I love trains in poor countries. Really, no sarcasim (i try to avoid it). There is something really magical about being in a big floating room that traveles disconnected from the real world. No stops for traffic, no gas required, so open and efficient...

Like a moving hint into a world people ususally dont see. Small towns chug by, farm animals come to greet... I usually have my head out the window for 1/2 the time. :)

The trip from Santa Cruz on the Red Oriental line was nice. A bit long, but nice.

I almost missed it. So typical of me eh? Its like i try...

While i was in line to board, some german tourist pointed out that my bag was to big, and needed to be stowed. Check time: 5:12 (train leaves at 5:00)Already annoyed by the bolivians cutting line in front of me, I stormed off to the baggage check. After waiting for 15 min in line (time 5:27) I hear the train sound its horn. I am still sulking.

2 min later i start to worry about why i am not on the train yet.. isnt it leaving soon?? ISNT THAT WHAT THE HORN MEANS???

I look around. The brasallian couple in front of me wont be much help, speaking in portugeese. Same with the group behind me.... and the people behind them, all brasallians... wait a second.. I am going to argentina right? Why am i sorrounded by brasilians?

There is, of course, a good answer for this. My train is rolling out of the station, as we speak, 29 min late. Pitty i am not on it.

I run past the line into the bag room. Communicate. response? Sorry, you missed it. Now i am REALLY pissed off, especially at the german. Ok.. no problem, when is the next one?

Monday? oh ya, 4 days from now!¿?!?

Train still rolling....

I decide its best to jump protocol, hop over the bag desk, push aside the gaurd, bolt through the back door of the bag room (which exits to the secure train platform, and jump on the last car of my train.

Unfortunately, the gaurd sees that plan in my eyes, and locks the door.

Shit. Really mad now... And i am not giving up.

Train goes south, I go south.

Leaving the terminal running, i chase the slow moving train down for 2 blocks, sqeeze through a secure fence, past a distracted gaurd, run up a cattle loading platform, and grab the last rails of the train.

Nice. Nice indeed.

I rest as I admire my accomplishment.

Big grin from me.

See you in Argentina!!

My train ride to the border

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