I find that I wait a lot in Czech Republic.

Here I am, waiting again. This time I’m waiting at Prague Ruzyne airport, munching my very tangy tasting potato chips. Very expensive chips, I must say. That’s after wolfing down a mini subway sub that cost almost sgd 2.50. Czech has become a lot more affluent since I last set foot here. I remember that it only cost me sgd 18 for a night at an apartment at Ceské Budejovice. But of course, that wasn’t at Prague and that was 12 years ago!!

Well, I’ve underestimated the efficiency of the Prague airport, so now I’m paying for that mistake. I’ve booked a bus to karlovy vary with the Student Agency Express www.studentagency.cz, giving myself plenty of time (well, too much, in this case) to exchange my currency, get through the customs, pick up my luggage and grab a quick lunch. I tried to get onto the earlier bus but unfortunately it was full. Luckily I booked my bus ticket (it only cost €5.20. That’s the same price as a macs meal here =.= ) ahead or I wont even be able to get to Karlovy Vary!! So if you are thinking of traveling from or to Prague, it pays to book ahead!!

Here’s a picture of the bus stand. Exit from D and walk across the taxi lines and open air car park. Took me some walking back and forth to find it.

Hours later….

I’m on the student express bus. It trundled along, 25 mins LATE! I wish they’ve the sense of German punctuality. It got me worried for a while , thinking that I was waiting at the wrong place. Checking with my fellow bystanders assured me that I was correct and that the bus was late.

Well well well. That certainly took half a day. It’ll probably be 315pm by the time I reach Karlovy Vary. I shall take it easy and just roam around.

Some time later……

The yellow student express agency bus ended its journey at the Dolní Nádraží (known as Karlovy Vary Terminal if you are booking the bus ticket online). That’s the main train station of the little town. The 1st thing a seasoned traveller (giving myself a little credit here. Afterall I have travelled around and planned or unplanned my own itinerary for the last 15 years!!) would do would be to head for the information center, pick up the town map and get little information tips.

Therefore I headed to the information center, dragging my luggage along, behind me.

The lady (she wasn’t too friendly) at the counter gave me a simple map of the town, adequate enough for my use. I asked for directions to my hotel she said I could either walk for 20 mins or wait for a bus for 10 mins and the trip would take 15 mins. I peered at the map and decided that it didn’t look too far. Therefore, walk it shall be.

She redirected me to the counter outside for bus enquiries.

I patiently queued behind a couple and waited for my turn. When it’s my turn I asked for the bus schedule for buses going to Loket the next day. Gosh! The bus lady made the map lady look like an angel. She muttered some stuff in Czech (I assume) and punched the keyboard (I think she hates it) with such force that I thought the keys were going to be dislodged. She wrote down the timings and thrust it towards me with a frown. “may I have the return trip schedule too?”. At that she threw her hands in the air, waved them at me and rolled her eyes. Then she grumbled and punched the keyboard. (I wanted to tell her that she’s the epitome of good nature and she’s really made my day. But I figured that my smart ass quip probably wouldn’t sit too well with her so I decided to hold my tongue for the sake of my return journey from Loket). After she gave me the slip I decided to leave, pronto.

Hmmm… Maybe the ventilation at the station wasn’t too good that’s why everyone’s so riled up??

I shan’t let them spoil my holiday!!

Pic of the Karlovy Vary train station and information center.