3 June - Prague, Czech Republic

We were up early to get to Munich station for train to Prague leaving at 8.44 am. We found only half of one carriage was 1^st class so we shared a compartment with a young and very interesting Munich woman who is in the field of cancer research. She left the train at Regensberg and a Hamburg businessman, Peter, then joined us. He works for Shell and we had interesting conversations about the German economy and globalisation. He has travelled often to Prague and was a great help to us when the conductor tried to tell us that the train was no longer going to Prague, due to track maintenance somewhere in the Czech Republic. We had to change trains, which is always a struggle with our luggage. The new train and in particular, 1^st class, was of a much lower standard than that to which we have become accustomed. But it was a comfortable ride.

I was surprised when I went to the WC on the previous train, out of Munich, that it was in such a disgusting condition. The toilet paper looked like it had been dropped in muddy water. So I used the roll of toilet paper I had in my day pack. Terry had thought I was going over the top taking a roll of toilet paper, as most of the travel lists said you should, but he thought that was just for backpackers. Anyway, I'm glad I had it.

When we were on the second train in Czech Republic, there was no dining car and a 1 ½ hour delay so we didn't get in to Prague till about 4.30, having not eaten since breakfast. We met up with an American family, Paul, Lorraine and son Alex, whom we discovered were going to the same hotel. So Terry with his map led the way. After making one wrong turn, we finally arrived here at the Hotel Meteor Plaza which building dates back to 1307 – amazing to be staying in a 700 year old building, but the rooms are fitted out well with all mod cons.

After something to eat and a short rest, we went out exploring discovering one wonderful old building after another. We had a small meal of goulash with dumplings and made our way back to the hotel. The beautiful square nearby was wonderful – especially since there weren't the hordes of bicycle riders there have been in the previous cities we've visited. We've booked tours for the next couple of days, so hopefully if we get sunny weather, it will be good.