Day 26 – Wednesday 3 June

Breakfast at the hotel was as woeful as the previous day, and this time in the 1hr we were down there, staff did not top up any fresh fruit. Very tight, and silly really as the reviews will affect their business. As we left and gave our feedback to reception there was a group of English people who also supported our comments, not happy customers at all. This was not the only issue we had, Breakfast items clearly recycled down to the bread, using boiled eggs from day before in the current days scramble, the room was not serviced properly each day – cups not washed, both products not topped up, no water or place to top up water, no top up tea and coffee etc. Shower head not staying up.

The walk to the station was easy and quick. We had an hour up our sleeve so got a drink at the mall next door which had a Starbucks. They also had a lot cleaner toilets than the station. The station was designed by the same person who designed the Eiffel Tower, however the key hall was closed with lots of scaffolding so you could not appreciate a lot of the details.

We had first class tickets, which gave us a lot more room and wifi. The 6-7 hour trip departing at 11:30 and arriving at 18:30 went smoothly and pleasantly. We also got table service from the car (but had to pay for what was ordered), and enjoyed lunch on board for reasonable prices. The coffee was also good.

The countryside was very green and a lot of typical European woodlands and trees. Frequent green rivers and streams, often near small towns. The closer to Czechoslovakia we got, the neater and more affluent the towns appeared. We didn’t see any farm animals anywhere which was a little surprising.

Praha (Prague) railway station is typical of European stations and more modern that Budapest. Vern had us mapped on a tram, however it was only 1.6km to our hotel so I suggested we walk and stretch our legs. Whilst the lay of the land was mostly flat, the stone streets were a bit rugged on us and our bags. Never mind, the walk was good and pretty.

We were immediately struck by the lovely buildings in the old town area we are in, and the smell of marijuana. We almost thought we had hopped off in Amsterdam. We did not realise it is not illegal here, albeit controlled.

Our hotel is a lovely 5th generation run establishment in a 18th century building. We were greeted with a stoic, you are lucky you have a balcony room (upgraded) and there is free wine for you here, and coffee here. The family also have a vineyard, so there is free white and red wine at reception for your pleasure! Then as a bonus in our lovely historic room is a decanter with some delicate peach coloured liqueur. I think I will be happy here. Really.

After settling in we headed out around the corner to a cheap and cheerful beer hall recommended by our host for a good and inexpensive quick meal. It was quite an experience. Friendly, noisey as anything and yes the food was pleasant. Of course we had beer to wash it down, as you do here and the beer is very good too.

Back home to a far more comfortable bed than our previous, lovely views and a nice night cap.