We left Munich and are on a five hour train ride to Prague in Czechoslovakia. Our dear friend, Auvi, is supposed to be there so we are hoping to meet up with her! While talking to the locals, we found out about a Bayern Bohemian ticket where we can all get to Prague for 36 euros, which is ridiculously cheap! So we boarded the regional train and found our way to a second class berth. There was already a guy in the berth, but it was okay. The ticket was a huge savings, so we were feeling good!

Several hours into the trip, as we approached the border, the Czech conductor came into our car. He looked at our ticket and started rambling to us in Slovakian. We had no idea what he was saying but knew there was a problem. Suddenly the guy in our car spoke up and offered his assistance. We had no idea he could speak English as he was quiet the whole trip. He talked to the conductor who looked at us, nodded and then turned and walked away. As the train pulled into the station he told Pete to get off the train and follow him. Taking a huge leap of faith, Pete jumped off the train and followed this stranger. Me and the boys sat anxiously alone in the berth waiting for his return, while the Czech police searched the train and checked our passports.

Within minutes Pete and his new friend, Paul, returned. Turns out our special ticket only got us as far as the border. Paul brought Pete to the ticket booth in the train station and helped him buy tickets for a few Euros more for the rest of the way. Paul was truly a lifesaver and saved us from paying a kings ransom to the Czech conductor.

After that, Pete and Paul were instant friends chatting the rest of the trip about politics, Obama and even the KGB. It was funny to listen to the two of them try to communicate in their Czech-American language! By the end of the trip Paul was laughing with the kids and enjoying their American Katy Perry music! It turned out to be a great trip to Prague on our first long distance Euoropean train.

Gotta love the kindness of strangers!