After dark adventures in Luxembourg or The Getting Lost in Europe Chronicles

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.

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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. :slight_smile:

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.

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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!

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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. :slight_smile: 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.

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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.