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Well I certainly was not prepared for Berlin. I was completely overwhelmed arriving into the main central station which is huge and all glass and steel - more like Hong Kong Airport than any station I have ever been in. It took me some time to negotiate where to go and how to buy a ticket, etc. but eventually I managed to get to the hotel. It is a budget hotel more like a youth hostel but a luxury youth hostel - great bathroom and I have 4 beds in a single room - 2 are fold down but look like paintings on the wall when not pulled down - interesting. Nice touch was a free mini bottle of sparkling which I managed to consume without any trouble.
I was dreading the train journey as I bought a second class ticket but I need not have worried as the second class on this train from Prague to Berlin was exactly the same as first class from Budapest to Prague - not sure how that works but I paid more for a second class shorter journey than I did for a first class longer journey??
Each compartment has 6 seats and both journeys there were no more than 4 people in the compartment which left a couple of spare seats which was nice.
My travel companions from Budapest to Prague included a young female medical student from Portugal and a Norwegian pilot who lives in Budapest as he is married to a Hungarian lady, works out of Prague for an Irish company which is owned by a US company - a true international citizen. They were both interesting and great company.
On the trip from Prague to Berlin I was joined by a young German student who had been on exchange in Prague and a young Japanese fellow who is on a 4 month European holiday.
I had downloaded some books onto my tablet before leaving Australia and I managed to finish the first one from Budapest to Prague. I have long been fascinated and curious about Ernest Hemingway as most places in Europe I have travelled before always have a cafe or pub or something that is claimed to be "Hemingway's favourite hangout". So I thought on this journey I would try to find something to read that would fill in some gaps in my knowledge. I settled on a book by Michael Palin where he travelled with a crew to document the places where Hemingway spent time. It was a great read and I was sorry when it was finished.
Today I started my next book which Steve suggested I should get. John Steinbeck's "Travels with Charley". Really enjoying it so far with John talking about his 3 month adventure in USA which he did with his dog Charley - Erika he reminds me of Blue but he is a French poodle who responds much better to French commands than English as he was trained in France. Also thought of you Gavin, as John had a custom made compact truck delivered which he travelled and lived in for the duration.
Well tomorrow I have another foodie tour booked here in Berlin and then it will be on the Hop On Hop Off bus to see as many sights as possible in 2 days.
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Erika Hackett Wow. You certainly seem to be getting around and having an amazing adventure. I'm very jealous! Berlin was one of my favourite cities. Its so different. My sister and husband left today. They have been a tremendous help. Visited the house today. New floor down, sanding and staining starts next week. We hope to have some down time next week and relax. Chris improving each day which makes me feel better, only 25 more days till I depart. All good.keep enjoying each day. Hugs Erika x