A memorable train journey

by Edwige Brun (level B1)

In English class, we studied an article from the Guardian about trains in Turkey. And then, we had to tell the story of a memorable train journey. I chose a train trip to China. 

In December 2009, 15 years ago, I took a 2-week organized trip to China We took a night train from Guillin to Pingxiang (600 kilometers) south of China. I was traveling with my friend, his son with his girl-friend. We entered a large modern station and waited in a huge waiting room. 

With the group, we boarded the train and settled into our cabins. They were soft berths because in China there are also hard berths which are less comfortable and cheaper. There was even the television.

There were 4 bunks and I chose one upstairs. Then we had dinner at the restaurant car. I don't remember the food except for a large grapefruit that I didn't know.

The guide told us again and again “be careful, there may be thieves” So, my companion hid his wallet under his mattress.

We slept well and in the early morning I looked out the window and discovered that we were crossing the countryside and that the farmers were still working with oxen. 

When he woke up, my friend talked a lot with his son. Then, we left the train to join the bus. And then he realized that he had forgotten his wallet on the train. 

He explained it to the guide. We were worried because it was still a long journey to Beijing.

But the guide told us that the wallet would be at the hotel when we arrived.

And indeed, five days later we found the wallet with all the money and papers.