German Train Thoughts

*disclaimer: I'm sure I have plenty of thoughts on the other countries' train systems, but I'm currently most familiar and up-to-date with the German ones. Come back in April for my thoughts on the French*

Whatever you thought about the punctual Germans, you will rethink everything once you deal with the DeutschBahn (DB). 

Sometimes you'll see someone rapidly break from their friend group and shout a farewell greeting as they then backwards jog and sprint towards the underground station. They have suddenly realized their train is imminently arriving. 

If you hear thundering steps behind you, step to the side. Someone is desperately trying to catch the train they need. 

9/10 times you should also begin running with them, as you also want to be on that train. 

Careful when you are running though, or you may step in actual human feces. 

There are a ton of homeless in Germany, which is both heartbreaking and unnerving. 

If everyone suddenly gets off a stopped train after an announcement, you should probably as well. You aren't going anywhere. 

Never take the elevators at a German train station. They reek of urine. 

Pack somewhat lightly, as it is inevitable that the train platform you need is the only one without an easily accessible escalator, and nothing but the good old-fashioned three flights of stairs you need to scurry up. 

Train station pizza hits different 😋

The public transit you want is always just on the other side of the street, and will pull away just as the light changes for you to cross. 

The views as the trains speed along the rivers: out of this world.