Graz

Train Chaos & Hospitality

I boarded the train in Venezia Santa Lucia, it was just a short ride to Venezia Mestre where the train to Vienna would be leaving. Lots of backpackers piled in. I stood next to the door close to the toilet where two girls were standing due to lack of room. Suddenly and Italian woman appeared, pushing her way aggressively passed the crowds of happy chatty backpackers. One of the two girls stepped out of the toilet, but before you could say "scusi" the woman slammed the door shut and everyone stared in silence! About five minutes later, the door opened and the women exited and all of the backpackers roared with laughter. The English girl who witnessed the private moment just said "at least she was quick".

After the overnight journey on a packed train, I was completely drained. I arrived in Vienna, tired by the Italian drama and in need of some comfort. I found a park bench as I was not in the least interested in seeing Vienna, as it was cold and wet. I sat on a park bench and I ate day old Italian bread and a tin of tuna. I think I drifted off to sleep.

When I finally arrived in Graz, I met with Andreas and his mother. I had met him the previously year and invited me to come and visit. I was thinking "I will never be able to visit Austria", how wrong was I?

I was totally exhausted and begged to my host to let me sleep a few hours, after which we did a tour of Graz by foot. From what I remember he kept speaking French as his girlfriend (now wife) speaks French. My hosts made me feel loved, at least for a few days, waking up to fresh coffee and Austrian breakfast. Andreas was speaking about events in Yugoslavia, he was afraid they were about to start WW3, I wasn't really concerned but he was convinced we are on the brink, and who knows maybe we were!

On recommendation I went to see the Austrian open air museum in Stübing. Quite spectacular and I am thankful for the local tip. I had exchanged Italian chaos and drama with Austrian hospitality and organisation. Feeling recharged I boarded the train to Vienna, this time to go it alone...

#Austria #Interrrail #Graz #Hospitality