love affair with euro trains

Trains are a convenient mode of short, medium and long distance travel across Europe.  it  has a dense and widely used railway network spanning the entire continent.For short distances, European trains are fast, reliable and frequent. For longer distances they can be preferable to flying for several reasons. Trains have more spacious and comfortable interiors, may offer scenic routes, and do not require long waits at security like at airports. They usually run more frequently as well, and take their travellers to railway stations located in or very close to city centres,

Ticketing in most of Europe is based on a trust system: You simply buy the ticket at the station or online and hop on the train. Once you're on a train, a conductor will come around to check your tickets.

Don't expect too much sympathy if you get it wrong or if you miss your train. The only exceptions are, of course, if your train is cancelled (then you can get the next one) or if you miss a connection because of a delay to or cancellation of some other train on the same ticket.







My itinerary and transpo cost (plane and train)

August 18, 2011 (KLM plane)                                               US$1,400.00

            ETD     Manila                         10:55

            ETA     Amsterdam                18:50

            ETD     Amsterdam                 21:05

            ETA     Hamburg                    22:10

August 19, 2011 (ICE Train)                                                       88 Euros

            ETD     Hamburg                    9:08

            ETA     Berlin                          10:48

            ETD     Berlin                           18:17

            ETA     Hamburg                     19:56

August 23, 2011 (ICE Train)                                           

            ETD Hamburg                          13:30

            ETA Vejle St.(Denmark)        17:20

August 25, 2011 ( train)

            ETD Vejle, Denmark                        16:15

            ETA Copenhagen, Denmark                  20:00

August 25, 2011 (SAS Airline)                                                         134.23 euros

            ETD Copenhagen                   15:10

            ETA Brussels                          16:40

August 27, 2011 (by car)

            ETD Brussels                          11:00 .

            ETA  Netherlands                   13:00

August 29, 2011 ( by train)                                                               130 euros

ETA Amsterdam                     16:30

            ETA Frankfurt                        21:30

August 31, 2011 (ICE Train)                                                               69 Euros

            ETD Frankfurt                         14:58

            ETA Hamburg                         18:51

September 1. 2011 (KLM plane)

            ETD     Hamburg                     8:50

            ETA     Amsterdam               10:00

            ETD     Amsterdam               14:30

September 2 (KLM plane)

            ETA     Manila                         8:55     

Enjoy unlimited access to all that Germany has to offer aboard the ICE. As the fastest train belonging to the Deutsche Bahn, it travels at speeds of up to 200 mph whisking you to your desired destinations in the amount of time it would take to pack your bags. The Deutsche Bahn ICE train connects all the major German cities such as Frankfurt, Hamburg, Stuttgart, Munich, Cologne, and Berlin, allowing you to step off the train and stroll to many of the major hotels and attractions.All ICE trains feature comforting amenities and cutting-edge services, including reclining seats with built-in tables and video screens, an integrated audio system, notebook and laptop connections, as well as cellular-friendly zones that allow for undisturbed service, and of course, air conditioning.

When bought on the spot, trains tickets can be more expensive than cheap flights over the same distance, but this difference may disappear when the tickets are booked in advance.Ticket discounts are based on advance purchase, availability, and certain restrictions. Everyone is eligible to receive discounted fares by purchasing an Economy or Comfort class ticket in advance. 

Some major train stations have lockers or luggage storage available at an additional cost—so be sure to have some spare change available if you’re planning to use a locker.

. At the train station, you’ll see large Departure and Arrival Boards located in the center of most stations. Simply match the train number and departure time on your reservation or ticket to the train number on the departure board. The platform number where you should go will be listed right next to it. Once on the platform you’ll notice that each car (also known as a coach) has a clear identification number on its side. Your reservation/ticket will list your car/coach number and your class of service.Once onboard the proper car, you’ll find clearly labeled seat numbers. Simply match the seat number on your reservation/ticket, if you have one.

Most often than not, you can meet backpackers along the way. Alex of milan, italy, my new train buddy from amsterdam to koln,germany. He is a parkour practitioner. Parkour is a method of movement focused on moving around obstacles with speed and efficiency. Originally developed in France, the main purpose of the discipline is to teach participants how to move through their environment by vaulting, rolling, running, climbing and jumping. Traceurs (parkour practitioners) train to be able to identify and utilize alternate or the more efficient paths. This is shown in the film "Prince of Persia."

It is difficult to find one’s way at  a large and crowded station. The best way to meet your friend  is  go directly to the Meeting Point. this is the best place where your friend  can be waiting for you  The Meeting Point of Amsterdam Schiphol Plaza  is across the train ticket box of NS railway station and next to train platform numbers 1 and 2.

The Berlin Central Train Station, considered the biggest train station in Europe, opened March 28, 2006. This state-of-the-art station has countless conveniences for travelers including a suspension system for its platforms, greatly reducing vibration and noise. You will find yourself enjoying this station as much as your German train ride!