We ended the day here at one of many geothermal baths in Hungary. Most of the time we were in outside pool that had this round part where water carried you along, plus massive whirlpools would pop up sporadically. This photo was taken on way out.
I took morning trains to Szombathely. Another country, another language that I cant understand or speak. Far fewer numbers of people who might speak English. Luckily I was going to a Servas host. I am a member of International Servas, an organization that promotes world peace through travel. Today I came to Erikas house and she gave me a tour of the beautiful communities.
Morning here was an adventure. Using the print out given to me by nice train station person, I found the right platform. When the train pulled up it had two different sections. It took some effort to find a worker who could show me I should sit in. I had to change trains at Sopron and it was obvious with signs and people chatting that I was in a new country. On both trains it was a bit passing my EuroRail ticket to conductors who did not speak English, but both people were satisfied. whew! This really is a ticket that will allow me to take any train.
nervous because I had no idea what Erika looked like, she would have to figure out that I was the lone duck. I walked onto the platform and let the crowd of people pass by. I noticed a woman with a bright yellow coat looking at people, but then she left. Minutes passed until I was the only on on the platform. She must be running late. I went into the station. Too much time passes. What if she is not coming?
I tried to find station staff that could speak English, definitely none. I asked most people in waiting roomnone. I tried to find wifi so I could access my messagesnone. Hmmmmmm, what to do now? Return to Vienna or press on to Budapest? Since I had packed for a few days, I decided Budapest. I got some Hungarian money from bank machine and crossed the street to a bakery for a sandwich. I took another chance and asked the lady is she spoke English and she indicateda little. I told her someone was supposed to pick me up at the station, and passed her a paper with Erikas name and number, and with sign language asked if
Erika came back to the station to get me, and she was that woman in a yellow coat! She apologized and said she was there earlier, and I said I saw her, but neither of us spoke out. Really weird, eh?
no matter, we found each other in the end and spent a good afternoon playing tourist. I could now relax and follow her. She translated menu options. Her English is better than she gives herself credit for, and with an online translator, we have had good conversations about the history of the towns ( one is the first town in this country, another is fam from Roman Emperor Claudius) and life in general.
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