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Published: August 11th 2008
Just wanted to give a quick update on our night train experience from Krakow to Budapest. It was a 10-hour trip and we reserved a little couchette. The room had two three-level bunks and it was VERY small. It would have been a good trip, I think, but we showed up and there were no less than six Irish kids hanging out in our room. They proceeded to drink vodka and discuss music festivals most of the night so, needless to say, we got very little sleep. Nonetheless, we were very excited to arrive in Budapest this morning.
After we exited the train station we hopped on one of the buses that was heading close to our hostel. We didn't know how the buses work here---i.e., if we pay the driver, need a ticket, etc. So, we just hopped on. Obviously it is pretty easy to identify us as tourists, with the ginormous packs strapped to our back. When Kip and I were sitting there two guys came up and asked us if we had a ticket....we said no. They were then badgering us, telling us we needed a ticket and to get off the bus with them. We knew something was up and tried to talk to the driver who pretty much just told us to sit down---as an aside, I'm not sure any tourists here actually pay to ride the bus. These guys continued to badger us, ask for our passport, and tried to physically force us off the train. My first inclination was that they just wanted to get us off the train so they could snatch something and run or try to physically take the stuff from us in a less-public place. They told us they were going to call the police and one guy actually got out his cell phone and called someone and told us we had "big problem." I was, however, perfectly content talking to the police as opposed to these guys. Eventually, after they tried to kind of grab our bags off us and kind of push us around some more, they decided to leave the train and called me a not-so-friendly name in English on his way out. Anyways, we made it to our destination, with our bags, safe and sound.
It turns out similar scams are actually quite common in Budapest, as our guide book helpfully points out. Too bad we didn't read that section during the 10-hour train ride! What was somewhat surprising/disappointing to me was all of the people on the bus that just watched as these guys harassed us. I couldn't imagine that happening to some tourist in the states while everyone just sits and watches. Who knows, though, I guess I don't really ride the bus that often.
Anyways, that's it for now. That got me a little worked up and just thought I would share! We are going to start exploring Budapest this afternoon, so expect an entry sometime before we leave. Our next likely stop is Croatia.
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Dave Hague
non-member comment
Schmucks
Hey, It sounds like you are having a great time! Your pictures look awesome. As for the schmucks on your train, I would have gladly assisted you in kicking their asses. Apparently, you hadn't had your power smoothie for the day. Otherwise, they would have left you alone at the instant your shirt came off. Look forward to seeing more pictures. Dave