An Unexpected Lesson Learned on a 17-Hour Night Train

In 2009, I traveled to Munich.

On a 17-hour night train.

I learned an unlikely lesson.

Time for a story: pic.twitter.com/MDBlMiQgMb

— Jamie Russo (@jamierusso) March 9, 2023

I was living in Rome.

The epicenter of art and history.

Oktoberfest called my name.

I should have said no.

But I love booze-filled adventures.

— Jamie Russo (@jamierusso) March 9, 2023

My budget was tight.

Flights weren't an option.

Trains were a cheap alternative.

17 hours from Rome to Munich.

My friend, Dan, joined me.

— Jamie Russo (@jamierusso) March 9, 2023

We arrived in Munich at sunrise.

Streets lined with festival-goers.

The drinking commenced.

That's when I learned lesson #1.

It's never too early to drink.

— Jamie Russo (@jamierusso) March 9, 2023

I tried calling Dan.

But my Nokia had zero minutes.

I borrowed a phone from a stranger.

Lesson #2:

In 2009, carry a calling card

— Jamie Russo (@jamierusso) March 9, 2023

My phone call went through.

I joined my friends at Hofbräuhaus.

We ordered 10 liters for the table.

Lesson #3:

1 liter ≈ 3 beers pic.twitter.com/y1sveYwbZh

— Jamie Russo (@jamierusso) March 9, 2023

4-5 beers deep.

I needed to pee.

It was the last time I saw my friends.

Lesson #4:

Always stick together.

— Jamie Russo (@jamierusso) March 9, 2023

On my way to the bathroom.

I made a wrong turn.

Lost, I panicked.

Lesson #5:

If you have to pee, hold it.

— Jamie Russo (@jamierusso) March 9, 2023

I wandered out of the tent.

Into an endless sea of people.

A festival in full force.

Lesson #6:

In a life-or-death situation, run.

— Jamie Russo (@jamierusso) March 9, 2023

I scurried to safety.

Wandered the fairgrounds.

I didn't have my hotel's address.

Lesson #7:

Print your itinerary.

— Jamie Russo (@jamierusso) March 9, 2023

Out of nowhere, it appeared.

A hostel from hell.

It smelled like barf and old lettuce.

Lesson #8:

Avoid $10/night hotels.

— Jamie Russo (@jamierusso) March 9, 2023

The next day, bangin' headache.

I made my train with moments to spare.

17 hours back to Rome.

Lesson #9:

Night trains intensify hangovers. pic.twitter.com/7QCjaiRQ89

— Jamie Russo (@jamierusso) March 9, 2023

9 life lessons:

• Night trains intensify hangovers
• In a life-or-death situation, run
• If 2009, carry a calling card
• It's never too early to drink
• If you have to pee, hold it
• Avoid $10/night hotels
• Print your itinerary
• 1 liter ≈ 3 beers
• Stick together

— Jamie Russo (@jamierusso) March 9, 2023