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.

Competition Day 4

I've Thorgotten how to play chess.

FML

1. (Internet slang, vulgar) Fuck my life (expressing despairing annoyance).

Woke up around twelve after not being able to sleep last night, and made some breakfast. Jumped in the shower about half one, came out in my undies to find a new Room 32 lodger. Australian Beth (I guessed she was from Canada, seemed a little insulted) and I sat for the day exchanging travellers tales, jesting about how gay chess is, and arguing wether toads did or did not exist in Australia (They do). Headed off to the chess at half past 4 feeling confident and cheery. I hadn't realised that today, the gods had decided to fuck me.

Outside it was pouring rain with gale force winds. I think i swam / got blown further than i actually walked. Made it to the tournament hall and sat down to play my game. Got confused when my opponent moved one of her pieces in an "L" motion, then remembered this wasn't a Checkers tournament. I lost the game. Lost. No point, do not pass go, do not collect $200.

So after concluding that I'm shit at chess, i start the venture home. The rain is still lashing down, and the wind is... being windy, I stop at a grocery store thinking I'll buy some beer, alcohol always makes everything better. I go in to find some "Light" beer, its like 2.25%. My urine contains more alcohol than that. I ask the store assistant if they have any stronger beer, only to be told I need to buy it from a liquor store. "Okay, wheres the nearest store?" "They are all closed now, they close at 7 pm". I decided 2.25% beer was better than no beer, or urine, so I bought a 6 pack. Although I didn't, because after waiting in a wee queue, with one forming behind, the woman scanned the booze, and asked for 758 Kroner. I reached into my empty pocket. My wallet had fallen out at the Hostel when i was changing my jeans. I apologised and practically ran out the shop.

I continue down the road with the oncoming traffic looking ever more appeasing. I actually forced myself not to look left or right before crossing, hoping some crazy viking O.A.P would knock me down. Turns out they've bastardized the green cross code so that people have right of way when crossing, unless at traffic lights. 

A cigarette to calm the nerves. A gust of wind blew it from my hand into a puddle.

I was waiting for my phone to ring to tell me my parents had spontaneously combusted. Or that my cat had died. (I dont own a cat.)

I got back to the room and started going through my game. I heard a key in the front door, did a little fist pump, and turned around, only to find an older man walk in. "Oh Hi, which bed is free?". 

F. M. L.

Competition Day 3

Lost. That is all.

Only kidding, was pritty gutted after it but the Germans have managed to cheer me up. German Male (nameless for legal reasons) told me he bought 3rd teeth toothpaste - And apart from burning his mouth when using it, gave him a cracking smile.

No pictures today, ill take some tomorrow.