Rain in a city in which we spent a lot of time confused and laughing

Saturday 7th August

I'm writing this in our hotel room, sheltering from the rain that started at 11am and ended 20 minutes ago at 6pm.  Absolutely chucked it down allll day - so much so that we had to buy full body rain manc in very attractive pink and turquoise plastic.

We arrived in Praha hlavni nadanri train station yesterday at 3:30pm to a rather overcast afternoon.  After getting off the train we and all the other interrailers went to the map of the station down some steps, as we couldn't see a clear exit.  The station appeared to be three floors, the top being the platforms and then below ground were the information centres and shops.  There was a red dot on the key to show where we were on the map, but no red dot on the map itself.  This was both hilarious and strange.  We wandered around for a bit and just as we thought we would have to live in the station until our train out of Prague, we found the international ticket desk.  Whereas everywhere else so far had had a nice desk with uniformed employees and computers, Prague had three men in jeans and t-shirts sat at tables.  Our conversation with the ticket desk man went something like this:

Us:  Hi, we're interrailing...
Him:  Hahahahaha.
Us:  Erm, yeah ok.  So we were wondering if we need any reservations on any of these trains to Salzburg? (show man journey details)
Him:  Hahahahaha no.
Us:  Oh, ok, thank you.  Do you have a map of Prague we could buy?
Him:  Hahaha yes, here you go.
Us:  Thank you.  Oh, can we get one of those maps of the tram system as well?
Him:  No, not from here.
Us:  Oh, erm, ok, where from?
Him: Hahaha *points into the far distance in no particular direction*
Us:  Thanks... *scurry off*

We managed to buy tram tickets from the tourist information point and found the tram to our hotel.  Arriving at our room on the third floor was lovely.  Finding a fridge, hairdryer, free towels and a kettle in the room was pure luxury!  We got unpacked, showered and ate before an early night ready for the rest of apparently hilarious Prague.

This morning, after having our lovely free breakfast, we headed out to discover Prague.  Overcast and grey skies greeted us, but we pressed on towards the old town.  Although we had planned to go straight over Charles Bridge and up to the castle, we kept getting distracted by the amazing architecture and shops.  We found a chocolate museum we decided to return to later or tomorrow.
After wandering around in awe we got to Charles Bridge just as it began to rain.  Being all English we chuckled at everyone panicking and buying umbrellas in the slight drizzle.  However by the time we got across the bridge it was definitely raining and we took shelter in a little baguette cafe.  We struck out again towards the castle in the rain, determined not to waste our day.

We traipsed  towards the castle gardens before realising we were at the wrong side to be able to get into the castle.  After more traipsing we followed a load of people up a load of steps to the castle at the top.  The view from the top was well worth the climb, but with it raining even more we ended up taking cover in a cafe bistro.  Unfortunately it began to rain even more heavily so we decided to make a run for it into the castle.  We ran through the rain, took some photos then ran between shelters around the outside of the castle.  The rain clearly wasn't going to stop so we hot-footed it down the hill, buying pink and turqoise rain macs on the way.
Laughing at ourselves and the situation kept us going until we got to a Starbucks where we bought traim tickets and sheltered again with hot chocolates.

Next, we got on a completely pointless tram and then had to walk because the one we wanted wasn't running for the part of the city we were in.  We finally found the stop and with soggy feet and dripping hair (but our senses of humour still intact) and soon arrived back at the hotel.  Hot showers were immediately in order, followed by a quick pop next door in our pyjamas for 20czk (80p) pizza slices.  We're now back in our room and have planned which tram to get tomorrow to go to Wenceslas Square.  Firstly to look at the marvel that it is, and secondly to go to H&M and replace our ruined shoes from today.  Let's hope for sunny skies!

(I forgot earlier but as we were waiting to cross a road to get to Charles Bridge a load of approaching cars were all honking.  We had no idea why but as they got nearer we saw they had ribbons on - part of a wedding procession.  Everyone waiting to cross the road clapped and waved and some people even took photos.  The people in the cars, including the bride and groom were all waving at us and it was very sweet and cheerful.)

Stride like the rooster!