This is the first trip we intended to do without any preparation. Of course, we tried to plan for enough clothes and money in order to survive the adventure, but all in all, we didn't know in advance where to sleep nor to go. One thing was sure though, we were going to move from town to town.
The challenge was not a minor one. How can 2 young women manage to pack clothes for 3 weeks, plan for accidents, and stand each other for 3 weeks? Well, with a larger group I think the last question is the hardest one.... democracy is quite unbearable when too many opinions are stated. It could be interesting how the group would have chosen a leader though...another experiment for a future trip! ...We did not have that problem at least. How to solve the other dilemma?
I packed for 3 months of summer, in order to stay decently clean without doing a laundry. I also took some cute emergency kit: alcohol, cotton, antibacterial hand soap, nail polish, flashlight, make up, sunscreen, after sun, anti mosquitoes spray.... yeah, I was an ambulant nurse! I did not know what my friend would pack since we would meet only at the train station in Paris. As I discovered soon enough, my gorgeous trip partner packed for a winter week (2 jeans, 2 summer pants, a polar sweater and a woolen sweater, and about 20 pairs of socks), an enormous sleeping bag that can knock anyone out, a full load of camerawoman gear, plus some Mc Guyver kit : Deutch, a knife, and feminine pads...hum, sorry guys! She was full of resource with her skillful little fingers.
There we were, ready to go. Well, to leave France at any price actually. As soon as Fred and I picked Caro at Montparnasse train station, we discharged every little bag in Fred's hands and rushed like crazy into the metro to catch the train to Wien, Austria. Yeah, as usual, that train leaves at the other end of town, Gare de l'Est (East Station). Apparently, everybody in Paris was going the same way.... what a packed metro...It was less stressful to get the train ticket....
Anyway, after more chatting and recommendations, we took the Orient Express Europe, Paris-Wien at 17:49...what a start really...in such a famous train...well, not as famous as the Asian one but still, the name reminds of Hercule Poirot, doesn't it? Alas, there were no sumptuous cabins to visit, nor suspicious gentlemen. Actually no gentleman worth the trouble at all if you ask me!
