sleeper train! Daunting ?!
It was for me, at least.
We got engaged in December 2018. So most parts of 2019 were dedicated to planning a destination wedding. By March 2019, I was overwhelmed. Battling with the struggle to sleep, and having panic attacks. Due to the pressures from the wedding planning, keeping up with creating content for my blog site and social media account that was growing rapidly at this time, and my full-time demanding job in the city, it was a lot!
I lost the fun in it all. As I struggled to see a way out, I felt it was time to consult and seek whether this path was for me. Especially, as we imagine that whatever is good coming our way shouldn’t come with difficulties, right?
I’d like to use this opportunity to debunk this lie. The path set before you can be difficult. Even when it is the right thing for you.
So, there I was in March. Totally depleted and unable to keep going. As with me, travel helps ignite creativity in me. I decided to do this one thing left on my bucket list of things to do before I’m married. Do you have this list too? please share some of yours with me.
I searched for a 10 day trip across central Europe. This is how my 10 days Solo wellness trip covering Prague, Budapest, and Vienna came to fruition. This turned from a Solo wellness trip to a soul-searching trip.
At this point, I was beginning to question whether I should get married. Things were increasingly becoming difficult to navigate.
I had so many questions, I knew could only be answered if I was away from my comfort zone.
I have wanted to visit these cities but didn’t get the chance to – so, this was the best opportunity to embark on this Solo Wellness Trip!
Is A Solo WELLNESS Trip for me, you might be asking?
You might be asking yourself this question. But how would you know if you have never embarked on it?
I completed my travel arrangement, chose to do a budget trip as this further pushed me out of my comfort zone. I booked my flight from London Stansted to Prague on Ryanair for £9 over Easter in April 2019 my first city in Central Europe.
FIRST SOLO WELLNESS TRIP CITY: Prague
Prague has been voted many times as the best city to live in. Both in Central and Eastern Europe and we know why! My love for Prague began as soon as I arrived. There is something about a historical city that gets to me.
Perhaps it is the past events that occurred in the city and how educational they are. Prague is an ancient European city but with a twist. It has all the coolness of a modern city wrapped into one. Do you know that Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic and the architecture is simply amazing? In fact, Prague castle is the second place for architectural beauty.
As I mentioned, I came to Prague with much to reflect on and decisions to make. During this trip, I also had a major family emergency. It was a trip to reconnect with myself and my Maker and at the same time, ask for a miracle.
Upon arriving, I checked into my very first Airbnb accommodation. There were so many firsts on this trip!
My host was incredible and his apartment was absolutely stunning. The ideal location to unwind and recharge.
He made me breakfast in the morning and left early leaving me to stay in the flat all on my own which I appreciated. I embarked on my extended morning devotion, asking God for clarity and a miracle for our family emergency.
I spent 2 days and 2 nights in Prague. Visiting Prague in the spring and waking up early to catch the sunrise helps you appreciate why Prague is seen by many as the most beautiful city in the world.
The people are open-minded and friendly. I was very grateful to the people of Prague for allowing me the space to enjoy and appreciate their city. The city also gave me the space I so desperately needed, knowing that help was always a call away.
As I toured through the city, I concluded that Charles Bridge and Petrin Hill were my most favorite spots of the city and equally breathtaking. From Petrin Hill, you see Prague from above and Charles Bridge creates the picturesque ultimate romantic vibe of a man saving his woman on a rainy cold winter.
As I stood in Old Town Square, I was awestruck. It felt like going back 600 or 700 years back in time. The Old Town Square is one of two main squares in Prague ( Wenceslas Square is the other just 5 minutes walk away). With its ancient buildings and magnificent churches, this is one of the most beautiful historical sites in Europe.
One of the most noteworthy things about traveling around Prague is that it is safe for women even at night which is always a plus for me when traveling alone. I must mention that the transport system is super reliable and the tram gave me nostalgia for a time in my dreams many years ago.
My second day in Prague was the last before my trip to Budapest. I booked myself a sleeper train from Prague Central Station to Budapest Keleti. As you know, I spoke only English, so it was much fun trying to ask for directions – hand gestures and signs were helpful and refreshing.
My sleeper train was a peaceful ride through the night and we were in Budapest Keleti in the morning!
SECOND CITY: Budapest
I must be honest, Budapest was an interesting trip. I spent a total of 3 nights here. The city of Budapest far exceeded my expectation. I know Paris is the city of romance but after visiting Budapest, I will have to hand this over to this city – sorry guys!
You may be wondering where Budapest is located. It is the capital city of Hungary. And it is known for its world-famous Thermal Baths!
Budapest has something for everyone – from dramatic history and flamboyant architecture to healing thermal waters and a nightlife that is unrivaled in Eastern and Central Europe. Architecturally, the city is a treasure trove, with enough baroque, neoclassical, eclectic, and art nouveau to satisfy everyone. It noteworthy that most of what you see in Budapest today was built during the capital’s ‘golden age in the late 19th century.
History
Budapest like major European cities has survived major wars. You can witness the bullet holes and shrapnel pockmarks on buildings from WW11 and the 1956 Uprising. I walked to the Danube memorial to see the sad reminders like the poignant Shoes.
Budapest is one of the most photogenic cities in Europe. The dramatic skyline, notable landmarks include the majestic riverside Parliament Building and a collection of stunning Basilicas.
A few medieval bridges connect the 2 sides of the city that make up its name: Buda and Pest.
Planning to visit Budapest, here are a number of places to visit:
- Heroes’ Square – there are many grand city squares in Budapest but Heroes Square tops it all. The complex honors 7 founding figures, together with a few other important national leaders. It is also conveniently located as a central point to explore the city. I particularly enjoyed the dining spots around that one could enjoy coffee or snacks with a great heritage site in view.
- Walk across the Szechenyi Chain Bridge – I must say this is the most beautiful bridge I have come across. Every angle on this bridge allowed you to appreciate the architecture. Szechenyi Chain Bridge spans the Danube, connecting Buda and Pest, the two cities that form this magnificent city. I struggled to take pictures even with the best iPhone 10 Camera at the time did not do justice to the sheer view of this city on the bridge. It has magnificent Lion figures guarding its entrances and a pair of giant, archer towers at its midsection. It’s a must-do for romantics, especially at dusk! As with the lovers’ Bridge in Paris, it maintains the lovers’ tradition, you can attract your love locks and throw away the key.
- Visit Great Market Hall – This is a grand indoor marketplace. It is housed inside a Gothic Revival building in Budapest. It has a myriad of authentic local snacks, fresh fruits and produces from the farms, and gourmet jams. The market is split into 3 floors. The lower level features varieties of souvenir stalls. I enjoyed mulling through the stalls, experiencing life in Budapest’s liveliest market scenes.
- Eat Goulash at the street food stalls – I can’t visit Hungary and not try Goulash. This is a traditional Hungarian soup or stew. It is usually filled with tender beef and onions spiced with paprika. I had the version with potatoes with thinly cut bacon.
- Soak in a Thermal Bath – Budapest is blessed with an abundance of hot springs. Since the Romans, ‘taking the waters’ has been an experience here. There are an array of bathhouses across the city from Turkish-era, art nouveau, and modern establishments. It’s great to unwind in between and after sightseeing adventures. I visited Szechenyi Medical Bath Budapest’s largest thermal bath complex. Inside you will find saunas, steam rooms, aqua fitness, heated pools. The thermal water is high in calcium, magnesium, and hydrogen carbonate. And is said to ease joint pain and arthritis and improve blood circulation.
By the end of my third day in Budapest, I was healing from the heaviness I felt before embarking on this trip.
I was ready to visit the third city on my solo wellness trip – Vienna.
THIRD CITY: VIENNA
When I arrived in Vienna, I began to experience the peace and quiet my soul longed for. While in this city, I was beginning to feel a sense of familiarity – especially since Budapest was an entirely new experience with very few people able to converse in English. The culture was entirely new and different.
Coming to Vienna which has most of the shops we have in the UK and most western European cities, I enjoyed coming back to normalcy again.
Vienna is reknown for its elegance and sophistication. There are 3 prime reasons people visit Vienna – Art, shopping, and Culture. I stayed in another Airbnb in Vienna with 2 other ladies sharing a 2 bedroom flat. The ladies were Russian students visiting Vienna for the first time too. There was much to see in Vienna but I must say, by this time in the trip I was ready to take savor every moment and not hop off to the next tourist location. I also wished to visit this city again at a later date with my fiance to see more of the city, so I limited my visit locations to just a few places.
My Airbnb was far from the city. So I had to take the tram and train 30 minutes to the city center – My first location was Schloss Schonbrunn. The garden at this location is magnificent. I spent my day in this garden and around the palace.
Vienna is famous for its art, shopping, and culture. So I got in the mood to shop! I had not bought many gifts for people on my trip and what better place than Vienna to do so.
I headed to the premium luxury fashion in Vienna, The Goldenes Quartier. The Goldenes Quartier is set between the streets of Seitzergasse, Tuchlauben, and Bognergasse. As I perused, I came to Kolmart. Kolmart is famous for its premium pieces of jewelry. While the Goldenes Quartier is for all things high-end designer wears.
I continued to Graben where you find, boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants. Stopping along the way to purchase souvenirs that are only unique to Vienna. Such as little bottles of chocolate liqueurs and miniature arts and crafts.
I stopped for a lunch of seafood in the open square – at an extremely expensive seafood restaurant. Vienna has an aura of opulence and elegance. And I was keen to complete my solo wellness trip mesmerized by this.
As I concluded my time in Vienna this time around, I concluded that this city has not seen the last of me. I will be coming back…
I took a train back to Prague for 1 last night before heading back home to London. Returning to Prague was like I was a totally different person from the person who landed in this city 9 days ago.
These cities had done something to me and I had reconnected with myself. I even visited a bookshop an old hobby of mine which I had lost the desire for. As I arrived at this book shop to see what was new, the smell of the books and reading chapters of the books I didn’t know I had spent well over 4 hours at the shop. It was so alive and my old desires had reignited with the new me. I bought two books from Prague. One was by Rachael Weiss Me, Myself & Prague. This is a book that continued to speak to me about myself in the city of Prague. Let’s say Prague will always be dear to me.
