Ok, I have some time so I will relate a few stories of my existence here in Cheb. Two weeks ago, I had to go to Munich. Now, this was not an easy feat, as I had to buy a ticket from people who do not speak English. I have mastered how to buy a ticket to Sokolov (the next town over). But nothing I learned in that process prepared me for buying a ticket to another country. First, I went to the CEDOK office. I was told I could by any type of travel tickets there and that they speak English. Well, they do speak English but would not sell me a train ticket. Off to the train station. I get there and go to the ticket office and explain where I would like to go. No dice. Apparently there is an international ticket booth. I go there and state my request. I get a nice print out of the itinerary I requested. I asked where to pay and how much. She said "tickets" in English. So off I go back to the ticket counter only to be told that I can not pay for that ticket there. Through charades and broken English and Czech phrases, I realize that I must go back from whence I came. Frustrated and near tears, I got back to the International office and figure out I spoke to the information person and the ticket booth was closed and had been for 30 minutes. It opened shortly and I got my ticket. Whew! But let me say this....I HATE the train station!

However, that is not the end of my story. The train didn't leave until 1:12 am. I had to ask one of the guys to walk me to the train station at midnight. We get to the train station at 12:25 and it is locked. Go figure. We walk around and try all the doors to no avail. Finally some comes and unlocks the doors. I said good bye to Josh and made my way to the platform. It is dark and cold and there is only one bench. I sit down and try to memorize the phrases I think I will need on the train when I see a man walking toward me. There is only one bench so I move over but I don't look at him. He gets right up to me and says, "Hello, Jessica." I look up shocked and it is Honza, one of the English teachers from my school. He helped me buy my cell phone the week before. I was relieved at once because I had been nervous about taking a night train by myself . He helped me out once again and I made it to Munich in one piece.

That's all for today. I will tell you another story next time. Have a good weekend! Jessica