---

Pre-departure interview

Name: Richard Arghiris
Age: 27
Occupation: Writer



Hi Richard! Tell us a bit about your upcoming Inter-Rail trip... where are you planning to go?
Hi there. I’ve decided to spend a month Inter-Railing around Central Europe. I’ll be visiting the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania. I’ll also be stopping in Amsterdam, Berlin and Vienna.

Why did you choose these places to visit?
Part of the reason why I chose to visit Central Europe is because I am fascinated by the region’s history. The last century was particularly interesting, when both fascism and communism were imposed on these nations. Today, these states are the newest members of the European Union. In years to come, I believe that Central Europe will be the future and driving force of the EU. Aside from all that, I am drawn by the region’s wealth of natural spaces. Poland and Slovakia especially have some fine national parks that I hope to see.

What are you looking forward to most about your trip?
I am looking forward to all of it, but Romania the most. It seems like a strange country, full of folklore and superstition. Parts of it are relatively undeveloped too, which can make for some challenging travel. The mountains are populated with bears and wolves, which I’m hoping to see as well... from a safe distance, of course.

Are there any bits you’re not looking forward to?
Some of the hiking trails in Poland and Slovakia involve scrabbling up cliff-faces and crossing ravines. I’ve never had a head for heights, so I’m not really looking forward to that!

Are you camping, hostelling or kipping on trains?
As I’m on a budget, I will be mostly camping... weather permitting.

Tell us about Inter-Rail tickets... how do they work and what’s so good about them?
Basically, an Inter-Rail ticket allows you unlimited travel on Europe’s rail network, which is undoubtedly the best way to get around the continent. You can make real savings with one of these, particularly as there’s a whole range of tickets to suit your needs. The most comprehensive ticket covers 29 countries. Other tickets focus on a specific country or region, and for as long as you need. Its good to have an Inter-Rail ticket because it gets your imagination working, knowing you can go wherever you want.

Are you a fan of train travel?
I am definitely a fan of train travel. Generally, it’s a very relaxing and efficient way to get around. It can’t be beaten for scenery either.

How do you like to pass the time on a long train journey?
I like to read or write or listen to music. Watching the scenery is very enjoyable too. Its kind of like a meditation, watching the world roll by.

Tell us a bit about your past travel experiences...
Most recently, I spent nine months in Mexico and Central America, which was very inspiring. Prior to that, I was living in Amsterdam. I moved out there out on a whim with only a few hundred pounds in my pocket. Miraculously, 18 months later, I left with over ten times that in savings. I had a fine time there, and I’ll always have a special affection for the place. Before that, I used to work as a croupier. I wasn’t very good at it, but I managed to land a couple of jobs on cruise-ships. I spent a summer in the Med, seeing a lot of different countries. My very first travel experiences were in America, when I crossed the country by Greyhound bus. That was an eye-opener, I can tell you. If you want to see the real U.S.A, get on a Greyhound...

How would you describe your travel style? Do you like to make plans or do things spontaneously? Do you prefer sight-seeing or aimless wandering? Partying or getting close to nature?
Planning is an important part of any trip, but only as a general guide. Ultimately, when you embark on a journey, you need to follow your instincts. That said, I do put in a lot of research on the places I visit. I like to know as much as I can. That way, travelling becomes a more intimate experience. As far as activities go, I like to take in atmospheres, and so wandering is a good way to get a feel for things. Lately, I’ve realised that natural places can be much more rewarding than cities. I also enjoy getting off the tourist routes and into hard-to-reach areas. For me, culture shock is one of the best parts of travel.

Finally, the train traveller’s dilemma: you’re on a crowded train, you had a heavy night last night: do you try to stay awake, or let yourself fall asleep and risk embarrassing snoring / drooling scenarios?
I think that public drooling is OK, provided you don’t do it over the person sitting next you. Its not very dignified, but if you need your sleep, what can you do?




Click here >> for our guide to inter-railing
Click here >> to book your inter-rail pass

---

Click here >> for the London update	Click here >> for the Eindhoven update
Click here >> for the Amsterdam update	Click here >> for the first Berlin update
Click here >> for the second Berlin update	Click here >> for the Prague update
Click here >> for the Kutna Hora update	Click here >> for the Krakow update
Click here >> for the Nowa Huta update	Click here >> for the Zakopane update
Click here >> for the Tatra update	Click here >> for the Slovakia update
Click here >> for the road to Hungary update	Click here >> for the main Budapest update
Click here >> for the Sziget Festival update	Click here >> for the road to Romania update
Click here >> for the Bucharest update	Click here >> for the Transylvania update
Click here >> for the Bratislava & Salzburg update	Click here >> for the diary in full