Took a Midnight Train . . .to Poland

Yesterday, Hannah arranged for the 4 of us to travel by a sleeper train to Krakow. We left at 8 p.m. and arrived here at what was supposed to be 6:35; however, the train didn't actually arrive until 7:15. We greatly feared missing our stop--there are no loudspeakers to announce where one is.

I had heard some horror stories of train travel in Eastern Europe. For example, did you know as recently as 2008, travelers were being warned that sometimes thieves will send ether gas (I think it was) up through the vents to knock at passengers and steal their belongings? I had a plan of sleeping with my passport and money under my clothes. Fortunately, that was not necessary as the 4 of us had a compartment to ourselves. Apparently, up to 6 people can be in one compartment. Thank God that wasn't the case as it would have been painfully cramped and claustrophobia-inspiring were that the case. As it were, I thought I would be able to sleep reasonably well, but my fear of being robbed kept my restless mind awake. I was determined that even should ether gas come pouring through the vents or should some determined thief push past the chain lock on our compartment that I would be awake and ready to pummel him or her. Thus I couldn't sleep. I had to be prepared. In reality, of course, I would probably pee in my pants were that really to happen. Finally, to get any sleep, I had to take a couple of sleeping pills to relax enough (don't worry--they are FDA approved). Naturally, everything was fine; no thieves for all my worry.

We arrived safely, although a bit later than expected and headed to our hostel, at which I am writing now--probably monopolizing the computer in an effort to describe this trip in more detail. Oops.

Our hostel seems very pleasant, has a great breakfast, tons of strong coffee, clean bathrooms, AND a washer and dryer. This has become extremely important to me as I attempted to wash my clothes in the sink the other night, and NONE of it dried even though it sat out over 24 hours either in the apt or on the train. (Imagine how classy that looks to have your clothes dangling on all available space on the train). Most of it smells TERRIBLE!

Must go. Need a nap. Hope to hear from some of you!

I really miss my phone right now. I wish I could call my family or at least text without too much expense; doesn't seem to be possible at this point. I do miss you guys, though, and love you immensely.