The Big Trip

Hi All

Well, I'm back in Prague after a short break at Karlovy Vary (you might know it as Carlsbad). Lovely spa town nestled in a valley. Georgeous Buildings and very quaint.

Funny place. Its got lots of thermal pools and some of the hotels have spas attached. Lots of older rich Europeans and even funnier Russians visit the place to take the waters and have procedures done. Some of them sound like torture and I cant imagine what they were. Others were quite normal like massages etc.

I went to one spa (GrandPupps) which is the biggest and most expensive hotel (I didnt stay there) - only went to get massage. Anyway, I had a mud bath, which ended up being peat dissolved in water and then a partial massage. You go into a room, take off all your clothes, they give you a dressing gown.

There were lots of older people wandering around in these gowns (with nothing on underneath). Didnt want to think about that. Anyway, I had a bath first (which to be honest, was as boring as anything and I spent most of the time wondering who was going to come into the room.

Then I had a back massage (which actually was very good). They dont worry about towels etc and seeing a guy was doing the massage, I was a little bit uncomfortable. But obviously, he wasnt. I thought about all those older europeans and then didnt worry after that.

Then the next day, I went to a public spa (Spa number 5) and had a leg massage. Pretty poor. Again, you strip off, shower and then massage and then get into this deep hot pool (again, naked) and with people around. I did have a wrap and must admit, it stayed pretty close to the edge of the pool.

After that, I went into the public pool (with bathers thank god) and they had the most amazing spa bath. Nozzels at all different levels so you could do your feet, thighs, neck and all other bits in between. Needless to say, I pummelled all my cellulite away and had the best foot massage.

Walked out (after going to female dressing room) where again, people walked around naked) and felt very relaxed.

However, one drawback. I have a bloody ear infection from the water. I get these quite a lot (swimmers ear). but this one is a bad one. I'm totally deaf in the left ear (which at the moment is good because they are playing ACDC really loud in this internet cafe and I was never a fan) and its throbbing madly. Went to the chemist and all the gave me was some herbal drops which smell nice. (the chemists here are much more strict - you can only get pain killers at chemists and a lot of stuff that we consider non-presciption, they need prescriptions). So, I'm giving the drops a go. I fly in about two days and am quite concerned.

At least my ear smells nice.....

Went to the movies yesterday and saw Pirates of the Caribbean. it was in English. Thoroughly enjoyed having 3 hours of english to listen to (plus Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom are OK as well)

Today, going to the Communism Museam (apparently its weird) and just bumming around. Tomorrow (last day) am going to do exciting stuff like washing and then find a really nice restaurant to go to...

So...Prague

Lovely buildings;Quite Modern;
Great Transport;
Rains a lot;
Czech people are very quiet (amazing for Europeans). They say in the guide book that you can tell tourists by how loud they speak in the Metro and they are right. Czech people speak very quietly and are unobtrusive. Europeans speak really loudly and to be honest, are sometimes pains in the ass. Pick pockets are rife apparently in the Metro and they say that they listen out for tourists and then go for them. Needless to say, Ive been left alone, seeing I dont have anyone to speak to....
Pet Friendly(also in Croatia and Hungary) they allow pets on the metro and they can also stay in most hotels. You see lots of older men walking cuddly little dogs.
English speaking not too bad. Better than Hungary.

Well, better go.. painkillers are running out and the ACDC beat is starting to get in time with my ear...

Next blog update - THE BIG APPLE. I am so excited. Cant believe that in a few days time, I will be in the middle of it. Ive booked accomodation not to far from Central Park. it was recommended to me by the US girls. Apparently its close to the metro. They are going to show me around a bit was well which Im really looking forward to..

Also, just got word that I'm going to catch up with my American friend Joe. Havent seen him in 10 years so am really looking forward to that.

So...adios from Prague and Eastern Europe. Ive enjoyed it all and recommend to everyone to visit. Hasnt been as difficult as Id imagined getting around and the challenges have been fun.

Cheers Kay