Tag: Vienna

European rail trip, part 3: Vienna and the conference

My impressions of Wien, which were somewhat, but not wholly, dominated by attending and presenting at the European Geosciences Union conference

I had arrived in Wein Westbahnhof at 20:30, found the subway, bought a ticket, then boarded a train. Before we departed, crowds of football fans piled into the carriage, shouting and singing. Without knowing the language, I could tell their team had won. They were jumping up and down, rocking the train somewhat. In doing so, one of the fans must have hit the emergency lever, for as no sooner had the subway train started it lurched to a halt. The third emergency stop that day. Once the driver found and reset the offending lever, we were on our way without further incident. Continue reading “European rail trip, part 3: Vienna and the conference”

European rail trip, part 2: Zürich and through the Alps

My impressions of 36 hours in Zürich, with an unexpected start, clean colourful architecture, and a festival to make the place seem lively. Then the highlight of the trip, a train journey through the Alps, with some amazing scenery.

Zürich

My first impression of Zürich, as I made my way from the train through the crowds, was not what I expected.

A loud explosive bang rattled the station. Travellers of all nationalities looked round to see the source, but there did not seem to be any major panic, flames, or smoke. As there was no reason for me to wait in the station, I made my way towards the main entrance, and out into the sunshine. Continue reading “European rail trip, part 2: Zürich and through the Alps”