At 03:00 a.m. I jumped out of bed, tripped over the suitcase which was packed the night before, and made the wife (Margaret) a cup of coffee. We left the house at 04:15 a.m. to meet the coach at the predetermined time and place.  We were joined by a small gathering of fellow travellers at Lucketts yard. The suitcases were loaded and we boarded the coach, which was warm and clean with a cheerful coach driver who enquired how many were travelling from Fareham but at that time of the morning no body really knew. So on time our journey commenced to meet our fellow travelling companions.

Arriving on time at Cosham, the rest of the passengers suitcases were loaded and our fellow travellers boarded the coach. Peter Fincham introduced himself and the driver, a head count was carried out and being correct we departed for Heathrow on time and with no hassle. On route certain information was given out concerning passports, tickets and airport restrictions. At this time it was suggested that the only organised outing within the group would be a cruise on the River Vltava with dinner (if there was enough support).

On arrival at the airport, with ample time to spare, we disembarked of the coach and retrieved our suitcases from the coach hold. Our organiser met the courier, displaying the DWP sign, who went into discussion with British Airways representatives, and after a short delay boarding passes were issued by and we went through to the disembarkation lounge.

After a slight delay in take off we were airborne and on our way to Prague. The in-air catering was a pleasant surprise and went down well. On landing in Prague we had our first problem, on collection of the luggage it was found that one of our party's suitcase was not on the conveyor belt. Peter got us all together and explained there would be delay while he found our Prague Courier to find out what action could be taken. There was no problem finding the courier as a DWP sign was being displayed.

Unfortunately despite the efforts of the courier and Peter the suitcase did not appear and the details were left with British Airways but I believe the finger was being pointed at British Airport Authorities.

With this disappointment our party were conducted to the transfer coach by the courier and driver who helped load the suitcases while we boarded. An excellent narrative accompanied the journey from the airport to the hotel on the city of Prague from the courier. Peter during dialogue with the courier discovered that she could take bookings for the river trip and would do so at the hotel.

On arrival at our hotel we checked in and rooms were allocated. The courier then took the bookings for the river trip (with a deposit). We were then free to do what we wanted to until 15:30 Monday the 11th of September when would board the coach for the return journey. Of course those who were cruising would meet at the departure point of the paddle boat at 19:00 Saturday the 9th of September.

The hotel was well run and clean. The room we had was well laid out and spotless. It was lucky that we brought our own kettle and coffee to make hot drinks. We did get fed up with CNN News. Breakfast was continental in style with cheese and cold meats and hard-boiled eggs fruits jams and bread with no shortage of anything (though the tea bags could not make a strong cup of tea Marks and Spencer to the rescue). The hotel was situated within six minutes walking time of Wenceslas Square which appeared to be the main shopping area. With the tram system just three minutes walk from the hotel the whole of Prague was within easy reach.

Prague is a fascinating city with architecture from medieval to the modern and I would recommend it to one and all. The boat trip was an excellent way of seeing parts of Prague. The feast on board was plentiful and being washed down with wine took our mind off the slowness of our boat. With the light diminishing and the darkness setting in the castle was being illuminated by electric light and a full moon the scene was breath taking. The icing on the cake was the firework display.

Alas Monday came around too soon and it was time to go. All credit to the group everybody was ready to leave on time. Although there was no courier for the return trip Peter did the necessaries. There were no problems at Prague airport apart from the late arrival of our flight. On arrival at Heathrow there were no real problems. The suitcase that never made Prague was still missing. Peter rounded up his party then went looking for the coach driver. Once found we followed him and boarded the coach for the homeward run. We arrived at Fareham at 23:30 hours.

BRIEF REVIEW.

The travel arrangements went smoothly and to plan. Pick-ups, transfers, flights and deliveries were well handled by the organiser, couriers and drivers. There was adequate information given during the trip so that every one new what was going on and what actions were required. The use of the DWP sign was a good idea. I must mention my fellow travellers were early at all pick up points, which helps a lot. The crisis of the missing suitcase was well handled unfortunately it never turned up.

The hotel selected was well chosen for location facilities and services, although no meals provided except breakfast a number of cafés and restaurants were within easy reach.

The weather was excellent which reflected on the cheerfulness of the party.

The whole weekend was well organised and thoroughly enjoyable. Well Done I will be looking forward to the next one and I hope you will as well!