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September 11, 2003
We explored Karlovy Vary more in depth. Martin purchased Plakas (thin waffle-like crackers). These came in different flavors: chocolate, vanilla, coconut and almond. We were shown the important buildings of the town and then the famous spas. Martin had purchased plastic cups for everyone and we sampled the famous mineral waters from several fountains of varying temperatures. We were taken to see the main geyser that is housed in an unattractive building built by the Russians. Many of the people in our group purchased the special cups where the handle also doubles as the straw for drinking the waters. Another souvenir to be had were roses that had been encrusted with minerals.
A very interesting part of the tour was going underground where we were able to see wild springs and to learn how the wooden pipes were cleaned 2 or 3 times a year. It was here beneath the ground that we also saw the shower room where the roses were being showered with water of 6 days to make the above-mentioned souvenirs.
It began to rain and turned very cold. We were prepared for the rain with raincoats and umbrellas but were not dressed warm enough.
Our next adventure was to take a funicular to the top of a hill overlooking the city. On top, we took an elevator up Diana's Tower for really great views. We lunch at a restaurant on the hill.
After lunch we the choice of taking the funicular back down, which would arrive one block from our hotel or walk down through a birch forest arriving at a Russian Orthodox church about 1 ½ miles from our hotel. Pat rode and I walked, despite the rain. The forest walk was lively. Once at the bottom we had about 15 minutes for the church to open. It was located in the Russian section of town and there were many beautiful buildings (mostly hotels).
We then split up. Several of the people went on to a concert at the church and I went onto a shopping center where I found a pad of lined paper to use as my journal.
I quickly walked the 1-½ miles back to the hotel because it was really raining hard. I encountered Pat coming off the elevator. Apparently he had been trying to find us so he could give me a coat and umbrella.
We spent the rest of the afternoon and evening tucked snuggly in our room- Pat reading and I catching up on my diary.
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