Myth Busting

One of my favorite things about travel is that it demolishes myths. And today was one of those days where the myths imploded en masse. For example:

Myth: I'd be able to get away with a really tight airport schedule (read: sleep in) because German trains are always on time.

Fact: German trains aren't always on time. Especially when you're in a hurry. My first train was 10 minutes late. The second, 25. The bus to the airport, which was supposed to come every 7 minutes, never arrived. By the time I hailed a cab, my flight had 40 minutes until departure. The airport, 20 minutes away by taxi from train station. Taxi delayed 10 minutes by old Berliner ladies hobbling across the street. Myself, sweating profusely.

But at the end, I had a winner: The airplane to St. Petersburg was delayed, too. That is the only reason I am sitting here, typing from an impossibly wobbly bunkbed, next to a Japanese roommate, tonight.

Myth: Airport security in the United States is the worst.

Fact: It was worse today in Berlin. First, the passport control guy informed me that I was in Germany illegally (my American passport doesn't have an entry stamp). He thought the French had failed to stamp it. I showed him my German passport and informed him that I had not been to France in four years.

Second, the metal control lady pretty much stroked my entire body, then unbuttoned the top button of my jeans. Then said "don't be embarassed."

Myth: As a woman, men judge you by your personality, looks, or figure.

Fact: In Russia, apparently, you may also be judged by your ability to free men of their money. A seatmate also happened to be going to Nevsky Prospect--St. Pete's main drag--so I offered to share the cab I'd called up. He agreed. In the end, he paid for the entire ride (39 euros). He is a sports journalist working on assignment here, so he can invoice the ride to his magazine.

After he got out, the driver turned to me and said, "You are good."
"Huh?" I was lost.
"You know, good." He giggled.
"Ungh?"
"You get him to pay!" More giggling.

To him, I'd proven my worth as a moneygrubber by meeting a guy on a plane, then getting him to pay for my ride. He'd already jacked up the cab fare by 4 euros to compensate for his waiting an extra 15 minutes. I, on the other hand, had achieved a true masterpiece.

I asked him later whether it was safe to go out at night alone.

"Oh yes, especially if you keep doing business the way you just did."

I think I'm staying in tonight.