Bilious Blog…Around Europe in 80 days#41

Did that thing again last night,got lost on the tram…well sort of.I got impatient waiting for my tram from Sparta down to Malastranska and caught the next one thinking that went the same way.It was only when we began going uphill instead of downhill I twigged …Had to wait 20 minutes for a tram I knew went my way…when it’s dark and the stop is in a desolate area and you’re the only one there when a gang of lads turn up you naturally become wary but nothing happened so all was cool…

Once at my stop I had to change to another two trams but by this time the need for the toilet kicked in and of course I went to a bar.I can’t just use a pub toilet without buying a drink.It’s just something in me.So got a small beer with the intention of staying maybe 20 minutes.Two hours later I left to get the last tram to my hotel…got chatting to a Czech lad named Tom and we had a good laugh…

Was thinking of going to Karlovy Vary today ( or Carlsbad as some might know it) as my parents lived there from 45’ to 48’ but it’s a seven hour round trip and with a nearly five hour trip to Leipzig tomorrow I didn’t really fancy it…Tom was telling me it’s now run by Russian Oligarchs,which is a terrible shame but no surprise really especially as there’s a highly regarded annual film festival there with big stars attending.If there’s one thing gangsters enjoy as much as money it’s the lure of famous stars from music & film…so instead I went looking for the Dukla Prague ground…

For those reading this who are of a certain age and a certain musical affiliation the name Dukla Prague will always be synonymous with the slightly quirky alternative band called Half Man Half Biscuit and their  song “All I want for Christmas is a Dukla Prague away kit” For many in Britain they put the club on the map and I’m sure the club are grateful,albeit slightly bemused,by many shirt sales to middle aged portly Brits… 

As soon as I went through the gates a security guard stopped me.Here we I thought,this is as far as I go.After establishing my nationality.He asked if I was going to take pics of the kids( there was a kids game going on next door) “ good lord no!” I stammered,aware of the connotations…anyhoo we chatted and I explained  the situation without mentioning Half Man Half Biscuit,as i thought that might confuse matters…he was cool,gave me a pass and said if anyone asks just show them this.Could have been a jobsworth but wasn’t so big up the fella.We had a good ten minute chat when I left…,posted the pics online and evoked a nostalgia glow in a few blokes online…Dukla at one time were the most hated club in Soviet run Czechoslovakia as they were the army team and won many titles under dubious circumstances.I would have thought they would have distanced themselves from that time but they still affiliate themselves with the army so I guess they’re still hated…

Actually got my online ticket inspected on the tram earlier too.First time this trip,apart from the normal ticket inspection on the inter city trains.At least I feel vindicated buying a ticket now…. 

So early train to Leipzig tomorrow.A city I’m familiar with and like,so looking forward to it and getting back to using the Euro rather than the Czech Crown.Nothing wrong with the Crown but the Euro is pretty much one to one with the pound so I know what I’m spending immediately whereas with the Crown it’s a bit more complicated.My maths ain’t great…

Gonna have one more pint then head back to the hotel for an early(ish) bed and get my zeds in….and I won’t get lost on the tram this time! 

See you all tomorrow…