Route 2 - Biskupin

The big day arrived....Cindy meets the tram!!!

The day started out good - until I went back to bed! Since I didn't have to be anywhere at a certain time and I wanted to avoid "rush hour" I decided to reset the alarm for around 9:00. I guess I haven't figured out Polish clocks either because it never went off. I did get out of bed around 9:45 so all was not lost!

After a shower I spent a few minutes figuring out what to wear. GASP!!! I ended up picking out something I've already worn! Since I packed enough clothes for three people and enough shoes for at least two there was no excuse for wearing the same outfit yet!! Shoes will be another story. I brought along some adorable shoes but walking on cobblestone was not factored into my selection process; hence, a few pairs will likely retain the smell of new leather!!

After switching purses and loading up Oliver's doggy backpack I headed toward the Square. Since I already misplaced the tram map I picked up yesterday I needed to pick one up at the Wroclaw welcome store (or in my case "it's her again)!! They pointed me to the nearest ticket kiosk and I purchased 20 tickets without incident. Definitely on a roll.

I continue on to Galleria Dominikanski where I new I could pick up bus 2, 4 or 10 - any of which would get me close to the zoo (my targeted location). Panic set in at the tram stop when none of those trams were scheduled for pick-up. Hmmm...maybe I should enjoy the first good weather in a week and forget about the whole adventure. No, I continue on. Let's just say there are two stops at the Galleria one for north/south trams and on the other side of the mall for east/west trams. All was not lost!!!

I pulled out my ticket, my map and my journal so I could document the sites along the way only to find the tram standing room only! I could see nothing!!! I managed to jockey enough so I could see out the right side of the tram. I figured I would catch the other side on the return trip. Life was good until the third stop when 90 - 95% of my fellow riders left the tram. I was alone with three fellow passengers who didn't look a day over 80! Got a little sweaty at this point. Could this be the end of the route already? Did the tram drivers call a strike and it was their scheduled walk-out or was it just time for lunch? I had no idea but opted to sit quietly (since the doors were shut tight and I can't carry a conversation I really did not have much choice)!

Being in the back of the tram I started fearing we would be rear-ended by the next tram...whew...the tram behind us was a block away and was also sitting with their flashers on. Ok...I wasn't alone but still not confident the strike wouldn't be a long one!! At this point police cars, an ambulance and soon a flat bed wrecker drove past. Ahhh....an accident blocking the tracks! I was in a "tram-jam"!!! I thought I left Minneapolis traffic jams!!!

Finally we are moving again. There's the Klinicki stop where I would get off to visit Naomi, the Hala Stulecia stop home to the Japanese Gardens and the Hala Domova (where Hitler once gave a speech and is now a "civic center" of sorts where concerts are held). Ahh..there's the stop for the zoo!!! I'm starting to feel cocky again!! Well, that feeling was a bit premature because at the next stop the driver asked us all to get off the tram (or I assumed that is what he said) because I followed the others off the tram. Now what? Not more than 2 minutes later another tram bearing Route 2 Biskupin was upon us. All aboard!!!

About three stops further the driver semi-politely told me to exit the bus. I guess I was at the end of the line. I'm still wondering why he let the old man sleeping behind stay on the bus (maybe it was his father-in-law)! At any rate, I got off the tram and as I walked past him Oliver (who was safely inside his doggy backpack) growled at him! That's what he gets for sounding crabby to me!

The end of tram tracks look something like the end of a ride at Valley Fair. All the carts circle around and wait for the next passengers to board - only after a cigarette break for the drivers!! I decided to take tram 10 back but when Tram 2 circled around first I decided to take my chances the return trip would be less interesting. Since the first leg of the trip was less than stellar I opted not to punch my ticket. I figured I could play the "dumb American" if I was confronted.

Ahh...things are going well. I have a seat and we are bearing down on the Galleria Dominikanski. Yesterday I checked out routes and I know the tram will make it's next stop more toward the middle of square and near a KFC. After this trip I was really in need of a Diet Pepsi. Chocolate would have been better but I haven't really come across any brand that really floats my boat. I confidently stay put. But wait....we aren't supposed to turn left! Where did I miss the mark now? It seems Tram 10 (remember the one I decided not to wait for) is the tram that stops near KFC. Patience is a virtue so I semi-calmly stay seated trying to figure out if I wanted to go the end of the line or make my return trip from another stop. One stop down - nope don't want to get off here. Next stop - nope not sure where the opposite tracks are. Next stop - hey that's the train station - should have gotten off there but couldn't get my feet untangled from under the tiny seat in front of me. Ok, the next stop is it!! I get off at the next stop and with my fake confidence, hidden behind designer sunglasses, I cross the street hoping Tram 2 makes a run from the opposing track. Ahh....yes!

Five minutes - and two trams later - here comes Tram 2!!! I will get back at last! Even though I could have gotten by without stamping my ticket again I figured my scrapbook will look funny without two tickets as evidence of my round trip. I am headed back to familiar territory. One stop away and I mentally made a note that as crowded the tram was I never was exposed to any pungent odors. All really is good. Next stop that changes. Dang, this trip really was destined for a full range of experiences. Oh well, I'm getting off on the next stop so I gamely turned my head toward the window and prayed the jet streams were in my favor.

Finally....I'm back. I walk through the mall, pick up a Diet Coke at McDonalds and head for home. When I pulled Oliver out of his backpack he had a look of pure freedom in his eyes. I let him stop longer at posts because he did put up with a lot today.

Well, Craig is home but doesn't appear to be up for a tram ride this evening. The square was really active this afternoon so I'm guessing I could buy him a beer somewhere.

Did any of you actually think my ride would be smooth???? I think I'm going to try this again tomorrow. I doubt the overall experience can go anywhere but up from here.

Have a wonderful tram-free weekend!