Based on our experience thus far, trains come either directly from Zilina (where we teach on Thursday/Fri) to Martin or stop in the little village of Vrutky 5 minutes outside of Martin, where we can transfer to a shuttle into Martin. Friday we were able to leave Zilina a bit earlier than usual, so we caught a different Express, a bit smug that we were becoming expert trainers--AND for once getting home a little earlier than usual! After all, we had even purchased round-trip tickets before we trained to Zilina this particular morning.
We were calmly settling into our compartment as the train picked up speed, when the conductor did his usual "Ticket, please". I sensed trouble as he shook his head and said "No." Actually he said "Nie", but "no" is "no" in any language, especially when it comes from a uniformed person. Seems we were on a train that was dubbed Express for a reason--its next stop was in the beautiful town of Liptovsky Mikulaš, nearly 100km east of Martin! I asked (in German, a mutual language) "What shall we do?" and gave a look that must have looked like I might burst into tears. Apparently It was a grimace convincing enough that he shrugged his padded shoulders, explained how to get back to Martin once we arrived in Liptovsky Mikulaš, smiled kindly, and quietly moved on. No extra charge, no reprimand, just thoughtful, professional compassion for two goofy Americans.
We made it home fine! And, BONUS: it was a beautiful trip through snowy mountains, across icy rivers with swans drifting along, and with the memory of a conductor who smiled every time he passed our compartment!
Ah, Memories!
2 comments:
I guess you could say that you went the wrong way FAST! :)
Yes, you could say that!!!!!!!!!
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