End of Brno - Start of Plzen

End of Brno

The last few days have been pretty hetic, hence no blog updates. I'll try to pick up where I left off, but to be honest it feels like weeks ago!

Our final days at Brno were fruitful. On the last day, as we were getting on the bus to go to the venue, I noticed two Czech people dressed as elves. They both wore long green cloaks, and had crafted replica swords out of household items. They must have been traveling to some role playing event via public transport. I was giggling behind them the whole way, envious of their courage to ride the local bus dressed like a homosexual Legolas. I won my last game after a tough fight. We had a while to wait for the train, so we hung around for the prize giving ceremony. Turns out I won a grading prize of 500 Kc, which converts to about 18 pounds. And to think my teachers at school said I wouldn't amount to anything...

We travelled to Plzen with Mondus and the Russians. Mondus (Epiminmondus Kourosis) is a Greek FM, and a really cool guy. The Russians consisted of Grandmaster Ivanov, and an older guy who seemed fragile to begin with, but out ran all of us to the train by atleast a good three seconds. Peter C left the team at this point to head back to Luton, so it was onwards and upwards to Plzen.

Start of Plzen

We arrived here about half past ten a night or two ago - Then headed for our accommodation. We got a lift with Anze and Maja (Lovely people that we usually spend evening meals with.) to our accommodation - We drove about fifteen minutes out of the city and into what can only be described as the "Plzen Bronx". I recon not even J Lo would stand a chance it was that shite. We pulled up to our hostel alongside an ambulance and a police car with their sirens flashing. The reception area wasn't that bad to be fair, but once we actually got into the room we both just wanted to die. The place was miserable - It was like the Haunted Shack from Harry Potter mixed with thirteen dying kittens. We somehow managed to stay one night there, woke up early the next day and managed to sort different premises for the following night (Tonight). The first round was tonight and me and Andy both won. We met some of the other players of the tournament after the game, and some are staying at the horrible hostel. I'm not religious, but ill say a wee prayer for them as I lay down in my cozy, clean bed tonight.