The first morning in Prague when the nightmare was finally over

When we woke up (alive), we walked to the train station to get our Euros changed! It was a lovely walk I've to say - people dressed for work, having breakfast at cafes and MacDonalds (actually really glad to see the familar MacDonalds).

Got some Czech crowns and threw the rent at the retired prostitute, asked to check out. She was obviously unhappy but we couldn't wait any longer to get out of this bloody place!

This place. We made the booking on http://www.hostelworld.com/ but it was a different name. The guy walked us over to this one remember. We went back to read the reviews, apparently they change names on the website often to con young travelers like ourselves (back then)

This. Centrum II Hostel. Bet you it no longer exist on your search engines

 

So after being cool and throw that little amount of money and demanding our passport, we had no place to stay for the next 2 nights. But we still want to see this city, hoping that this unfortunate encounter will not repeat itself! While I patiently waited and looked after the luggages (2 months worth of traveling stuff - thank god it was summer), Mandy ran around city of Prague to find us a place to stay. We could not afford those fancy hotels just across the road, therefore it was a much more challenging task.

 

After an hour Mandy came back with good news! She found an apartment for us, and the owner was coming to pick us up in a car. For I can't remember how much, SGD64/night for both? The hostel was SGD16/night/pax, while the Swiss girls next door was paying SGD9/night/pax. We couldn't get over the fact that we were conned and bullied.

 

The owner came and helped us with the luggages. His dog leaped into the car boot and stepped on my emotional support, the Miffy balloon that we bought in Groningen Medical Centre!!!

 



I sucked it up and moved along. At least we had a place to stay!

It was a short drive, 15min? The apartment was couple of subway stations away from the main train station, 6-7 stations away. It was near Czech Inn, was heaven compared to the hostel we put up in the night before.

May not look that awesome in the photos, but at least it felt SAFE. With a mini kitchen where we could make Asian instant noodles! Hahaha. And TV that we hardly used, but it was so important that it felt safe.

The owner told us where to get good breakfast, a traditional something, how to take the subway, how much it usually cost, places of interest. I've his name card somewhere... though we may not be staying in such a hostel / apartment anymore if we ever visit Prague again, we probably will remember the hospitality :)

It was probably 11am or something when we finally settled down - ready for the REAL Prague! :)


Three lessons especially for young female Asian travelers:

1. Never NEVER arrive in a new place/city when it's dark. No matter how you do it, try to reach before 4pm (may have to reach earlier in winters) so that you can navigate, get to the place when you are putting up, collect some brochures and maps and plan your next few days in that place

2. Always arrive with some local currencies. At least to take a taxi, have a meal or to pay for a night stay. Withdraw the money via cirrus ATM is also an option, provided you can find one.

3. DO NOT stay near the main train station. Is it NOT safe and tend to be most complicated with tourists therefore petty crimes and con cases. Staying slightly further i.e. couple of subway stations away may be a little inconvenient but much safer. Unless you are staying in a 4 star hotel and above which has some guarantee to your safety - else please DON'T.