Section 1.1: The First Challenge at the Station

After a couple of days in Sopron, I set my sights on Szombathely. My first challenge arose at the railway station, where I found myself feeling somewhat helpless. The ticket clerk couldn’t converse in either German or English; her preferred method of communication was writing on paper. When I mentioned Szombathely, she scribbled down a number, indicating the train’s departure time. Attempts to engage in dialogue proved fruitless, and I soon realized I needed to seek assistance elsewhere.

I headed to the information center, where thankfully, a helpful staff member spoke German and was able to guide me. This experience reinforced the notion that effective communication often requires adaptability and a willingness to seek alternative solutions.

Subsection 1.1.1: A Scenic Journey

The next morning, I boarded a well-maintained train for the scenic hour-long journey from Sopron to Szombathely. The route featured ten unique stations, each with its charm, ranging from beautifully preserved to somewhat neglected.

As the train approached its destination, I stood to exit and encountered a lady with a pram. She spoke rapidly in Hungarian, and despite my efforts to grasp the conversation, I found myself at a loss. Assuming she wanted to exit first, I gestured for her to go ahead. However, she appeared frustrated as the door opened, struggling with her pram and luggage.

I quickly intervened to assist her, lifting the pram out so she could focus on her bags. "Köszönöm," she said with a grateful smile—Hungarian for "thank you." This moment highlighted the significance of non-verbal communication and the willingness to assist, even amid language barriers.

Section 1.2: Discovering Szombathely

Szombathely, whose name translates to "Saturday place" in Hungarian, is the 10th largest city in Hungary and serves as the administrative center of Vas County. Like Sopron, Szombathely has both a Hungarian and a German name, and its history is intertwined with the Roman Empire, as it was built upon the ruins of the ancient city of Savaria. The Savaria Museum offers insights into the rich heritage of the area.

Though the walk from the central station to the Main Square was longer than I anticipated, I hoped to uncover something unique along the way. Unfortunately, I was left feeling a bit disheartened, but the Main Square proved to be a vibrant and lively hub.

Here, I relished a leisurely stroll, admiring the blend of Art Nouveau and Baroque architecture while capturing the essence of the city with my camera. As I approached a historic fountain, I was approached by a couple of young men who appeared to be tourists.

“You speaking English?” one managed to ask after some hesitation.

“I speak excellent English. Do you?” I replied, catching them off guard. I then switched to German and even attempted a few Hungarian phrases, but my efforts were met with blank stares. It soon became clear that they were trying to engage in a scam involving watermelon juice. Finding humor in the situation, I asked, “Where are the watermelons? Show me, and I’ll give you the money.”

This interaction quickly fizzled out, and they vanished, ice-creams in hand when I saw them again. This experience underscored how a lack of understanding can lead to amusing situations, and the importance of being resourceful in communication.