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.

Last 2 Days of Iceland

Golden Circle Tour

Yesterday I went on the Golden Circle tour. I woke up and got ready at half 7 (8) and was picked up at half past. First stop was the bus station, to make sure everyone was on the right buses. I wasnt. I wasnt even going with that company! After some confusion and a few phone calls I was picked up again, and blamed the whole mishap on the previous driver.

The tour bus was small, with nine other people going on the trip. We started off and the guide introduced himself. I'm not going to name him because he was a bit shit, his tone and lack of enthusiasm would have been more suited for a bingo hall, however he did make a few jokes. ("As we pass a mountain with rocks falling down, you will see house. Would you build house there?")

Our first stop was a small nameless town, that used to be quite popular until an earthquake in 2008 split the place in half! Instead of filling in the crack they've put a big glass floor over it, so you can walk over it and look down - Exactly like the scene on demolition man.

Next we stopped at a huge crater, which was nice.

Then a small waterfall. It was quite lovely, the weather was holding out and we had some Jamaicans with the group that cracked me up. Their accent and the way they laugh is just brilliant. 

Then Gullfoss! The mightiest waterfall in the world! It's massive, and you can walk right alongside it. You can actually feel the power of the water as the spray soaks you, it was really quite amazing. The bus driver was quite witty, we got along well, he told the group that the vikings used to take slaves from Scotland. I wanted to jest about the irony of him driving me around for the day, but didn't feel comfortable at all with the slave chat in front of the Jamaicans.

Onto the Geyser Geysir, which was actually really cool. Took a little video, Im going to edit it when I get home and then post it on here. One of the geysers erupted every four minutes. 

Finally we went to the National Park. originally I thought this would be the lamest part of the trip, but the place is absolutely spectacular. The driver walked us through it, telling us of the history as we went. It was incredible. The midge's and mosquitoes really enjoyed it too, as thousands of them followed our group biting us.

Then we drove home. The tour lasted about eight hours, and I'd highly recommend it to all four of you that read my blog ("Hi mum!").

Pictures will be uploaded when I get home - the internet is chucking at the moment.

Final Day

So that brings us to today. I'll hand you over to Jerry for his final thought. The chess was amazing, I could have played better but the experience, especially beating a GM, is truly what will make me a better player. Iceland itself is a beautiful country with a bunch of lovely inhabitants. Ill end this exciting adventure with a quote from the German bible. 

"Und als sie ihn sahen, fielen sie vor ihm nieder; einige aber zweifelten."

"Become a Grandmaster, or die trying."