Czecking in and out: Bloggers Reunited

With quite a late flight was important to have the day filled with plenty to do so we didn't end up sitting around in a holding pattern for any length of time. I'm writing this as we sit down in a holding pattern waiting for the BA check in desk to open. Always a mild irritant that they stick to the 2hrs before on the return flight so you can't get airside to enjoy any of the treats that may occupy that space.

Having caught up on a bit of sleep was able to take full advantage of the Grandior breakfast this morning and did our best on that score. Highlight again was a cracking cooked to order omelette and a bit more of that cherry juice. May have to find a source of that at home, and I don't mean tizer.

As usual we had made an absolute mess of our hotel suite, rock start style, but in unrock start style we cleaned it all up and czecked out, leaving our bags with the bell boy.

We walked down to the Old Town to meet our pre-arranged river tour,a trip through the old and the new of Prague. No surprises when getting there they pointed us to the river! But the instructions had said...... And when we got down to wharf 3B we were then directed to our boat, the Grand Bohemia. Gutted not to be on the Bohemia Rhapsody which we did see floating around.

They seemed to have moved our starting time by 30 mins, perhaps in the hope we would buy their over priced drinks. All they got from us was a glass of water, and that was after the free shot they gave us as we boarded.  That did warm the cockles though, and it must be said, the floating restaurant was not the worst place to stay warm as winter appears to have returned to Prague.

Found our sea legs but didn't bother facing the biting wind.  Enjoyed a little chug up and down the Vlatava seeing all the sights that I might have done yesterday if I'd raised my head from side to side now and again rather than gritting my teeth and feet against the cobbles.  Also we passed one of the eight islands of the Vlatava, the sporty island of Stvanice, big tennis courts apparently, Lendl anyone? The views were compromised for a little while on the port side by the never ending queue of people who leapt up the moment the buffet opened.  We kept waiting for it to die down but realised some were on a return after return mission so begrudgingly joined the back.

Fair play the food was wholesome, varied and plentiful. Clearly not exactly what we needed after a mahoosive breakfast but we did our best to sample some of the local stuff, schnitzel style chicken and lovely ham with dauphinoise potatos. Just when we thought the queue might dissipate the dessert trays arrived so it was action stations again.

Best views of the 'cruise'  (apart from the building site at the end of the half marathon) were of course the famous Charles Bridge and Castle.   Number nerds might be interested the first bridge brick allegedly lain for good luck purposes on a palindrome date by King Charles (no, not that one) himself 1357 9/7 5:31 They did look impressive from the water and took us back through the ages. We have perhaps not ticked off all the traditional sights on this visit as we have done those investigations previously although we did also have a fleeting glimpse of the astronomical clock again this morning as we made our way through the Old Town.  Been going 600 years, we've taken it in a couple of years of that duration, a few more numbers there too.

As we disembarked and began to make our way back to the hotel along the riverside walk we saw half of Newport approaching us. Felt we had just been transported back to the Riverfront, but a quick czech that it was Charles and not George St bridge assured me all fine in the time/space continuum.

Our next port of call was to meet master blogger himself, Haydn, and partner Drew, who had also run the Prague Half. Was definitely a case of the apprentice meeting the master, and even on this sort trip, realising all the things we had missed! In particular the information about the Jewish quarter here, how it had evolved and then repressed by both Nazis and Soviets, a fascinating delve into history. Also some modern travel and running tales shared over coffees and a milkshake.  Haydn was the reason I began to blog and whilst not sharing his level of detail or indeed planning, it took me to a world of reflective fun that has added value to travels ever since. Quite appropriate our first catch up in person since not working together (many years ago) was not in South Wales where we both live, but at a point where our travels intersected. If you ever want to delve into another world of travel blogs take a look here 

Prompted by Haydn we decided it would be the last hurrah for our public transport pass to get us to the airport, and we love a bit of an outing. So it was metro to the end of the line, then bus to the airport all free on our existing pass. We also love a good bargain.

And then of course the realisation that czech in would have to wait so we parked ourselves in Costa for an hour or so.  First in the queue for priority boarding though and czeched in, through passport and in the rather temporary lounge within 10 minutes!  Some more of the local spirits, then back to the beer as a bit of final admin prior to the flight home.

And that, very rapidly, became that. The boarding and flight with BA was swift even if the in flight service a little cursory I felt.  So rapid that our timings with Carys for pick up a little out, but was lovely to see her in the short stay car park before a pretty weary journey back down the M4.