Traveling by train

Those of you who know me, know that I am not fond of traveling by train. I prefer the flexibility of my car over public transport and so on. However, last monday, I had to travel by train. I would have to travel from Dordrecht to Paris via Rotterdam Central Station.

Once arriving at Dordrecht train station, I saw the 6.22 train depart to Rotterdam right in front of me. That wasn’t the problem as my train would leave at 6.29. However, at 6.24, the NS announced that the 6.29 train would not shop up today and we should all hurry to platform three for the 6.25 train. Hurried a lot, but unfortunately, it drove away in front of my eyes…

There would be two more options, but I lost my time buffer. At 6.37, there would be another stop train Rotterdam and at 6.42, there would be an intercity. The NS advised to take the 6.37 train. In addition, both the 6.29 and the 6.42 train were coming from Breda where they were working on the tracks. Fortunately, the Thalys departing from Rotterdam had a delay as well. So following the advice of the NS, it was likely that I would make it.

However, the 6.37 stop train had a delay as well so I arrived at Rotterdam Central station at 6.59. Ran for what I was worth (including luggage) but the only thing I saw were the taillights of the Thalys (number 3 this morning)…

After a heated discussion with the Thalys reservation office on planning (and their advice) of international trips, I was allowed on the next train, departing at 8.58. That means I would have to wait for about two hours in the freezing cold. Stupid NS.

But hey, wait! There is a hispeed lounge on Rotterdam Central Station for customers of the Thalys. So probably I could at least warm my feet. Unfortunately, you are only allowed to enter the lounge if you have a first class ticket or similar. Oh and of course, the lounge is used as a cozy NS personnel canteen. Yeah right.

Next time, I’ll just take the car.