Checked out of Budapest guesthouse-- got my key deposit back. I said it was 2000 forints, but the desk clerk said it was 10 euros, which was correct-- I forgot that I had paid in euros this time and, actually, 10 euros are more than 2000 forints! Finally remembered the correct route through the underground concourse to the train station.
Bought a cheap but filling something with lots of bread and a little ham inside, trying to use up forints. Got on train-- no problem. Train cars were compartments, but with no seat assignments. Business class-- very nice, new and clean. Picked a window seat. A couple around my age popped in and asked if I spoke English. I said yes and they were welcome to sit in "my" compartment.
They were from New Orleans, but living indefinitely in Washington D.C. They described the problems New Orleans is having. The subject turned to travel and they've done a bunch of it! He works for the FAA and she is a sales rep for some company and travels all around in her job. They both travel around for pleasure-- all over the world. They were planning to visit the Seychelles soon. They were very pleasant and the woman had a delightful southern accent.
Told them of my adventures so far. We talked much of the way to Vienna. Got a beer with euros, then (to use up all my paper and as many coin forints as possible) I got a bag of French fries. Expensive! That was the last time I ate anything on a train. Passport checks went smoothly. Arrived at Vienna and said goodbye to the couple.
Knew train station must be near commuter train/subway and got map of the system from info desk clerk. He showed me where to go-- just across the street. There were no live ticket agents to sell tickets, only machines. Wasn't even sure the machines were for the commuter train/subway (to be referred to as the “U” from now on). Asked a woman who also happened to be a visitor and she wasn't sure either, but said she'd try it first and was successful.
It turns out that instructions were available in English. I decided to get a 24 hour pass. Machine took credit cards. Made it to hostel in Vienna suburb of Hutteldorf, with only one hiccup. Hutteldorf is the end of the U4 line, so that was easy. The walk to the hostel (it is at the top of a hill) seemed longer than described. That's because I missed a pedestrian overcrossing over a small river and freeway and had to take the vehicular bridge a quarter mile further away and double back.
Arrived at 2:30pm, before check-in time (3:00pm), but they processed me anyway. Was sweating profusely, dripping everywhere! Was hard for me to fill out registration form without getting it all wet. There were two free internet terminals. One was open, so I was able to check my e-mail.
Was assigned the top bed in a bunk bed among three bunk beds in a small room. Someone appeared to have already taken my bed, so I chose the lower bunk-- certainly a better deal for me. The five other men in my room were between middle aged and elderly-- just fine with me!
Met a man from Japan in my room-- couldn't have much of a conversation since he barely spoke English. Met a Canadian at dinner about 30 years old who seemed a bit annoyed and bewildered by all the giggly young schoolgirls and boys jabbering away in German-- but it IS a YOUTH hostel! He seemed comforted to have someone mature to talk to in English and he offered me some wine, cheese and bread.
Yes, they allow alcohol on the premises (which surprised me)-- they even sold beer at expensive prices! Gratefully accepted the Canadian’s wine, but I had already had a large dinner there-- not cheap, but healthy and filling. Did my laundry. Spent 1.5 hours just looking at the machines. Very bad planning-- I hadn’t brought anything else to do! Finally, got to a public phone and was able to use the toll free number for Austria to reach tech support to unlock my cell phone. Hallelujah! Was able to call home from it for the first time.
Returned to my room, had a problem which a very refined elderly gent from Finland who spoke perfect British helped me with. He had been lounging around in bed in his underwear, reading a book. He must use hostels a lot and seemed to "know the ropes". Was embarrassed to find that I was the last one in bed, so I tried to be as quiet as possible. Bathrooms were very modern, clean and efficient, with complete privacy in shower and toilet areas. Only the toilet areas were sexually segregated. The showers and sinks/mirrors were mixed!
Had thought the floors were sexually segregated but was taken aback when I saw young lady getting ready for bed at a sink. Asked her if I was in wrong place. She assured me I was O.K. Later a girl waltzed into the shower area, about to take a shower, wrapped only in a towel and looked as surprised at seeing me as I was earlier! Went to bed.
--END 3 JULY--
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