Train in Vain or Just Take the Number 3

Trip Start Feb 05, 2008
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Trip End Ongoing


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Flag of Poland  , Southern Poland,
Friday, August 29, 2008

Well, only a few weeks left and the adventures never stop.  Praha was one of the few cities in which I had frequently and comfortably availed myself of the services of the public transit system, mostly because of my hostel's location and it was easy and cheap getting around on the trams.  Anytime I leave a hostel for a bus or a train, I usually allow plenty of time, arriving at the station at least a half an hour before departure.  This time, given what I thought was a simple deal; I left the bare minimum, a little over an hour.  I was going to hop the number 3 tram which would take me across the river in about 15 minutes and then I'd have to walk about five blocks.  I'd leave at about 8:15 and be on my train with about a half hour to spare.   I double checked things with Kerri at the front desk and she suggested the number 5 tram because it would drop me off at the park right in front of the station and save me a bit of a walk.  Well, I got on the number 5 tram at the designated stop and as far as I could tell it didn't go anywhere near the train station.  I had a feeling I was in trouble when the tram crossed Libensky Most (bridge), heading due east.  The train station was straight south of the hostel.  It went nowhere near the train station. 
 
And so it went that one of my worst traveling fears (apart from being robbed at knife or gunpoint) finally came true.  I road that goddamn tram until there was nobody else on it and it came to the end of the line, somewhere just off some kind of six lane highway-like road surrounded by nothingness and where there are no people.  I tried in vain to tell the guy that he couldn't leave me there, pointing frantically at the train station on the map.  It was about 20:40.  He pointed at the tram 19 schedule on the post at the stop where he dumped me, motioning that I should take this tram.  I looked at the stops on the list and saw nothing that resembled the name of the central train station, Hlavni Nadrazi, and thought better of aimlessly jumping on that tram to nowhere.
 
Hmmm.  Heart racing.  Think.  What to do?  In the distance I could see a gas station.  The guy there doesn't speak English but when I say the word 'metro', he says, 'Yeah, 300 metres', pointing down the road.  Now imagine me running wearing a 20 kg pack and carrying a shoulder bag and it was pretty hot out too.  I think it was about 20:50 when I got on the subway.  It was at that point that I figured out that tram had taken me out as far as the second last stop on that line!  How the hell did this happen?  Was this an alternate route?  Had it changed?  Is it different at night?  Or did I just miss my stop?  In any case, I made it to the metro and would have to change lines just one stop before the train station.  By my estimation at this point, I just might make it.  Great, it turns out it's a good 300 metres between platforms for the two lines.  I sprint.  Fortunately the colour coding is easy to follow. 
 
I make my change and hit the train station at about 21:18.  I have six minutes.  I can't see a 'to trains' sign anywhere.  I panic.  I ask someone who doesn't know but points that away.  I go.  There's a big sign.  My train is on line six (of course).  I see the sign.  It's 21:20.  I have four minutes.  I run.  I make it to my train.  Of course, my car is at the end furthest from where I am standing at that moment.  I run.  I make it and I get in, dripping in sweat and it's 9:22.  Wholly shit!  The conductor laughs and asks me for my ticket.  Yes, I have one. 
 
Well, it doesn't stop here.  It turns out I only have a ticket for the sleeper.  The ticket agent had assumed I was an Interrail pass holder and only needed to book and pay the surcharge for a sleeper.  Let's just say that I sort of snapped at this point and leave it at that.  Okay, I apologized to conductor dude later.  Anyway, after I had come to my senses and realized that jumping off in order to resolve things (I'm wondering if he's trying to scam me...) might not be a good idea and besides, the train started moving, I'm told I need another 50 bucks.  I have no Czech Krowns!  AND, he doesn't take credit cards.  Wait, I have an emergency supply of US Dollars.  I have enough.  Phew.  I confirmed with the fellow in my cabin that indeed the price buddy is asking is about right.  I calm down and then I have the first shower I have ever had on a (moving) train and after, a cold beer and settle in for what would be an excellent night's sleep.  Definitely the way to take those long night trains, that is, sans all the preflight drama.  
 
I wish I had just taken the number 3.    
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