Germany Articles
June 13, 2006
Training Days
The night train was not bad at all. There were two other guys in my couchette, and although one snored a bit much, I slept rather well, from about 11 pm till 5 am. The train left Budapest an hour late so I was concerned that I would miss my connection in Munich the next morning. But overnight the train caught up (usually it stops for an hour in Salzburg but it kept going to make up the time) and we arrived exactly on schedule in the morning. All I had to do was walk to my next train on the opposite platform and was soon off again to Frankfurt.
When I arrived there around lunchtime the place was jumping with World Cup fans. It was a bit chaotic, but even still, a DB customer service guy was very nice and helpful when I inquired about changing my connecting train to an earlier time. He quickly printed out two alternative options on how I could get to Essen quicker...and I jumped back on yet another train. Easy breezy...and I met lots of cool US football fans on the way to keep me company.
I´ve been really lucky with how smooth all the train travel has been going. Budapest to Essen, then Essen to Berlin...so far so good. Getting to and from the World Cup game at Gelsenkirchen was the most tedious part of my travels the last few days. National and regional transportation services in Germany seem to be operating well, but the city service before and after the big game was not as good as I thought it could be for a World Cup game. The buses were packed (and unfortunately stuffy and hot) and there just didn´t seem to be enough of them. But no major complaints -- at least I made it on time and got to see my first World Cup game.
by Kelly Amabile | # | Comments (0)
June 11, 2006
Night Nerves
I'm taking my first night train this evening, from Budapest to Munich. It will be interesting to see how it goes -- I'm not too concerned about sleeping on the train, since I already booked my couchette. What I AM nervous about is making my connection in the morning. We arrive (hopefully on time!!) in Munich at 6:21 am and I need to get on a train bound for Frankfurt that leaves ten minutes later. PLEASE let me get that train...PLEASEEEEEEEE!!! it will really screw up my day if I miss it. Once I get to Frankfurt, I need to get on yet a third train, to Essen, which is where I will meet up with friends and go to my first World Cup game! (US vs. Czech Republic) I'm VERY excited...but more anxious that I'll make it there on time, hopefully somewhat well rested. We shall see...hopefully the football and train gods will shower good luck on me for the next 24 hours!
by Kelly Amabile | # | Comments (0)
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