June 17
I boarded my train to Munich, sharing a couchette compartment with three friendly Dutchmen, from who I learned that Dutch sounds like a drunk Englishman attempting German – which I can well believe. Although in a jovial mood they weren’t too late getting to bed, although the attendant did inform me that he could arrange for the bunks to be set up at any time. I arrived into Munich at around 7 in the morning, and looked for a spot to have the breakfast which was supplied to me courtesy of Austrian Railways. I eventually found a small square called Karlsplatz, where I was able to enjoy my bread and jam in spite of the litter and being accosted by a beggar at one point. Finally I was on my way to Prague, and I was impressed with the scenery, especially once I crossed over into the Czech Republic, and noted how heavily forested this part of Europe is compared to back home in England.
Sunset over Cologne’s Bahnhof Süd as I waited for the train to Hauptbahnof and the sleeper.
A brief look in the area around Munich Hauptbahnof as I waited for the train to Prague.
Various sights on the train to Prague.
Just under six hours later I arrived in Prague and made my way to my hostel to check in and have a shower, my first since leaving the UK. I then went to explore the city and found myself to be more than impressed. A recurring theme on this tour was that I wished I allowed more time in various places, and this was definitely true of Prague, which is deserved of its reputation as a go-to destination in spite of the tourist traps and ubiquitous stag and hen parties. I definitely intend to return at some point. Back in the present, I spent the afternoon at the Museum of Communism, which depicted the history of the country under the post-war Communist regime as well as what life was like living under it. I have twice visited Berlin’s equivalent, the DDR Museum, which whilst broadly critical of the Communist regime did attempt to tap into “Ostalgie” – nostalgia for that era. Not so this place, which pulled no punches in its scathing criticism of the corruption and brutal authoritarianism which prevailed under that time.
Top two: One my way from the main station to the hostel and on to the museum.
Bottom two: Inside the Museum of Communism.
I didn’t really bother much with museums in Prague because of all the glorious sunshine (I changed my tune later on in the trip as the heat persisted), although it was a struggle at times amid all the throngs of tourists. Later on I looked for somewhere for food and then went to review some rock bars. The following morning exploring the Jewish Quarter before having a look around the Old Town – all of which you can see in the forthcoming blog posts.