Planes, Trains and Automobiles
One of my favorite John Hughes movies is Planes, Trains and Automobiles. We watch it most Thanksgivings. Since it is that time of year I thought I would write a post on my favorite mode of transportation in Europe. I know this is a really deep subject matter but I am writing this while I am on a train to Erfurt Germany which I am learning is a pretty significant city for people who love Martin Luther.
Erfurt is about a 4 hour ride from my house. In Europe we normally have several choices for transport. We have used all four but here is my list in order of preference.
Train – I like this the best for it is just easy. Well most of the time. I guess it depends on the country but in Germany the train service is quite reliable. Someone has once said if you are on the right track at the right time you will be on the right train to your destination. So far that has been true for me. There are some language issues with that but for the most part it works. I like riding trains for you have more room to spread out even in the 2nd class car. You can get up and walk around anytime you like. You do not have “fasten seat belts” signs to mess with. You can use your ipod the entire time even when you take off from a station or enter a new one. You can do the same with your computer. However, you do have to be careful to sit in the appropriate car if you want to use your cell phone). I have learned that the hard way. I was wondering why it was so quiet. But my favorite part is that it will take you many times from city centre to city centre plus you do not have to worry with parking your car.
Discount Jet Service – I am an Easy Jet fan. When I have to travel further than possible on a train due to time I jump on Easy Jet or something like it. Normally a good price ticket and pretty easy. Sometimes you have to fight your way in line since it is first come first serve unless you buy a “Speedy Boarding” pass. You need to pack your lunch unless you want to buy your peanuts and coke. It is a new way to backpack Europe.
Personal auto – We use the car if it is within driving distance or if there are more than two of us going to the same place. However we have a car here to use. I do not think I would rent a car unless I was going to some hard to get to places. Normally it can be cheaper to drive if our entire family goes or if we are going with a group. I still do not like though. But on the other hand the autobahn in Germany can be rather fun when you can travel without speed restrictions. Not that I would do that.
Bus - I really do not like taking a bus from one city to another. Inside the city I can handle the buses but since this is a post about going from city to city I cannot rank them that high. I think I must have had a bad experience in the past. In fact I know I have and it had to do with a bad smell on the bus. Bathrooms can be a blessing and a curse on a bus. For that reason alone I give them a number four ranking.
Any other planes, trains and automobile stories?
Happy Thanksgiving.
