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From Abroad

When I returned to the SOB airport I dreaded the upcoming travels, first to get to my hostel then the following day back to Szeged. I wish I had the courage to rent a car or better yet, hitch-hike. Instead I chickened out and decide to use public transport.

Getting to the hostel in Balaton was supposed to be simple. I had my guidebook, detailed directions and a room confirmation for the night. My flight arrived at 8:30pm, surly, I thought, I could make it by 10:30. If I only knew what lied ahead?

My overpriced bus from the airport to the train station ended up being a shuttle to drop tourists off to their hotels It’s not a big deal unless you?re dropped off at the wrong station an hour later in the middle of no where with no sign of life at the station. The place was so small, not even listed in my guidebook map, and was pitched black. I asked the driver, ?Are trains even running this late at night here?? ?I?m not sure.?

_You?re kidding me, right?! You?re trying to drop me off at a train station that ISN?T EVEN OPEN?! Am I being punked?! _

Luck was on my side (cough cough) and the station was open for one more train out that night. The timing was so close that as soon as I bought my ticket I ran outside and the conductor was waving me to sprint because they were leaving.

I miraculously made the correct train transfer five stations out AND was finally heading towards the my hostel. I nearly missed my stop 30 minutes later because evidently Balaton doesn?t believe in clear, well lit signage. When I finally spotted a sign, the train started moving and I HAD TO JUMP OUT OF A MOVING TRAIN. (Which secretly made me happy.)

As I?m walking to my hostel in the dark at 11pm at night I get this overwhelming sensation knowing that no one has any idea where I am right now. I think, THIS IS AWESOME?AND I JUST JUMPED OUT OF A MOVING TRAIN. BOO YEAH! (if you?re a psychologist and reading this, please diagnos me. This adiction to travel is getting a bit expensive.)

I find my hostel…but couldn?t get in. The place was locked. Weird I know. I ring the outside buzzer to try and enter. No response. I call the main desk. No repsonse. The hostel is right in front of me and I can?t even get inside.

_You?re kidding, right?! I?m right here, no lights are on in this hostel, and I had a flipping confirmation. Am I being punked?! _

The only thing lit for five blocks was a restaurant. I walk towards the light like a bug in a campsite and ask a worker, ?Hi I?m sorry to bother. I was just trying to get in contact with my hostel. Do you happen to know why it’s not open??

Then I get the infamous look of ?You idiot! Why are you in Hungary and speaking English??
....I?m still trying to figure that one out.

Luck was on my side (cough cough) and someone at the restaurant spoke a little English or at least could understand my drawings and non-verbals. He tells me of another hostel that is for ?10 Euros. 300m away?

I can tell I?m starting to get frustrated because I start cursing meters AND euros.

15 minutes later I?m lost. What a shocker. 10 minutes later I actually see a sign that says HOTEL and wow it actually looks open during this non-tourist season. Rooms here are priced at 45 euros according to the woman at the front desk. At this moment I should have just swallowed my pride and settled on a room but gosh darn it, I?m stubborn and cheap (not a good combination when you?re traveling) I kindly refuse and leave determined to find this mystical 10 euros hostel.

30 minutes later after not finding a open hostel OR hotel, I decide to go back.

?Hi, I?m back. I would like room, just one night please.?
?(typing) Oh I?m sorry! It?s actually going to be 55 euros a night.?

_You?re kidding right?! You just told me the wrong price of a hotel room and expect me to pay more for your poor service?! Am I being punked?! _

Sadly, I wasn?t being punked. Ashton Kutcher, or anyone else for that matter, was not around. The only thing present was the reality that things don?t always work out the way you want them to.

It was around 1am when I found this magical “10 Euro” hostel?that was actually a hotel?and actually cost 30 euros. Grrrrrrreat.

I give up. SOB airport you win.