Riding the Rails

Ellie and I at the Bucharest train station

Ellie on the overnight train Bucharest to Budapest

I recently blogged about renting a car in Panama.  As I stated, I almost never rent a car when I travel outside the US.   I love taking trains, particularly in Europe.  I find them very reliable, fairly comfortable, safe and clean.

When my daughter was 10 months old, she and I took a train trip across Europe.  We visited 6 countries in 28 days – Italy, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic and Germany.  We used trains to get between the countries and it worked well.

Just two things I would like to share in particular.  The train stations in Eastern Europe did not usually have elevators.  I had to often ask for help as I had a baby, a stroller, two suit cases and two carry-ons.  As you can see from my photo, I got it down to a science.  I actually had a crib in one of the suitcases.

When I was doing hospitality stays (3 countries) there was always someone to greet me and help! Priceless! Another great benefit for staying with people!

One other thing to mention.  I always dreamed about an exciting overnight train ride in a sleeper car.  On the same trip above, I  booked Ellie and I an overnight ride from Bucharest to Budapest.  It wasn’t as wonderful as I had imagined.  We got in one car and just as we were settling our porter said we could move to a bigger private cabin at no charge.  Of course I moved!  The rooms are like my old bunk on my navy ship, only smaller ;-0.  It as very difficult to sleep with the loud noises of the train. When I finally passed out there was banging on the door, it was Romanian Customs looking for my ID at the border.   Then as I fell back to sleep I was awakened by Hungarian Border Patrol looking for my passport.  Finally, I was free from ID checks and at 5 was awakened by my porter.  He said I had to move back to my original car.  UGHHHH!

Next time I do a sleepover car it will be in a country where I don’t have to cross borders.  Lesson #59