The Wheels On The Bus Go Round And Round

London- Belgium- Germany- Czech Republic

Passport - check
Visas- check
Vaccination card- check
Overfilled Backpack- check
Brain- check….

Phew, think I have everything I need and if not I'll just have to make do as I don't have the space anyway. And there was I thinking I was the experienced traveler, the typical Sagittarian who could fit everything in one bag. I would have thought that not needing shampoo and conditioner would have freed up some space in my bag but sure enough I still don't have any extra space!!! So anyway, after packing my bag the day before I left and eliminating quite alot this is how my first couple days go;

Sat 23rd May- After an emotional goodbye with mama I headed upto Ldn to spend my last night with my close mate Dommie. Agreeing to pop into the pub for ONE quick drink was a fatal mistake as it left me with only 2 hours sleep before having to make my way to Embankment for the 7.30am departure of Ozbus 9.

Sun 24th May-Ironically Dommie was there to wave me off last time I went travelling so I felt comforted to have a friendly face wave me off again. After a few happy snaps and last hugs goodbye I set off on what would be the start of a new chapter to Mel’s BiG Adventures continues…..

The group consists of 15 girls and 5 boys.... And before you ask 'no’ there are no hotties ..Sorry guys if you read this but you all know that I think you are lovely in your own ‘special’ way… We have a mixture of nationalities ranging from Irish to American. Quite surprised to not see any Aussie or Kiwis but am sure I will see plenty once I get over to the other side of the world.. We have a Latvian driver called Martin who will only be driving us up until Iran and then we have to catch different buses in each country from there on till Oz. Our tour leader Kim, looks and sound like an Aussie but is actually a Southend girl. The bus seems comfy and there is plenty of space to spread out.

Nothing like first impressions!!! I was literally a zombie and didn’t speak to anyone for the whole of the journey to Belgium. Once arriving to Bruges around 4ish there was an optional bicycle trip which I opted out of and chose to chill in the beer garden and walk around the town in my own pace instead. It was only when we had a group evening meal that I got to meet people from the tour. Most of them didn’t even realize I was on the trip… They all seem to be nice people and I look forward to getting to know them all over the next 13weeks.

Mon 25th May-St Goar, Germany
We travelled across through Germany and stopped off at Hermen the German’s. He is a crazy old German that has a permanent smile on his face and likes to wear masks and scare girls?? Weird I know… It seems to be a common stop for all European bus tours and there’s nothing much other than good beer

Tues 26th May- Prague, Czech Republic
We spent 2 nights in delightful Prague. Didn’t really know what to expect but was pleasantly surprised. Our hostel was a tram ride away from the city but due to a suspicious car the roads were cordoned off by the police and surrounded by paparazzi. So metro was the next best option of transport into town. Me, Abby and Alet walked around the Prague Castle grounds and watched the changing of the guards. We then bumped in Kim the tour leader and spent the rest of the day walking around the cobbled streets. Had a group dinner in the evening and that was when the heavens opened and did not stop for the next 5 days!!!

Till next update…xx

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