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Published: August 28th 2009
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The portly German
On reflection he may not have been as portly as I first thought! I arrive at Berlin’s Hauptbahnhof train station the largest crossing station in Europe, in plenty of time for my train journey from Berlin to Prague. The trip takes just over four hours and it gives me a chance to write another blog entry.
The old, portly German gentleman rolled his eyes and his wife smiled as I arrive in the first class carriage of the train. It was obvious to him that there was a problem, there was no space for my larger suitcase, however between him, and the three other passengers in the cabin we managed to make room. Every German I have met has been courteous even more so once they realise I am a visitor to their country.
The Euro City (EC) train was not new and having experienced other train journeys within Europe this looked a little worn (considering it was 1st class), however the seats were comfy and once my iPod was switched on I was happy enough.
With the sound of Coldplay’s Living la vida playing in my ears the train passed through the city of Dresden. Dresden was totally destroyed during World War II which has often been seen as one
The journey
It was a lovely train trip through the German countryside and again the weather has been fantastic. of the more controversial Allied operations of the war. The portly German gentleman and his wife left the train at this point.
It was then the older New York couple moved into the cabin with their over-the-top luggage. They make great noise about people being in the wrong seats (with that great Bronx accent) only to discover they were in the wrong carriage. They leave without too much fuss and much embarrassment.
I had a arranged for a hotel transfer from Prague station the day before yesterday. At 17 euros it seemed reasonably cost-effective. I had heard stories about the inefficiency of the Prague transport system and arriving totally blind I thought a pick up would be a good idea.
I alighted from the train expecting to see my driver, however long after the other passengers had left the station I was still standing there. My instructions stated that the driver would be ON THE PLATFORM.
Five minutes passed and no sign of him. I then walked off the platform into the main (and very shabby) area of the station to be greeted by a giant of a man with spiked hair carrying a sign CRISTOPHER
Crowds on Charles Bridge
The Charles Bridge used to be most important connection between the Old Town and the outskirts. Now its used purely by tourists and street vendors JAC.
My driver spoke as much English as I did Czech, though thanks to a couple of friendly women on the train I now know how to say hello, good morning and thank you in Czech.
“…which hotel?..” the driver said unemotionally. This surprised me (not his speaking) as when I booked the transfer I provided hotel details. I hunted through my backpack to find the details and showed it to him . “…is close to bridge…” he said.
We weave our way through the streets of Prague, at first glimpse a stunning city and eventually arrive at the Hotel U Zlatého Stromu which is next door to the Charles Bridge, the Ponte Vecchio equivalent of Prague.
The lady at the reception was very nice (particularly after my ‘hello’ in Czech) and her assistant enthusiastically carried by suitcase up the stairs to my room - on the fourth floor! There is no lift in U Zlatého Stromu despite its four star rating. (Between you and me I would question its four stars)
Having lived in near luxury in Berlin this hotel probably lacks in luxury but makes in olde world charm!
It was
Sunset on the Charles Bridge
There are some 30 statues adorning the Charles Bridge. There are a couple of good stories about one or two of them which I'll tell later then off into the streets to join the sea of humanity. I was totally shocked to see the crowds of people on the streets here. 95% of them are tourists. If this is the type of crowd I will have to fight my way through over the next three days, its not going to be very pleasant!
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David Jack
non-member comment
Czech Mate !
Cristopher Jac Dee Why !