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Published: August 13th 2007
So I have no idea where I left off really.
Krakow was absolutely lovely. I love that place. I was taken care of by Mike, the CS from England. I found a lovely vegetarian restaurant with some amazing Pierogi's that certainly stole my heart. Auschwitz was horrible of course, what do you expect. It is mainly a museum with photos and such, there is also a room that contains loads of hair (LOADS), a whole room of shoes, one of pots and pans etc... It was crazy. I also went to Birkenau, the main camp which today is mostly in ruins. I went to see the pond that is still grey from the ash that was put in. To my amazement it is filled with frogs, strange place to live you think. With death comes life. On my way back I got horribly ill on the bus, nearly passed out and drenched in sweat (too much heat, no food, standing room only on a bus for over 2 hours) but I will not complain, I was leaving a concentration camp. I made it an early night.
The next day I went to the Salt MInes which I found amazing and fantastic and I all I could think about is the number of you out there I wish I could have shared it with. I was about 400 feet under ground and it was seriously a whole world under there. Thanks to Cori for bringing that place to my attention. The Kinga Chapel where people actually get married is awesome. I checked into a hostel that night as my host had other plans, and left early Sat for Prague.
I was so excited to get to Prague, however a host did not work out and the city is flooded with tourists. I got an accomodation booked by the train station. I asked for place with a kitchen because I had pasta sauce to use. I was not so delighted to be in the crap hole that had a kitchen in the bathroom, you have to rent the dishes and cooking materials and there is no refrigerator. So far, BOOO! I met a lovely guy named Lawrence and we strolled the city together, the town hall, astronomical clock, Charles bridge and the Prague CAstle. On our way back we went to a Cuban place and he got me a Mojito (it was really strong and I felt like gumby) as well as some chips and guacamole YUM. I tried to buy a cuban cigar for Joe, but the lady laughed when I said I would travel for 6 weeks, so did Lawrence and he explained what would become of the Cuban. I then returned it. We got back and talked, he was leaving at 4am to Germany. The next day I checked out hoping to get a host. I walked the city again and was set out for a Veg restaurant. While walking I saw a guy that looked really familiar, turned out he is a host in Prague and was showing around his guest. I said hello and he gave us a tour and some history of places, that was fantastic. He knew of a great veg place, for under $5 I got a lovely Indian veg meal and he left me there to continue their tour. I didnt get a host so I checked back in and got my laundry done. This used the last of my cash as nothing takes credit cards. I took a nap when I got back, the weather had gotten a bit louzy. Later that night I went out to get dinner, they of course did not take Credit Cards and I was out of cash. I went to the bankomat ATM and the next thing I knew it sucked in my card and told me it was lost or stolen. I called the Euronet and they said the card would be sent to my bank in the states. LOVELY! I called my momand Heidi and had the investigation started. Long story short, the bank changed to Wamu, they sent my new card to my LA address for some reason and then it was sent back to the sender so the bank put a report as a lost or stolen card. Now I have no cash, no aTM and CZ does not fancy credit cards.
I walked the town at night to see the lights and clear my head. I had a bed paid for so I had to enjoy my night.
This morning I got up early, packed, had a free breakfast and then walked to bus and 2 train stations. Finally at the last train station they accepted credit cards. I took the bus to Cesky Krumlov. Nothing here takes credit cards either but Iam in the most beautiful place I have been to yet. Amazing narrow windy roads, cobblestones, a castle, a river and cute cafes. The lovely guy at this hostel is letting me use the net free. He worked it out for me to go to another hostel near by, the guy was willing to charge my credit card (the only place in town to take one) for a certain amount equal to $50. I left with my money, got a lovely veg dinner, came to the hostel, paid for my bed and will figure out how to get out of here tomorrow (although I would like to stay). Most likely tomorrow I will get to Vienna where I think CC are more accepted. I need to wait a bit before I try to use my other ATM again as they are straightening it out.
ANyhow, I feel better now. I am in a little heaven, I had amazing food and this guy is rad. THings are getting better for sure.
Lots of loVE!
PS- whichever little angel out there got my blogs up again I LOVE YOU! I am sad that the photos are gone, but I will live.
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Cori
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credit card nightmare
You should try taking out cash from your credit card, if you know the PIN. Just make sure to pay it off to avoid higher interest rates on cash advances. Or, remember that Western Union is an international phenomenon. I'm so glad you went to the Salt Mines! I'm jealous...we were just reminiscing today about the statue of the Polish Pope!! If you still have time in Czech, and you can handle something like this, there's a bone decorated entirely in bones in Kutna Hora, about 30 minutes by train from Prague. There's a massive Catholic church in the town as well.