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The Velvet Revolution of 1989 is practically ancient history and the capital of the Czech Republic has reinvented itself as one of Europe‘s bargain destinations. I see Prague as a haven for beer-loving backpackers of all ages. One drawing card has got to be the city‘s easy-to-understand transportation system (Prague Integrated Transport) - metro, tram and bus routes, also a funicular line. Once a month, TRAMix hits the rails. A street tram gets turned into a mobile party. Each car accommodates 60 passengers and the tram has two bars.The partiers start at the Malostranske namesti station and travel through Andel, Narodni Trida and other stations around the city - for 2 1/2 hours.The tram stops at selected discos or music clubs (better known as music resorts). TRAMix, with disco lights and live DJs, is billed as offering "top-flight beats." Believe me, that‘s no joke, because TRAMix cranks out 1000 watts of raw music power - rock, rave and techno. As its promoters say, "Imagine the faces of people waiting for the normal tram when they see TRAMix appearing at the corner of the street and going BOOM, BOOM, BOOM." To be part of this musical madness in the city of Kafka, you can buy a ticket for just under $10 But wait, life gets even louder. If you‘re lucky enough to find yourself in Prague on December 31, you can opt to turn up the volume and experience the ultimate in rail partying. Get Trained! began in 2002 and this special train departs from the Smichovske station. It leaves the city behind and snakes through various towns - a different route each New Year‘s. It‘s a round trip with no stops because all the fun is contained onboard. A recent review of Get Trained! in the e-zine Techno.cz states, ‘There‘s no point in describing it, you just have to experience it for yourself.‘ Don‘t worry about missing out on the ride of your life, because the number of train cars depends on how many partiers have signed up. Here‘s an overview: Post wagons (with live DJs) become the strobe-lighted dance floors and the double-decker cars the sitting around and chatting areas. Conference carriages are where the bar and food areas are found and there are other cars just for chilling out and getting away from it all. Cutting-edge DJs (such as Mecca, Radost, Roxy, Duplex and Chris Chemist) provide the sounds and the speakers crank out an ear-popping 5000 watts. For TRAMix, the main sales point is Ticket Pro (www.ticketpro.cz) or you can inquire at tourist offices. For Get Trained!, you can get additional ticket information from posters around the city in December. If you‘re wondering about the volumes of these sound systems, imagine about twice as loud as a jet taking off. It must be my old age, but I have to admit I value my hearing. I suggest you wear earplugs or other hearing protection devices when experiencing either TRAMix or Get Trained! Special earplugs and earmuffs are available at most hardware and sporting good stores.
Roberta Beach Jacobson is a freelance writer based in Greece and is a regular contributor to The Traveler. Back to TheTraveler.
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