Getting From Here To There

Getting from Prague to Zakopane worked better in theory than in practice. We had tried to buy a double couchette on the overnight train but they were sold out and we had to get a couchette for 4. When we got there, we discovered that all the double doubles were for 6; 3 berths up both sides of the room. We were assigned the middle ones which required the use of a ladder but the top bunks looked like you would need a parachute to get down, if you ever got up.  Caitlin had warned us that we shouldn't assume we wouldn't get new roommates on the way but, as it turned out, no one ever came.  The train seemed to stop a lot and shook; there were no noisy people but the train itself was noisy. We got zero sleep.

Then finding the bus we wanted was also a bit of a challenge. Buses to Zakopane leave regularly but the one in our time frame was late. It should take about 2 hours to drive there but it took 3 because of the line of traffic. Zakopane is a ski resort in the winter but a family vacation spot in the summer--half of Poland came for this weekend. There is one road--think Gatlinburg on a weekend. We couldn't sleep on the bus either because of sitting upright.

We have a very nice hotel with a spa; massages are calling our names.  Check in is supposed to be at 4 but they got our room ready before 11 and let us pay an exorbitant amount of money for breakfast which will be free from now on.

After naps, we decided to walk to wake up and worked our way slowly through the sea of humanity to the funicular that goes to the top of a mountain. There is a zip line, rock climbing, pony rides, and other attractions for kids...and of course, beer and sausages for adults. This weekend is a holiday weekend for the Polish; everyone had Friday off. When that happens, the families head for the mountains. It should quiet down by Monday.  So far, the weather has been great. There's been a lot of rain here but today was clear and it looks like tomorrow will be too.

Beautiful views.