Fire on Train Tracks

Day 3

Our first two days in Copenhagen went smoothly. That was about to change. Our early morning train to Hamburg, Germany, where we were to board our overnight train, was canceled due to a fire on the tracks. The following three trains were also canceled. All the passengers scheduled for the four trains had gathered and were anxious to board the day's last train. It was every person for themselves, as not everyone would find a seat. Fortunately, we did.

The rerouting continued, and the crowds attempting to board with every canceled train grew. We missed the fourth train. What was scheduled to be a one-train, two-hour train ride turned into six hours on six trains.

Our concern about missing the overnight train to Innsbruck, Austria, was palpable. If we didn't board, we'd lose our chance to ride a NightJet bedroom for months. These trains are so popular that one must book several months in advance to secure a room. Unlike planes, you don't get rebooked. So, Alistair did what he does when stressed: He began to stroll and bump into a train conductor going in the opposite direction. Finding a common language in French, Alistair shared his resignation for missing out on the NightJet. "No, no, no worries," exclaimed the conductor, "You need to take this High-speed train to a small town up North, where only a few people will be waiting to board. Once there, you cross over to the Southbound High-speed train." DONE!