Thread by @WiebeWkkr

I'm gone! Amsterdam - Dubai by train, bus and ferry. In 10 days I'll try to cross 9 countries and the Persian Gulf to speak at @expo2020dubai.
Looking forward to my trip. Love slow travel, meeting new people and seeing the scenery gradually change.

This is the route that will take me to Dubai. It'll be an adventure for sure. Iran is closed right now and if it doesn't open on time I need to find another way.
Today's first task is to reach Vienna. Just one short stop in Frankfurt.

So far so good. Just crossed German border. Train is fully packed. Even people standing. Might be a lot people who are returning home from Christmas.

Now in Frankfurt. Need to change here to Vienna. Train is delayed by 20 mins so im Vienna I only have 35 minutes to pick up tickets for the Bucharest night train (they don’t have e tickets) and to get a meal.

In Germany and Austria you need to be fully vaxxed to get on public transport and mandatory to wear FFP2 mask.

Far into Germany now. East of Neurenberg. Scenery is getting more green and forresty. Not far from Austria now. That’ll be pretty

Just received an email that tonight’s sleeper train from Vienna to Bucharest wont be a sleeper train.
That’s a long ride to sit on a seat.

Now at Wien. Going for a quick schnitzel then see how I will be spending the night.

Should have checked this photo before uploading. I have an allergic reaction to the mask that I had to wear all day

Had a quick meal. Now in the train that will take me to Budapest. Apparently from there the sleeper wagons will be added. So that’s good news. Thanks to all the people who keep me up to date

On the Vienna - Budapest train. Surely less modern than the German ICE ones but I like it. It has its charm. Feels a bit 80’s and especially liking the curtains. I’m pretending to be reading a book but this is just to make me feel less awkward.

At Budapest now. Beautiful station. Seems like sleeper wagons are added indeed.

Sleeper cabin it is! Sweet. And how cool does this one look?!
I booked a 3 berth cabin but they got me a 2 person one and it seems I have it to myself. Perfect

Train attendant just asked me if I want something to drink.
“Well a hot tea would be nice”
“Sorry we only have beer and champagne”
“Allright then I’ll have one”

Bummer. Did not think about taking out cash nor was there time to do that. They don’t take card so water it is.

I’m going to wrap it up for today. New long day tomorrow. Thanks everyone for massively following and responding. I didn’t expect it would be so exciting for people to see someone sit on a train.
New thread tomorrow 🚊

This Day 1 thread ended. I’m now covering day 2 here:

https://twitter.com/wiebewkkr/status/1478273711505616900