Day 7 - Prague

Everything started out smoothly in the morning, with waking up and having a slow and nice breakfast. We checked out the hostel a little behind schedule but we thought everything was ok. Upon reaching the central subway station to change between lines, we found out the line we needed to take for our journey to the bus terminal was closed and down due to some unknown reason. We were directed up and out to the streets by the person in charge which couldn’t really converse in English. On the streets were a huge bunch of people waiting for the replacement bus though we were short of time and henced asked around for an alternative way to get to the terminal. We were told to get on the subway and transfer to a tram to get there. We were getting nervous as time was running out and we are also short of local cash. After getting of the underground, we had to get a ticket but we didn’t know where to get them and was once again directed to the counter which had a long queue. However, when we got to the counter front, the lady closed the counter while talking gibberish. She didn’t even allow us to ask question on how or where to get a ticket. We asked around and was told to get a ticket from the automated machine which upon our trial, didn’t want to work. We were frantic by that time and sweating profusely from adrenaline overdrive and fear of missing our ride. We somehow managed to get on a tram and get to the terminal but the next obstacle was waiting for us. We had no idea where the bus was located and had to find it. We ran around like chickens running away from the slaughter house, looking for our bus. Alas, we got to our bus with just minutes to spare. That concluded our amazingly eventful morning. The bus ride from Budapest to Prague was quite a long one but the bus itself was pretty much very comfortable hence making the trip up quite enjoyable. Upon arrival in Prague, we found a little short of cash as neither of our bank cards seems to work with the local ATM machines. Eventually we got to a machine which allowed us to withdraw the amount needed though I opted to change my remainding Usd and Euros. We theb had a slow walk to find our dinner which was fantastic. On our walk back to hostel we got ourselves some local bear to drink. We didn’t quite like what the people rated as their best beer as it has a queer aftertaste (in my opinion).

Day 6 Budapest

I slept very soundly through the night, having a few dreams along the way. Though a dream was a bit more vivid than the rest. I remembered having my best friend - HK giving her boyfriend CH a surprise birthday bash. When they arrived we gave him the boring old but effective “surprise” yell. He blushed a little and thank us for the party. After greeting everyone, someone started to yell “Kiss kiss kiss” and before we knew it, everyone started chanting along. HK got a bit shy and kiss CH on that nose but it turned out like a cartoon scene because she bit his nose and pulled it making it extend. (Don’t judge me, It’s a dream, anything could happen) Seeing no real action going on the croud started whining and requesting for some affectionate show. Hearing this, CH cupped HK’s face tenderly with his hands and reeled her in for a slow and sensual kiss. The group started “ohhs and ahhs” seeing how much love was being potrayed and poured into the kiss. By that time both of them were deep in their own world, giving and showing each other their love for one another. The air was practically sizzling with electricity radiating from them. I couldn’t remember what happened next but I knew I got excited from their display if affection. Or maybe a bit too excited. That ended my memory of the dreamAfter a light breakfast and slow stroll around town, we walked to the meeting point for the free tour. The local tiure guide had a fairly good command of English. The tour lasted a little more than 2.5 hours and we decided to give them 500Huf per person which is equivalent to about 2 euros. We then headed to a Museum which in my opinion was a total waste of time and money which made me even more broke than I already was. I was totally not interested in it but just went along with my friends. We later tried to look for the restaurants recommended by the guide but we ended up with closed stalls or places we didn’t like. Finally picking a place to dine in a restaurant and since they allowed to use euros to pay, I could eat in peace without having to worry to much about the money. After dinner, we went on our way down to the bath house and heroes square which was located quite a distance from the center. We read on the ticket that within an hour we have unlimited rides on the subway but on our return from the square after a haste photo session, we were told by the mean conductors that we had to buy a new ticket. With that comment, our mood was sort of deteriorated. After knowing that we have nothing much to spent on, I wanted to buy a shirt that I didn’t buy on the other day though the shop had already closed. So i went to buy some local alcohol. I had to even ask the shop owner if I could buy the alcohol cause I was short by 10Huf. Me and my friend practically had no money on the way back since we spend it on the alcohol.

Day 5 - Budapest

It’s the last morning in Vienna town today. We’re leaving for Budapest on a 7am coach and thus have to wake up at the wee hours of 5 in the morning to get prepared. Hello Budapest, here we come ! We got to the bus station with 20 minutes to spare. Though I went to the toilet before leaving the hostel, I had a very strong urge to release my bladder contents yet again. I tried to go to the washroom that was free but it was still closed at it was only 6.40am. The one in the station was a paid per entrance type and being an Asian, I didn’t want to pay for that. I opted to hold the urge. Little did I know, I was actually on dire need of one as within 30minutes of the bus ride the urge became stronger and I was finding it hard to sleep. 1.5 hours later, we reached a drop off point and barelt able to hold back, I asked the driver if I could use the washroom nearby and he said no, I told him i was in need of one. His next reply left me shocked and very happy. “There is a toilet in the bus?!” Having completing and satisfying my urge, I am now enjoying myself with the free wifi of the bus. After the journey ended, our journey in Budapest city begun. We started off with a train ride to our hostel. According to the internet blogger’s advice and tips, we were told to take care of our tickets while riding on the public transport as the conductors check frequently for passangers not paying for their ride, especially on weekdays. And alas, they told the truth, during our short ride to our hostels, we were stopped twice by different conductors. Upon reaching our designated subway stop, we tried to allocate our hostel and the sign was so insignificant that we practically passed it 2-3 times without realizing it. We checked into the hostel and started touring around the city. Later that night, we tried to find a place recommended by the keeper of the house but all we managed to do was went shopping.instead. Hence, I ended up oversspending again.

Day 4 - Vienna/ Bratislava

Woke up at 5.30 in the morning as we are trying to finish our rounds in Vienna before leaving to Bratislava for a day trip. Hopefully our legs won’t give away from the soreness of walking later in the day. Bratislava, it is a very nice town full of ancient structures and building which has yet not to be tainted by the tourism culture. We arrived at the town at about 10.30 in the morning and started to walk around town and allocating our bearings. After some trials, we managed to find ourselves in the information center to fill in our empty minds on what to do and where to go. The place was pretty small anf we got to tour most of the places before the clock struck 2. We then headed towards a pub recommended by bloggers and the receptionist at the information center. The food we had there was very delicious and comparatively cheaper than in Vienna. With our stomachs being filled, we had to satisfy our hearts next - shopping. I manage to secure.myself with the checkered box shirt with the cost of €4.95. Mum and dad, I’m really sorry if I used more than I planned to. Hopefully, you guys will forgive me. After reaching back to town, we got ourselves some breakfast and got them ready in case of an emergency. While,waiting for my turn to bath, I looked through the map given by the hostel and found out about some bars located not far from the hostel. Wanting to know the difference in these bars and those usual ones I see back in hometown, I decided to check them out. I only dared to walk pass them but not go in. Coward eh ? Maybe next time. Oh well.

Day 2 - Vienna

Time to wake up! Long day ahead of us. Today,we will be trying to find our way to our 2nd stop - Budapest and also do our sightseeing of the city. We managed to get to know 2 youngsters from Budapest who offered to help us get a bus ticket online for only 10 euros but we had to access the internet which was down at the moment so they decided to meet up later as they had somethings to tend to. 30 minutes later, we went back to the hostel lobby to try to gain access of the internet and to meet the girls but we didn’t see any of them. We opted to go get some rest and try again tomorrow before checking out and move into another hostel (Its a long story why we have 2 different hostels for one city) Hence we are to check out here before 10am but only allowed to check in at the next hostel at 2pm. That’s 4 hours of backpack on.ur back which makes me groan thinking about it. They male my shoulders ache so badly i wonder how those.Europeans do it. Hopefully, we will enjoy ourselves today. Before we checked out from our hostel, we were informed that we could leave our bags at their luggage room and collect it later free of charge. Hearing this news really added smiles onto my face knowing I do not have to walk aroubd town with a heavy bag resting on my shoulders. We first went to get some information about our transport to Budapest. We headed to the Schonburg Palace where we saw the residence of the Viennese Royal family. We tried to look around for breakfast bur couldn’t find any. We then settled for having breakfast by buying some stuff in the local supermarket. ( I got myself a loaf of potato bread and a couple of hams which was delightful and pleasant to the tongue.) The tour of the palace and their gardens left us feeling sore in the feets. After that, we finally got to eat our fried noodles for lunch which makes me salivate thinking about. While going back to collect our lugages and check in our next hostel, we were caught by a local which told us about an orchestra performance that was being held tonight and only cost £18. We were excited about the idea but at the same timw worrying about the authenticity of the orchestra. We decided to go to one of the locals and ask about the event. I could never forget the face he had after we asked the question. (He had both the features of shock and amusement plastered on his face) Upon verifying its authenticity, we bought the tickets abd hurried to get checked kn and settle down. Dinner was a quick one by sharing a Kebab while walking. Finally we made it to the theater and found that it wasn’t as grand as we thought it would be but never the less it was not the worst. The orchestra group was quite small but adequate. The hall slowly became full with audiences and we realized that most of them were Asians which came with a tour group. During the concert, somebody’s cell rang before the solo singer had a chance to sing. That lead her to look at the direction of the source of the sound and I felt so embarrassed by the actions of my fellow audience in the hall. To make matters worse, they seem to like to clap before the orchestra comes to a full stop. I personally enjoyed myself and was more or less satisfied with the performance.

Day 1 - Vienna

Finally after countless hours of journeying, I got to my 1st stop - Vienna. Upon arrival, I got of the plane and went into the terminal walking aimlessly, only to realize a moment later that we haven’t pass through the customs before leaving the terminal. I went back to ask the information counter if we needed to pass by the custom upon arrival and all we got was a shrug. We proceeded to the arrival terminal to rearrange our luggage sd everyone stuff their liquid into my bag. While rearranging, my toilet paper kind off unrolled itself in the airport making me feel so embarrassed and I felt my ears burning red. Next we found our way to the city center to get to our hostel. I misread the station which our hostel was located and ended up taking a huge detour before realizing the mistake. After checking in and refreshing ourselves, we headed out to look for food and to have a small tour around the city. After walking around for an hour or so we settled for dinner in a restaurant that seemed to be filled with locals. Dinner was fabulous and we had trouble to finish it since we had a light snack before heading down town from our hostel. We toured around for another hour or 2 before we returned back to the hostel for our long deserved rest.

Leaving for my 2nd Europe Trip

It is 6 in the morning and I just reached Sheremetyevo Airport in Moscow which in my view is way better than the one in Domodedovo. Few more hours before I embark for my journey to Vienna. I’m already getting hyped up ! As I was sitting on the airport waiting to be checked into my flight out of Moscow, I was able to witness the airport K9 unit in action. The dog wasn’t exactly the cutest but I would say it’ll do fine with the job. During their routine check, they came across a unattended luggage which they stopped by. The dog sniffed it and “declared” it safe but the owner didn’t turn even half an hour later. Further involvement of the airport officials were included and announcement were made to request the owner to come forth and claim his baggage. The policewere even brought into the matter and the k9 unit left. The police waited patiently for the owner to turn up. In a few moments, an African turned up and the case was solved ( not before he was gave a warning and even so he didn’t seem to think that he shouldn’t leave his baggage uncared for as a serious matter)