My 3D Printing Adventure Blog

Racing Against Time: A Layover Adventure in Erfurt

My journey to Finland commenced in Rudolstadt, a charming town surrounded by scenic beauty. However, an unexpected escapade awaited me during a brief layover in Erfurt.

On the Tracks (14:16 - 15:02):

The adventure unfolded innocently enough at 14:16 when I boarded the RE 42 (4988) train from Rudolstadt-Schwarza, platform 2. With 26 minutes on the clock, my destination was Jena-Göschwitz. A short layover at 14:42 in Jena-Göschwitz on platform 2 gave way to a connecting RE 3 (3960) train, platform 5, bound for Erfurt Hbf, arriving at 15:02.

Spontaneous Detour to Saturn (15:38 - 15:50):

Having 36 minutes before the next leg of my journey, I succumbed to a seemingly brilliant idea at 15:38. I decided to visit Saturn, a mere 10-minute walk from Erfurt Hbf. With an impending departure at 16:18 on the ICE 1556 to Wiesbaden Hbf, I had little time to spare.

Shopping Against the Clock:

The trouble began when I realized that Saturn was on the third level of the Anger1 shopping center, far from a swift in-and-out scenario. Racing against the clock, I hastily navigated the store, finally paying for my purchase at 15:50.

Return Journey Race (15:50 - 16:15):

The return journey was a saga in itself. Waiting for the lift felt like an eternity, and frustration mounted. As I descended, I couldn't shake the realization that I had underestimated the physical toll of this impromptu shopping spree.

The Mad Dash:

With a new suitcase, backpacks, and DJ equipment in tow, I raced through the streets of Erfurt, disregarding traffic signals and praying not to encounter the police. Exhaustion set in, but with minutes to spare, I reached the station at 16:15 just as the ICE 1556 to Wiesbaden Hbf was about to depart from platform 2. A minor six-minute delay had miraculously worked in my favor.

Reflecting on the Whirlwind:

Collapsed into the train, I reflected on the whirlwind experience. Totally exhausted but relieved, I couldn't help but marvel at the unpredictability of travel. Little did I know that more adventures awaited me on the ICE to Frankfurt, making this journey an unforgettable chapter in my travel chronicles.