The Hardy Wench

By 4.45 am we were delighted to be out of our somewhat dingy hotel (the only positive note being it’s immediate proximity to St Pancreas Station; we headed for the terminal and were hastened through by a predominately French security staff and Passport officials who were at best brusque and at worst rude! I was tempted to say ‘Good Moaning,” but from their general countenance suspected they would not be fans of ‘Allo Allo,’ so I resisted the urge.

The station was heaving with two trains leaving twenty minutes apart. ~It struck me that were we still chunnelless, all these people would be flying or crossing by ferry to Europe and this was only two of the many trains that were leaving today.

It felt very different to any other railway station I have been on, no trains or platforms in sight. They were only visible when we were permitted to board. Once boarded we were offered breakfast and a very welcome coffee. The staff were charming and very helpful when we had a twelve minute changeover in Brussels which we made! So, through France and Belgium into country number three, Germany. On to our third train from Cologne to Berlin. Even had time for a quick photo stop outside Cologne Cathedral.

We made our connection in Berlin…Just and we were finally headed for Prague. Countryside was beautiful, lots ore trees and less farming than in England. Also many more Wind farms. Passing Dresden one of our German fellow travelers tipped me about a photo opportunity which I took. It looked a beautiful city.

One hour from Prague we were informed that we would be delayed due to an ‘extraordinary event!’ It all sounded very exciting but turned out to be a technical fault!We arrived in Prague one and a half hours late but, were sustained by Goulash and tapas and wines in the buffet carriage. (Wouldn’t be available in England!) Thanks to a lovely Czech guy called Martin who had the misfortune of sitting opposite me, we were directed to our hotel which was in walking distance. We were greeted by a very enthusiastic receptionist who cheerfully advised us of what to add to our ‘to do’ list in Prague. Finally released we collapsed into comfy beds for a very welcome sleep….