stuck in bucharest
2004.07.25 - 17:07Yes, i’ve read and heard lots of stories about tourist ripped off or corrupted police. Some of them came true in 30min spent in the train station. Arrived at 8:30am in the satisfyingly comfortable sleeper train. Tried to catch the next connecting train departing in 20 min, but failed. Not sure if it’s the rule of reservation system or miscommunication, but couldnt get reservation-only ticket from the counter. due to unreliable time tables all around the station which shows unmatching info, thought to try the digital info kiosk. A man approached and offered help since he’s the station officer. He took us to a far away ticket counter which was closed, and summoned a lady to issue something. To make a story short, i faced the romanian corruption. Shortly afterwards, this exp was followed by the thick-faced lady in money exchange shop who would not give the correct amount of money. Emotionally somewhat shocked, took a refuge in THE trustworthy mac d for morning coffee- shamelessly.