Jane and Louise, the Aussie gals, and Constanze, our Duetch comrade, joined John and I fit a freelance walking tour of the parks, fountains and monuments. We traversed some of yesterday's familiar territory and then wandered through the old Jewish quarter admiring the urban architecture and chatting with the locals. We stopped by the marketplace once again and had lunch.
Instead is taking a taxi back to the hotel we hopped on a local bus with maps in hand. We learned quickly that locals and bus drivers alike don't read maps. We soon nouns ourselves leaving the city. We stopped the bus and tried to hail a can. A local fellow in a VERY SMALL car pulled over and offered us a ride. The five of us were crammed in and taken to our hotel. A nice fellow that helped us out in a jam...for 25,000 soms of course!
We rested and waited for the heat of the day to disappear. Around five we ventured once again onto a city bus, this time with better information. We got off in the old city and wandered the neighborhood chatting with folks sitting in front of their homes. We played "help" with the kids and had a load of laughs. It's amazing how much of a conversation one can actually have without speaking the language. We would simply start off with a "Salam ellekum" (god be with you) and then the graceful hand over the heart and a warm smile. Ten minutes later we would know names, family members, heritage. A cup of tea or a cookie would shared.
Later we taxied to the Russian quarter and sought out a local restaurant for rotisserie chicken and beer. It was very nice.
From the Mediterranean Sea to the Pacific Ocean, this is my first "round-the-world" tour and the first time I am traveling alone. It's also the first time I am NOT the leader of the group. This will be a huge adventure for me, one that tests my patience (smile), stamina and my ability to adapt. I can't wait!
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