During 2012, I explored Germany for the first time in many years. I had previously been there thirty years before for a honeymoon with my first husband who spoke fluent German. This time, I went by myself and took the opportunity to explore Dresden and the Sächisiche Schweiz (Saxon Switzerland) a charmingly hilly region right up against the Czech Republic.
I speak what I call Hotel German, which means that I know enough to exchange greetings and ask for a bar of soap. But I cannot hold a conversation with anyone. There I was, by myself, trying to figure out what the train fare was from Dresden to Pirna, so that I could get on the little tram that took us sightseeing in the Saxon Alps. But of course, it was all in German. So I bought a ticket that I thought was right, and boarded the train.
Oh dear, what trouble I got myself into! The female guard was not at all happy with me once she figured out that I had underpaid for my ticket. She stood there, glaring at me while she let loose her tirade. As I mentioned before, I know only a very little German. So Ii was unable to understand what she was saying (fortunately.) But it was obvious that she was very upset with me.
Once she paused to draw breath, a man behind me raised his hand, and they got into a more moderate exchange. After they’d finished talking, he came and sat down beside me and explained – in perfect English – what I had done wrong. Apparently he had promised the guard that he would get off the train with me in Pirna, escort me to the nearest ticket machine, and make sure that I paid the full amount.
I smiled sweetly, and told him that of course I would do that.
And so it was. He led me to the ticket machine at Pirna, ensured that I paid the difference, said “goodbye” and wandered off.
I can’t think of any other country where this would happen. But perhaps I am wrong? Do you have any amusing stories to share about travel mishaps?
