It’s an early Christmas 15/11/08 Day 121-123

Day 121-123 (slide show)

Today was quite bazaar. With all my stuff to go through it was like Christmas when I was a kid. I’ve inspected all the gear except the bikes and I’ll get to them tomorrow. No since rushing a good thing I figure. The weather isn’t that good anyway. I’m trying to get the computer working but it seems to be sluggish. I think it didn’t like the trip very well.

I thought I would take it to a café and see how it works using the Wi-Fi. I had just got started when it got hit by a windows update and that took 25 minutes. It was so slow that I couldn’t work on anything else. I have two batteries but one showed charged but it wasn’t and needs another charge. I had to stop after about an hour of not getting anything done. Damn “Something’s Wrong (Junior Watson, Bluesman) nothing else new except it is nice to have my bikes and gear.

On Day 122 I spent the whole day working on sending out emails and catching up on old business. It’s Sunday and the weather isn’t that good again so I haven’t build the bikes yet. Maybe I will this afternoon. I still need to get a pump to fill the tires.

Think about this, try taking your computer and stuffing it in a box for 5 months. When you decide to turn it on you will find it gets inundated by all kinds of updates. They come from all over the place, most of the time you don’t notice them because they happen behind the scenes. It sure slows down the computer and in some cases they come so fast that it seizes up and I have to shut down and restart. It’s very annoying and I hope it quits soon.

Tomorrow I’m going to get out and buy a pump. I opened the box with Betsy in it and I’m going to put her together.

On Day 123 I am having a hard time getting off the computer. I want to but there is so much to catch up on. I’m still unpacking the bikes and trying to find a place for the boxes. The weather is only 3C but I headed out for the bike pump. There wasn’t anyone around and as I got to the store it was closed for the holiday. I forgot about that and I knew it too. I thought it was for the public offices not the whole city. Damn I can’t think straight now. Back to the flat and get things ready for tomorrow.

Alexey and Daniel, two good friends 13/11/08 Days 119, 120

Days 119,120 (slide show 1) (slide show 2)

Well today things are starting to happen with my gear. I caught the metro for a 40 minute ride to the Zličín station here in Prague. It is the farthest most station on the B line. I live on the other end of the B line. I was very happy when my friend Alexey offered to come with me to the warehouse. He has the day off today and said he would come as a translator. My contact at CS Cargo speaks English but he might not be in and there are a lot of unknown variables to consider. It’s nice to have Alexey is with me.

So many things happened while I was there. I paid the invoice right away then I sat down to hear the procedure for picking up the crate. As it turns out I have to pick up the crate tomorrow and take it to the customs office which is out by my house on the other side of the city then get them to release it. According to Pavel from the warehouse my paperwork is in order so at that point I will have my bikes and gear. There is no telling how long this will take. I never heard from my driver which was very distressing because he was to be my interrupter at the customs office. I had to make a quick decision at the time and decided to hire a driver from the warehouse. I hope this is the right choice.

After a few hours of discussions with Pavel the warehouse representative I asked if I could see the crate. I was so scared that I would see a smashed mess or a corner of a poorly built box smashed in. If it doesn’t look good why am I going through all this pain? When I saw the crate I almost dropped to my knees. It was in perfect condition and a very solid box. I looked at the ceiling of the warehouse and thanked my friend Moses at ETC International for the great job he did. I also thanked Zeus and Apollo for keeping there eyes on my stuff. Now if they can help me get through tomorrow.

On Day 120 I almost overslept because I couldn’t sleep at all last night. Every option was going through my mind. Alexey and I spoke afterword and he told me I would have a very difficult time at customs if I don’t have a translator. Since my driver is AWOL and I have no one to help I have to just do it myself. I figured that if I’m suppose to have my gear then it will happen and if not I will just ship it back and make other plans. I would drive myself nuts worrying about it. I was at a cybercafé chatting with Alexey about the options last night and he remembered a friend of his that is a student and might be available. I meet him one time but there wasn’t any reason for him to help. Alexey told me that if I send him an email he might get it and show. This was a long shot because it was 8PM and chances are he won’t even read the email in time let alone want to spend the day at the customs office. I’m trying to imagine why anyone would want to subject themselves to that kind of torture. I sent the email, what the hell. This is what I wrote to Daniel Plavecký.

Hi Daniel,
I was just chatting with Alexey and he mentioned you as
a possible person to ask. It's a big favor but I will
make it well worth your time. I need a translator to
come with me tomorrow morning to the customs office.
It's crazy but we would meet at the Zlicin station at
8am. The warehouse where I have my gear is there and I
just found out today the procedure. We will go by their
truck to the customs office with my crate of gear in
the truck. There we go through the process of getting
the clearance. I have no idea how long it will take
and I don't expect it to be pleasant. I will get you
to the nearest metro station as soon as possible then
the driver and I will continue on to my flat. If all
goes well I expect to be in possession of my property.
Alexey was with me today at the warehouse and he thinks
I need a translator to help me. I agree but time is a
problem. This is short notice and you might not have
the time or even get this message. Another problem is
that I have no phone and my laptop is in the crate
with the gear so I'm using cybercafés and won't be
able to check my messages that early in the morning.
So, if you’re so inclined I will meet you in the morning
or I will tell you all about the adventure the next
time we meet.
Thx Man

So I’m thinking to myself that there isn’t anyway that Daniel will be there at the metro station so I’m going to have to make it on my own. I was at the station at 7:45AM waiting when all of a sudden here comes Daniel. I was very surprised and relieved. How could he have gotten the message? As it turns out he was just about to turn his computer off around 9PM when he saw it come into his message box. “I wasn’t doing much today so I thought I would come” he said.

We headed to the warehouse going down the trail and behind the metro night station and he asked “How did you find this place” I laughed.

By 9:30 we were on our way to the customs office. The driver from the warehouse was a contracted driver who spoke little English but was a nice guy. It would have been very difficult to deal with the plutocracy through him. As we arrive at the office Daniel noticed a sign on the front door. It said that the office will close at 3PM because of the holiday on Monday. I new I was getting lucky now because these bureaucrats would want to get me out of there so they don’t have to deal with me later. I was praying to Zeus for an inspector who wanted to get to the bar early for his first holiday beer.

Inside there wasn’t very many people so I’m thinking this might be easy. There I go again thinking too much. I took a number and we waited. About an hour went by and nothing then it was lunch hour and one half. As 2PM approached we were getting impatient so Daniel went back through a door to see if he could find out anything. As he came out he shook his head, nothing. Then within 30 seconds my number came up but before I could get to the counter the next number was up. Sitting down again I was beginning to think they were doing this on purpose. Around 2:15 Daniel was called and asked to write down in Czech a statement explaining my reason for wanting two bikes. Then after that they wanted a written statement on why I wasn’t working. Now the biggest problem I thought I was going to have was my visa status but they didn’t even ask. After all that and 3PM on the dot rolled around then the clerk looked at the papers again grabbed the stamp and “Bam Bam” Bye Bye.

They didn’t even look in the crate. The driver grabbed the paperwork and motioned “Let’s go fast” I was I disbelief. We were heading to my flat and I had my gear. We arrived out in front of my apartment and opened the crate on the road. In 15 minutes were had it all in my room. The driver took my crate back to the warehouse for storage so I can use it on my return and Daniel went to the metro station and it was all over.

Thanks Alexey Statsenko and Daniel Plavecký. You both really did me a big favor and I won’t forget it.

“PHANTOMYSTERIA” by the Physical Theater Company 12/11/08 Day 118

Day 118 (slide show) (video 1) (video 2)

I’m doing very well with my exercise routine every morning. I wish I had a few weights and other pieces of equipment but I’m making due. Something is happening with the gear because this morning I checked my email at the Bohemian Bagel shop and I have an invoice from the warehouse. Finally I'm getting some kind of news. The cost turns out to be a little higher then I expected coming mostly from the Hamburg transfer fees. The total is 7840czk ($420.00) and I was expecting about $300.00 so not to bad. It will all be worth it as long as I get the crate. I am very worried about the costumes clearance.

So now the next step is to go out there and see the condition of the crate. I haven’t actually seen the thing because 5 months ago I dropped off my stuff at ETC International in Long Beach, CA in storage boxes. I paid the manager Moses to build the crate, I can only hope that he did a good job. I have a new friend here named Alexey, a great guy who is going to go with me tomorrow to help translate if needed. I have sent an email to the van driver that I’m getting close and be ready but haven’t heard from him yet. The invoice doesn’t say that I can pick up tomorrow but I want to go talk to them in person and pay the invoice quickly. With Alexey there I can find out if there will be any unexpected surprises. I think I have everything in order. Who knows though.

Even though I don’t know how this will turn out at least things are starting to move along. I always knew that getting this gear was going to be a major hurdle. Now I’m very and anxious about what is next so I decided to take my mind off it and attend a Retro Musical with some new friends Martina, Uri and Mari at an abandoned warehouse. The place looks like it was bombed out and as I went in I thought about how in the states they would never let this happen because of the liability costs. Evidently this warehouse is to be leveled soon and this acting troupe gets permission to hold their event before the demolition crew starts their work.

They are called The Physical Theater Company and the play they performed is called "PHANTOMYSTERIA". (An open air performance) I’m told they perform many different plays all over Europe and have received great reviews. It is all spoken in Czech tonight but I could get the story line very easy. I was quite impressed with the acting and writing. I will try to explain here but if you review the attached photos I have an explanation on those as well.

First I have to say, the way I saw it, as a play depicting their impression of “American Corporate Fascism” in the future. It starts with a guy getting laid off or fired I’m not sure which. The story is of what happens in his mind as much as what is happening around him. This poor executive gets tortured and invents a friend to stop the pain and in the end shots his friend which as it turns out is himself. Now this review isn’t totally correct I’m sure but the story line didn’t seem that hard to follow. If anyone out there has a more detailed idea of the storyline please send me a note. I would love to see an English translation of this, my Czech is very limited. It was great though and I’m glad I saw it. I would say it was an amazing performance.

The cost was nice too, 100.00czk (about $5.00)

Tomorrow is a big day and I’m sure one of many to come.

The Magic of “The Lennon Wall” Day 115-117 9/11/08

Day 115-117 (slide show 1) (slide show 2) (video)

I got in late last night and it was hard to get up. I hate that too. As I was making coffee my roommate Charlie made a piece offering and I excepted so while cooking my breakfast I made a little extra for him. We will see how long it lasts though.

It’s Sunday and so the warehouse is closed. I haven’t heard any news about my gear and it’s quite depressing. After cleaning up I took the tram down to the city and checked a cybercafé for any news from any one but nothing. In a few months no one will know I’m alive. I’m fading fast. Its great weather again today and no bikes to ride. I’m looking at maybe Tuesday or Wednesday now.

On Day 116 I did my usual thing at the Bohemia Bagel then I noticed on the computer that a guy named Jacob from San Diego was in town. He is a Couchsurfer and looking for someone to see the sites in the city with. There were no emails from the warehouse on my gear so I sent him a message to meet at “The Lennon Wall.” I figured we would see someone else there and make a group of it. It’s a funny thing about the “Wall,” you never know what is going to happen there. We meet at 1:30 and sure enough there were things happening. Ricardo who lives here in Prague showed up and we meet two nice ladies from Mexico Miss Ana Rubies and Miss Melina Zertuche, both were very nice and I enjoyed the company. Also I meet a new friend from Spain. His name is Daniel Tordera Salvador. He was kind enough to send me his pictures of his trip to Prague. You can look here. He has a good eye and did a great job on them. (Daniel 1) (Daniel 2) (Daniel 3) Everyone except Ricardo and I had never meet before. It’s the “Wall.” Magical things happen there. We all toured around the Castle area for a few hours then started to split up. It was a good afternoon but my mind is all cramped up. I can’t concentrate. (Slide show 1 is the pictures for today)

On Day 117 Jacob and I meet again to see some other areas of the city. I was pretty depressed today. At least being out with Jacob today kept my mind off of my dilemma.

There is this back doorway that gives a sneak peak of the Jewish Cemetery. All you get is a small hole but it is better then paying the fee to get inside around the front. We also found a crazy Medieval Bar/Restaurant that was fun. Jacob wanted to try the Galosh and they had a special on the dish. I’ve had it a few times but it isn’t that great. When we walked up we saw the dummy under the building, it was funny. That’s actually why we went in.

I can feel I’m getting slow and gaining a little weight now so tomorrow I will get back to my exercise routine. (Slide show 2 is the pictures for today)

A Day at the Karlštejn Castle Area 8/11/08 Day 114

Day 114 (video) (slide show)

Today when I was preparing to go on a day hike with some friends I grabbed my poncho just as I was walking out the door. I didn’t think it would be a rainy day but just in case. It was about 6am and I wasn’t thinking to well but I made a good choice on this one. It rained most of the day. I’ve gone half way around the world and forgotten it several times but on this day it was a beautiful thing. Other then the rain which was light to a mist it was a nice day.

There was going to be nine of us going but two faded and so at 8:30 we boarded the train for a short 50 min ride to this small tourist village named Mořina. At least that is the name of the area now. This is a popular area because the Karlštějn Castle is here and its easy access to the Prague area. We are not going for the castle though we are heading for the Lime Pits known as Big America, Little America, Mexico and Canada. Now you might ask why they are named this. Well I don’t have a clue. For some reason these folks way back decided to name the four pits after the countries in the North America. Strange I know but whatever.

The trail was quite muddy slippery but we a good time anyway. I enjoyed the distraction from thinking about my bikes. This Limestone Quarry complex is connected by tunnels that run all over under the area. Rumor has it that these were started long ago but the information here says early 1900’s. During the late 40’s to the early 60’s the Communist’s were sending political prisoners here to work the mines. There isn’t much to see as far as evidence of this except a small monument to the people who died.

I found a nice horse ranch that looked fun with lots of riding area. It would be nice to have a horse out there. We enjoyed the day with a little wine and snacks as the rain slowed in the afternoon. After getting back to my place I cleaned up then went into the city to have dinner with everyone. It turned out to be a good day with some good friends.

My bikes are in the City 1/11/08 Days 107-113

Day 107-113 (slide show)

It is hard to sleep now that I know my bikes are near. I’m going to a Couchsurfing get together this afternoon and I hope it takes mind off the matter. My roommate is starting to push me and I’m going to have to set him straight soon. It’s not what I need now and my patience is very thin with him right know.

The weather is foggy and cool today even though the weathermen called for sun. There was about ten of us who showed for this gathering and we headed for a “Retro Party” I call it a Swap Meet. It was smaller then the Czech’s in our group thought it should be. If you brought something to donate then you got in for free. I didn’t know what to expect so I paid the 35kz. That comes to about $0.65 not bad. There was a nice little bar set up there and they did a good job of organizing it but they lacked enough venders. It was fun to meet new folks though. Later we moved to a park up on the north side of the city for a Mexican Halloween party with free food. Once you advertise “Free Food” you know it’s going to be lame. There were way too many people for the amount of food there. I didn’t even try to eat anything. Most of the folks just wandered around so I left a little early. It was interesting going home because I had not been in this part of the city before and I had to find different trams but I made it.

On Day 108 I got a few things done but I can’t get my mind off all the things that can go wrong. I was getting so anxious last night that I couldn’t sleep so I decided that whatever happens will happen the thing for me to do is have a backup plan and make sure I’m prepared. I give myself about a 50% chance of success. If I get the gear fine and if I don’t I’ll move on. That was the plan anyway.

After calculating it out the cost of transporting the crate to my flat is about $70 and the fees to get it out of the warehouse are about the same. That’s not bad when you consider I paid double that in LA for the same service. The problem is the fees at customs are unknown and that’s if they even give my stuff to me at all. If I have trouble I will ship it back to the States somewhere. I bought almost everything at half price so it won’t hurt to bad.

On Day 109 I had a scary moment with the warehouse because they wanted me to fax over some doc’s and then I asked if there were any problems. Pavel told me they wanted to call the name I had on the BL. If you remember I couldn’t find anyone to help me with this until I got to Greece and finally I had to us a name I didn’t know. This started to scare me. If they call the number then the whole thing will fall through. It’s alright just another thing to think about. Let’s pile that on top of all the other possible things that might kill this deal.

I have a trucker who speaks English who will help with the translation problem. I figure this is like an ace in my hand. So I called him to review the situation. He told me lots of people do this with furniture when moving here and be patient. Then he said “You might have trouble with a few other things though, let’s just wait.” (Some of these thing’s I can’t mention now but will add later)

On Day 110 I left early for the bagel shop because I couldn’t sleep and was waiting in front when they opened. As I sat there looking at a Czech newspaper I was approached by this woman. She asked if I would tell her about what was going on in Prague. I laughed and said “I can’t read a bit of it” she laughed too. We talked for a while and then walked around the city for a few hours looking at the few interesting things I knew about. Her name was Jessica and she had been in the city for a few days but hadn’t been able to get out and see much of anything. It was a nice break for me because I stopped thinking of all the “what if’s” I have going on. I left her around 3pm and she might email me but who knows.

On Day 111 the anxiety is killing me. I haven’t heard a word from the warehouse and the weather today is great. I even saw some bike riders in t-shirts and shorts. O’ how I would love to have my bikes right now, this is great weather to ride in. I spent the day as usual starting at the bagel shop then another cybercafé at 11am then walking around till 3pm to another cybercafé. I’m always checking my email to see if there is any news. I didn’t receive anything all day. By the way I have had my camera with me everyday but can’t find anything that looks like a good picture. At the end of the day I realize that I haven’t taken a single picture. The cybercafés are getting to know me quite well. I walk into there place everyday it seems.

On Day 112 I did my usual thing at the bagel shop then decided to go see a movie at 1pm so I could do something different. It was nice to see a movie because I hadn’t seen on since June. But there was no news again today. I’m getting very depressed over this. If I don’t here today then I know it will be Monday before something happens. Today is Thursday and Fridays are "give away" days around here. I need to prepare myself that this isn’t going to work.

On Day 113 I had to make a stand with my bully roommate Charlie. He has pushed me as far as I want to go so I as expected I stood my ground on an issue and he shrunk up like a turtle. It was quite funny actually. I’m glad that it happened so I can forget about that problem.

I did hear from the warehouse today and Pavel apologized for not getting to me sooner but they have been very busy. He had some numbers for me and said things were fine and the crate is there. That was the first time that I actually heard that. What a relief it was. So now I have to wait some more. Pavel was very kind and said to be patient. “I will get in touch with you” he said. What does that mean? At least the crate is there and that’s good news. I can’t wait to get a picture of it.

Tomorrow is Saturday and I signed up for a hiking trip to some caves and some kind of castle place. It’s something new and should be fun.

My bikes are close 29/10/08 Day 104-106

Day 104-106 (slide show)

Well after the cold and wet day yesterday I think I caught a cold. Not feeling like doing much and the weather is terrible. I found out last night that the warehouse in Hamburg will ship the crate on Friday. This is good news, and I need it. Not much to tell today except I had to change the disk in my camera after yesterday’s photos. I have put 2080 pictures on it since I left. I didn’t realize I had so many.

On Day 105 I did get out even though the weather stunk. I’ve decided to go to my favorite bagel shop as often as I can. It gets me out and I like the place even for a cup of coffee. There isn’t really anything happening today though because I am waiting for some word from the warehouse. Today at the bagel shop I plotted a course to try to get to this warehouse and on the map it looks tough to walk there. When I was looking for a place to live I looked at the same maps and not knowing which area the warehouse would be in I figured I had a 25% chance of getting close. I was not to be I’m on the other side of the city, I couldn’t be further away. I’ve decided to go on a scouting mission to find the place even though my friend Moses in LA told me to be patient. I have to do something.

On another note I did make it to the transit pass office and after two hours of torture I got my pass. At least now I don’t have to worry about that.

On Day 106 it was time to see if I could find out what’s up with my bikes. I stopped at the bagel shop for a cup and bagel then I headed off. I was on the metro at 10:00. I had everything all planned out. This was a serious mission. The name of the place is CS Cargo and their location is in Zilčín. I live in the NE quad of the city and this place is as far as you can get in the SW quad without being out of the city. I really missed it on this guess. As I came out of the metro station it was very confusing and after walking around for about an hour I was ready to head back. I couldn’t find a way to walk in the direction where I knew it was at. It seemed my only option was to walk out in the traffic with the trucks and cars. I didn’t really want to try this because I knew it would most likely be for several kilometers. I stood at the curb of the road for a while watching and noticed this guy who looked drunk walking towards the metro yard area. I followed and sure enough there was a small walkway then I cut through a field and there it was. I almost pissed my pants. Just think my bikes will be in this warehouse on Monday. I can’t believe it.

I walked up to the security gate and convinced them to let me in. I needed to try to find someone that would speak English, if I couldn’t find anyone I would need to bring someone to translate for me. I meet a great guy named Pavel who worked in anther department but spoke very good English and was quite helpful. I’m not sure what he thought of my reason for shipping bike to Prague but he took my information and let me now a few things to expect. He told me that he would contact me when it arrives and to get my paperwork together. I am excited; I just might pull this off.

“I’m not a parade kind of guy” 28/10/08 Day 103

Day 103 (slide show)

I have to say right up front that I almost didn’t post this day because of these pictures. I should have done a better job. This was an important day for the Czech people. I have no excuse.

I woke to a cold rainy and windy day and I was in no mood to venture out but I promised Dani that I would meet her and her friends to watch a parade. I should know better because I never go to parades but I heard something about this the other day from someone else. It was suppose to be a big deal. I have this commitment that I make to myself that if I say I’m going to be at a place at a certain time then I make every effort to be there. I have no patience for people who fade. So, feeling like a sick Yak I headed out and proceeded to get lost. The rain was coming down and I’m thinking that this might be a good time to call in sick except I didn’t have a phone. I guess I won’t do that.

I made the meeting place with one minute to spare and found her there by herself because her friends faded. As soon as I saw her I said “Let’s go and get a cup of coffee.” That was not a good thing to say, she wanted to watch the parade. I looked at the troops standing at attention and thought I’ve been there, I will show some respect and stick around. I found out those troops had been there since 9:00 and now it was 11:30. They were cold and wet. The parade started on time and it was interesting for a while then it just kept going a going. They had every unit in the country there, even the Navy and this is a landlocked country. I’m joking here but there were boats from the Search and Rescue in the parade. But it was way to long. We enjoyed the Helicopters and the Tanks, the Missiles, and the troops. We saw the Fire Dept. and the Traffic Cops with their Secretaries and I know they were cold with those dresses on. There were the Snow Safety dudes with their Snow Cats. The missiles of all types made it look a little like a May Day event, and as it turned out this parade was on the road from the airport. This is the route the Soviets used to bring there tanks down in 1968 when they invaded. I’m thinking with the whole military here who is watching the store, so to speak.

This parade is to celebrate Independent Czechoslovak State Day which marks the creation of Czechoslovakia in 1918. So there are these signs everywhere saying 1918, 1938, 1968, and 2008. Damn, lots of invasions’, is there one today?

So to cut this short I enjoyed the troops and the show but I was glad to get to a warm café for a hot Irish coffee.

1417 Hussite uprising 27/10/08 Day 102

Day 102 (slide show)
Several days ago I saw a post from a lady in the Couchsurfing group. She was looking for someone to see the sites of Prague with. I responded not thinking anything would happen. I didn’t have a phone and neither did she so it was not likely to happen. Well it did though and turned out to be a fun day. Quite cold though but we made it. Her name is Dani from Vancouver and she is a stage manager in the theater. She was in Prague doing some work for a few days.
I decided to take her on a small tour of a rampaging mob that ransacked the city in 1417. It’s a great story about one of early Hussite mob uprisings. In this one they the Hussite really did a job on the Catholic’s. You can follow the route they took and see many spots where they went crazy. The same streets and many of the churches are still here at least in part.
I’ll try to tell a short version of it here. So there is this crazy Hussite priest who gets about 200 of his sheep all leathered up in the Wenceslas Square because the Church and the King decide to allow the rich to receive absolution the day after a sin as long as they pay for it. Now the poor can’t do that and they sin just as much as the rich so their pissed off. “You can’t pay you go to Hell” basically. So these two hundred leave the center of Prague on Jan 26th (I think) and start to the New Town area to reap a little revenge. They trash a couple of churches and other business of the Church of Rome. Then they come to the New Town Hall and proceeded to throw out the third story window all 18 of the city fathers who had locked themselves in there thinking they would be saved by the King. All but one is killed and he lives because he landed on a big pile of horse shit. Of course he is all broken up but the church claims it was will of god that he lived. O’ ya right. Now this goes on for three days until the King decides to send in the troops. By this time there are 10,000 of his sheep trashing and burning everything in sight. The king only sent 1000 knights and 200 didn’t make it to the location. The nights looked over the situation and turned around heading back to the castle barracks. So it is fun to walk the route they went on and try to figure out what happened. O’ one more thing I have to saw is after the third day all the beer was gone so the mob decided to move to Jewish Town and burn it, over 100 Jewish people died.
The New Town Hall was burned down sometime later and the New Town Council Building was built around 1451. Here is a link to a panoramic view from the tower as it is now.
Later we went to the “Lennon Wall” and stopped for a late lunch at the John and George restaurant. This place has some great food at good prices. This was the first meal I have had here. I’ve only had coffee and carrot cake before. It was a nice treat. We split up about 6PM and decided to meet tomorrow for a military Parade that was taking place out on the road to the airport.
I didn’t hear any news on my bikes today. What’s up with that?
Somethings Wrong (Junior Watson) Bluesman

Just looking for something to do 26/10/08 Day 101

Day 101 (slide show)

I have just a short note today. I went to a climbing park today with some new friends. It was a lot of fun but a little cold. This climbing facility is defiantly not something you would see in the states. Well, maybe at a private Outward Bound School or military camp. The liability would be too great. I didn’t have to sign anything to participate. The only test was walking on a wooden rail a foot off the ground to see if any of us had been drinking. I was quite surprised. Afterward about 3 hours a few others joined us for a pizza and beer night. Not much else to report. I hope tomorrow to hear something on my gear. I’ve meet some nice folks here in Prague.