What an adventure getting to Berlin by train. I hadn't heard from any Berlin couchsurfers so I sent a flurry of requests to anyone there including one gentleman who only wanted to host women. He sent me a terse "Read my profile!" in response. I replied that I had and was so desperate that I would wear a dress if it would make him feel more comfortable. Haven't heard back from him yet...
Lots of trains at the Strassbourg station but not much in the way of personnel to ask questions to. Eventually found someone and got on the right one. But i almost jumped off at the wrong station when i mistook stop. I asked frantically if we were at Offenberg while standing on the platform and someone finally shook their head no and I jumped back on just as the doors closed We had a quick stop in Offenberg where I played some ukulele on a bench near the station. I met the resident homeless man who was content to listen to my music but I also met Metz (?) who was from Iran. Apparently the concept of personal space does not exist in Iran. He was friendly enough and told me he was a singer. He even sang me a few measures. Good voice too but slightly awkward given the personal space issue. He was waiting to get his employment papers so he could start working. He was also nice enough to invite me back to his place but I had to turn down his very generous offer. We parted ways as I had to catch my train. At the platform, I met a German cyclist who was just coming back from a trip in the Pyrenees! Hard core! We talked about Canada, my bike plans, and what I should see in Berlin. Nice guy and he wasnt aware of warm showers so hopefully he will sign up.
Got on the train but had no idea where to sit. A gruff conductor waved me to the front. Got there eventually and got settled. Second class travel is not bad but a little different than the image I had. The seat next to me was empty but was soon filled by a German lady who kept getting evicted from seat to seat. The last time by the Anerican behind me who apologized profusely in a rather loud voice even though people were already sleeping at 23:00. To get to my seat, the lady said someone to me in German and I just nodded, guessing correctly that she wanted to sit there. And then there was quiet with a few stops through the night.
They don't really announce the stops as they do in Japan so you gave about 3 minutes to decide if its your stop. I figured if i saw a bunch of people at off at one if the Berlin stops then i would leave too.
Got to the multilayered station and found a dunking donuts. Very colourful and imaginative names for their donuts. No wifi or electricty though. Found the Mcds and am set up with wifi and electricity.
Finally have a few offers come through telling me what shirt notice it is. I agree, I only decided about 36 hours ago. One ws guy named Buckets actually comes through for me and let's me stay even though I don't have a bike. Nice fellow. Hope it works out. Off to the tourist office now to get a feel of the city. If I am successful with the hostel search, i might even get out and try to see something. However, I am realizing that the hardest part of traveling is moving around. Almost content to rest in the station for the day and acclimatize. Watch out Berlin, here I come.