Hi. I'm leaving in less than a week for my trip to Prague, which I planned many many months ago. The purpose of the trip was to visit a friend, but I have not heard from him in about two and a half months. He said once upon a time that he'd meet me at the airport and show me around the entire country... but no details or even my flight information were ever discussed. I have left him a couple of messages in the past couple of months but I have not received any reply. I am one of those travellers that is so used to things going wrong that I can't cope if I don't know what is going on or haven't been told not to worry. I'm not sure what to do. Am I overreacting? Should I just trust him? Is this a cultural difference? Or, should I assume that I'm being abandoned and start trying to confirm hostel reservations, decide on transportation from the airport, and try to put together some sort of itinerary? I'm travelling alone and though I have managed to learn some very basic phrases of Czech, I feel sort of lost. I don't want to offend my friend by putting together a last minute back-up plan, but I also don't want to arrive at the airport to discover that there's no one to meet me and I'm completely on my own for a week and a half without a plan. I don't know what to do. Any advice would be appreciated.
Hi Paint, I don't blame you for being panic stricken. I am sorry to say it but at this point I would go on the assumption that he is not planning on keeping his end of the bargain. If I were you, I would make all the necessary arrangements that you need to, in case he does not not show. There could be any number of reasons for why he has not called to confirm. But, because you cannot rely on him at the moment, I would have no qualms at all about preparing your backup plans. It is the sensible and safe thing to do when going on any trip alone and especially overseas. You'll feel better once you've made other solid plans. If he does show up then maybe you can cancel the other arrangements and or, take a loss if you have to. I wouldn't let him off very easy for putting you through all this angst, though. If I were you Paint, I would now try to turn this jouney into a kind of self exploration and growth experience. This may be the chance to prove that you CAN rely on yourself. You may even find that you make some new friends on this trip, (hopefully more reliable!). I am speaking from experience, too. I went to Prague in Oct.'04. It was my first trip alone. I made some friends that I will keep forever and I had the trip of a lifetime. I think that could happen to you too if you open yourself up to it. Worst case scenario, you have the opportunity to see an incredibly beautiful country, meet some of the wonderful Czech people and experience their rich culture. Try and turn the adversity into good fortune! I think that you will be glad you did. :wink:
Paint, If it turns out that he doesn't show, go out and have the time of your life, so you can e-mail him afterward about all the fun he missed out on!
Thanks for the encouragement, all~ I've started packing and looking through guidebooks. I'll let you know how it turns out.
Hi Paint! I agree with everyone on this - try to have the best time in Prague!!! We will be in Prague from 20 to 24 May - maybe we could even meet and have a beer together if you want. Of course, if you will be there during the same time...
Hi-- Probably you've made your hostel reservation by now, but if you haven't, give the Junior Hotel on Senovazne namesti a try. (It's called "Junior Hotel" but part of its facilities include a hostel.) We've taken our study-abroad groups there (from the US) 4 times now, and the 5th group is going next week - arriving 10:30 am on, coincidentally, the 24th. The hostel is excellent - clean, comfortable, reasonable, generous breakfast included in price; we've come to know the staff and feel that we're going "back home" when we go. If you'd like more information, just e-mail me back. And if by some chance you're arriving at the same time our group is, you'd have plenty of help getting to the hostel! It's conveniently located about a 10-minute walk to Wenceslas Square. I hope you have a TERRIFIC time in Prague - with your art background / profession, you're sure to enjoy it.
Hello - here's an update: I heard from my friend. He'll pick me up at the airport, and show me around for part of my trip. I'm staying at the hostel. Thanks for the support, and I'll post another update either during or after my trip.
Hi, Paint -- Great news! I hope you'll keep in mind that you COULD have done it alone if you had to, and you would have had a wonderful time, I'm sure. Still, it's nice to have someone to share it with. Have a terrific time and be sure to post a report when you get back! Susan
Very glad to hear that Paint, I just read your message and started to worry about you. Now you can relax and have a good time. Just for sure, take few addresses for hostels with you...just in case something goes wrong. Just to be safe. Have a great time.
Ahoj! I'm in Prague and I am having a good time. My friend met me at the airport and took me to the hostel, waited while I checked in, then took me into the city center. He showed me around and we stayed out quite late. It didn't seem important to tell him how upset I was that I had not heard from him, but maybe that will come up later. Anyway, thank you for thinking of me!
WONDERFULL. Don't forget to let us know about hostel you are staying in so others can benefit from your information. Also if you really enjoy something share it. AND if you find any interesting/inexpensive restaurants, let us know too. Have a great time. We, who are not there right now are jealous, but we will get to CR again.
