The funny thing about trains.. and stereotypes...

(Written on the 7th of July 2009)

It is about 3:30 pm. I have just switched trains in Venice. I have been riding since 6:30 am. I got on an inter-city train from Vienna. The most note-worthy thing about this train, besides the excellent cafe-car serving delicious melange (viennese coffee with milk), was the fact that it was on time. All the stops we took were like surgical maneuvers. We stopped, people got on, people got off, and we moved toward the goal. It left the station exactly as it was planned, punctually, and every train announcement was in both English and German (both on the train and in the station). We even made up some time because of a delay due to inclement weather at the foot of the Austrian/Italian Alps. Needless to say, we pulled into Venice one minute before we were scheduled to arrive.

I have just waited a half an hour for the train to Rome. Two other trains have pulled into the station (also running late), there were no announcements in English to say that these were not the train that should have been here (the one to Rome/Naples), and I barely got off of both of them in time to not get 'shanghied' to Milano. I find these events both interesting and notable because of the fact that they are completely in line with stereotypes associated with each culture/country. I mean, Italy can't even have a stable government for more than 6 months at a time. Precision is not there strong point (I mean, look at the Quadrofuglio engine and its' reputation in European automotive engineering). The Austrians, though a far cry from German precision, still have a cultural distinction that is a bit more focused on precise execution and seamless articulation than the Italians (though I must admit the Italian trains did look nice!).

I am very glad I decided to take the day train, rather than the overnight. The views have been absolutely incredible. The best was that of south Austria. In the vicinity of Klagendorf (the capitol of where Ka is from). It was so green and lush, low flying clouds clung to the hillsides, and the sun shone through in illuminating staffs. It was quite the scene! Also, right inside the Italian border at the foot of the Alps was an incredible view. I totally recommend this trip to anyone traveling in this region. It takes half the day, but the view is worth it (oh yeah, don't get spoiled by the precision of the Austrian train operation when your here. Your Italian train will be late, and it will be confusing, with little or no direction... its OK, you'll get there)