Perspectives on Adventure

The sun broke through the clouds, blinding me. The world was an inebriated blur. Heaving and gasping for air while running at full speed, I still couldn’t keep up with Andy, who was pulling away. Having met him 6 hours ago, he was now my last hope of finding my way back.

Throughout the 28 hours of train cabins from Italy, through Slovakia and Germany, into Prague, English was an absent commodity. I was starved of conversation. Last night I made up for it by meeting some friendly tourists, consuming vast quantities of a green, liquorice-flavoured, alcoholic substance, served with flaming sugar, affectionately called Absinthe, then out partying with my new friends.

At the bar, they told me about Andy, from Wisconsin, with an account of the prior nights adventure. That was Andy’s final night after a week in the Czech capital, but he’d disappeared. A search party assembled at the bar upstairs, and proceeded down to the dance club, but he wasn’t there. They then went to the the basement, which was a strip club. Upon entering they saw Andy on stage, topless, handcuffed, on his knees and in the process of removing a stripper’s panty with his teeth. A fun guy if ever I encountered one.

The shape of Andy swirled gently as he stopped to catch his breath. In 30 minutes he would miss the train again. Lost, drunk and running, I doubted his prospects.

My original plan for today, was to walk to Prague Castle via Charles Bridge. This could be delayed until tomorrow. The Kafka museum in the afternoon was far likelier an experience.

The familiar sight of Prague Station with attractive Czech woman, inspired me to ditch Andy and stumble leisurely back. I arrived at Hostel One, to Andy running out the door with his bags. 10 minutes left, he may just make it.

Water and 4 hours of sleep left me feeling bellow my best. Craig, the hostel entertainment coordinator, suggested a pub for traditional Czech Beef Guláš. My tastebuds tingled with this perfectly spiced meaty stew, garnished with chili, onion and bread dumplings, I felt much better now. It was also surprisingly budget friendly, about $3 for the Guláš and a soft drink.

The afternoon at the museum was a window into the mind of Kafka. It’s a gloomy, abstract and surreal audiovisual experience. The highlight amidst this confusing shrine, is the satirical fountain in the courtyard, depicting two men pissing Kafka quotes on the Czech Republic. Not really Kafkaesque, but surely the perfect cover picture for my photo album.