It was already twilight when I arrived at the train station in Luxembourg. I got instructions from my Airbnb host to board a bus that will stop near the house where I will stay overnight until my next leg of adventure. Immediately after the train stopped, I ran to the bus depot with my 23KG luggage and my 18KG backpack to catch the bus. But the bus I wanted had its stop a block down the road.Lugging what feels like a ton of luggage around the city center, I tried to catch the bus I had to ride. Finally, I got to board the bus and settled in. The bus ride took forever and it was already getting dark. I was already becoming a bit suspicious that I boarded the wrong one, yet again (happened to me in Bonn). Luckily, two Filipinos were on board. I asked them, “alam niyo po ba kung san itong Rue d’Orval? (Do you know where Rue d’Orval is?)” “Hindi eh (Sorry, no.)” So, I went to the driver (who was female, to my surprise and delight - I felt safe), and asked her if the bus was stopping there. She didn’t understand English. I showed her the address. She told me that, once again, I boarded the wrong bus. The driver asked me to alight at the next stop and board the same bus number but going the opposite direction. I boarded the bus - the correct one - and alighted at Rue D’Orval. Just when I though my ordeal was finally over, I found myself lost again. I couldn’t find the building of my Airbnb. I was walking in circles with my 23 KG luggage and 18KG backpack (it was such a wonder I didn’t lose weight then). I finally decided to get help at a nearby convenience store at a gasoline station. When I got there, I asked the attendant if he’s familiar with the address of my Airbnb. Again, no English (yes, English is not a universal language). Thank my lucky stars, the person on queue heard me struggling to explain myself and finding my way. He told me that I can use his phone to call my Airbnb host (take note: he’s good looking and fresh smelling, too!). I was amazed at his trust. I wouldn’t have let any stranger touch my phone. I called my host who told me the building was just around the corner. I left the gasoline station smiling, secure, and having my faith in humanity restored.
Hello @deejiwahine and welcome to Connect!
I’m sorry to hear that your adventures in Luxembourg started a bit bumpy, but I hope that by the end of your trip everything turn around and finished smoothly. If we exclude the rough beginning, how was it? Did you had a great time visiting this landlocked country? I’ve heard that Luxembourg is a really beautiful place and by the pictures online I can definitely say that that’s true, but I’ve never seen it with my own eyes. Hopefully someday I’ll have that chance.
P.S.: Just to let you know, I’ve relabeled your post and it now appears in the Local Stories section, where it fits better.
Thank you, Klaudiya! I had a great time in Luxembourg, actually. Though it was a small city compared to other major cities in Europe, it’s quaint and has its own charm. I loved walking around the city center. I wish I had more time to explore the countryside because I heard that the Luxembourg countryside is quite an adventure!
That’s the only downside, for me personally of course, when it comes to travelling. It’s almost impossible to see all the great things that a country or even a city can provide, but that will never stop me to continuously try to. The positive side is that you had a wonderful time and I’m very happy about it.
Do you have another stop in mind @deejiwahine ? If yes, where? I’m very interested in finding out what is your next destination.
P.S.: When responding to someone, be sure to tag them (by writing @ before their name) in your post or reply so that they’ll receive a notification that you are trying to reach them.
Thanks for responding, @KlaudiyaG ! I actually went to Brussels after. As I was scrimping on my pocket money (cause, you know, Euros is for food), I walked around the city again, and, once again, got lost. Hahaha!
I walked from my BnB to Atomium, hopped on a Hop On Hop Off bus, got off at the Grand Place and decided to walk back but got lost.
Good thing a stranger helped me. She was so helpful that she even accompanied me to the train station - she advised me against walking because it was too long a walk, she said. The great thing about travelling is that you meet good people along the way and it restores your faith in humanity.