Life is Good

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I have to be quick...internet is ridiculously expensive at the train station (over $1 for 10 minutes).
Ernesto and I came to the train station to purchase a ticket to St. Petersburg for tonight (I wanted to buy one yesterday when I arrived, but Ernesto said it is easier to buy online...anyway, that didn't end up happening. So we arrived and we felt pretty confident after seeing that a train left for St. Ps every 30 minutes. After waiting in line for what seemed like forever we learned that the only tickets were for a train at 3am (it was around 5pm at this time...long wait) and they would cost 5000 rubbles!!! (about $200) for one way. This was insane, and my completely out of the limits of my budget, so I was sad and thinking I couldn't go... The reason is that Russia has holidays this week so the tickets are insane and the train station are crazy busy. Then a guy suggested a direct train, who knows what kind...maybe i would be in a box car for 4000 RUB...this was also too pricey.. Then a man came along suggesting a bus ride (12hours, 1400 RUB)...much better. But before we could accept...OFCOURSE! the man gets into a fight with some other guys and disappears. We looked for him for about an hour. Finally, a friend of Ernesto suggested we ask someone else about the bus, and we asked a ticket attendant who was just watching the lines, and she said: "Why didn't you ask sooner? I saw you just standing around" and she took my passport and marched us to the front of the line..she said a bunch of things in Russian, told off the Russians who were complaining that they waited all day and a foriegner gets served before them and gets me 2 tickets for 812RUB!!!! I have tickets to St.P and back for about $32!! Cheaper than possible on a regular day! Ernesto and I couldn't believe my luck!!! INSANE! and for no reason...he said the lady liked me. I'M SO HAPPY! Someone is looking out for me, I hope it continues! So now I wait for my train that leaves at 1am.
SO Ernesto and I had some kebabs and beers to celebrate...I'm one lucky girl. St. PEtersburg here I come!

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Comments

[Dad, Mom, Danielle, & Chevy]

Someone is looking out for you!
That is very lucky for you! We are glad that everything worked out in the end. Think of that throughout your trip whenever things don't seem to be going your way.

[Aunt Mic]

Hi Erin
Sure is great that you are having such good luck Erin. Hope it continues. Russia sounds like a very interesting country. difficult to travel when you do not understand the language. you are doing great. everything in Owen Sound is the same old same old. weather has been cool but sunny which is nice to see.hopefully it will warm up soon. take care Mic

[krithia]

A new reader!
Hey Erin, I just found out about this blog ... I traced back and read all of your entries. I am so glad you're having these experiences! I think about you frequently! Be safe and have fun XO Krith