“Travels to a Different Time” : 7June1975; Olomouc, Czechoslovakia: Squealing Russian Car; A Friendly Czech Army Officer

I woke up early and it was so cold I just wanted to stay in a warm sleeping bag. I forced myself up, packed and dismantled my tent. I had some salami, chocolate cookies and mineral water for breakfast. I took the bus to Mikulas and wanted to get off at the highway but the conductor said no. Yes a big effort to let me off eh? I walked back to the highway in this crappy Czech weather. Cold, dark and windy. It was so cold that in addition to my jacket I had to drape a blanket over me. They are swimming in Greece and I am in the snow. I got a lift with a speed maniac in a Russian car that had tires that squealed loudly at every turn. These Russian cars ain’t so good! He took me out of his way to a good spot on the highway and I had two girls walk by me and they were too close to me when they put their hands out for a lift. They got the first lift and then I got a lift with an army officer, a captain. Thank goodness he was a Czech and not a Russian army officer. I don’t trust these Russians. They invaded Hungary in 1956 and Czechoslovakia in 1968. He had a new Yugoslav car and the ride was smooth. Beautiful scenery up here in the Tatra Mountains. He had his young son sitting in the back. We stopped for a Pepsi. He drove me around to a few hotels and found a cheap one at $6.20. Cold water only but spotless and right near the city and the highway to my next destination Brno. It is simply too cold to camp. I had a good dinner and a flat beer for $1.75. I returned to my room and read for a bit and slept in a warm room. Tomorrow is Sunday and I am sure everything will be closed.