Train 3: Hengelo to Zwoelle
Apparently, the next train was on time. Thankfully, the rain stopped! My stuff was slowing me down, I wasn’t surprised that I missed it. Even the Magic Mike guys missed it (Yas! Just kidding lol). After a few minutes, another train going to Zwoelle arrived. Unfortunately, there was no WIFI on Dutch trains. But I was almost there, 2 more transfers to go. It wasn’t that hard at all. The trains weren’t full and I always got good seats and a place to put my stuff.

As soon as we got off at Zwoelle, everything went haywire. There was enough time to catch the train to Almere, but no trains were in sight. The devastating look of disappointment can be seen from every angle, as all the train schedules on the monitor were “canceled”. Most people stayed, staring at the screen, hoping that the terrifying word in bloody red will magically morph into numbers. I did the same, wishing it would change after 5PM. One can hope for the possibility that they would resume after the strike, right? Still in denial, I even went to the platform on the other side where I was supposed to board the next train. Of course, I just wasted my time lol. The information booth was closed. No alternative transportation was provided. No staff or officers around. I asked some locals but they were as clueless and more worried. What about me??? Lol!

Eventually, people finally came to their senses. I guess they were just buying time, trying to figure out how on earth they could reach their destinations and probably contacting their loved ones and friends for help. And so they started to disappear in different directions, so it was hard to follow lol. I decided to go downstairs and saw the Magic Mike guys exiting the station. Other passengers followed but had no luck as the turnstile wouldn’t open. Some of them jumped over and succeeded. I waited and then I used the same train ticket that I had. It didn’t work. Tried it two more times, nope. I panicked. How can I get out? The others who tried after me got through, I thought of tailgating but with 2 pieces of luggage, it would be embarrassing to get stuck lol. Jumping over didn’t occur to me for obvious reasons lol. I guess the fourth time’s a charm in my case. But really, the train ticket should’ve worked the first time since it was valid until Amsterdam. Maybe I was just nervous lol.

There was a bus station outside with buses parked, heading to different destinations. Which one to take? I stood on the side watching and observing the locals, hoping they could solve the mystery of going to Amsterdam for me. Some went back and forth, asking every bus driver. The others boarded different buses. Then I heard someone shout, “Is anyone here going to Amsterdam?”. Without thinking, I raised my hand. He said taking a bus would take about 3 hrs and several transfers, so he proposed taking an Uber with his friend and splitting the cost. It was €160 divided by 3. I was a bit short, as it was already the end of my trip. I suggested that maybe we get another passenger to bring down the cost. He shouted again but got no answer. I told them that if we could stop by an ATM, the 3 of us could go. They agreed. Unluckily, there were no cars available. Maybe because it was still far or the strike also impacted them? (In the end, I realized that I had enough money to share, my mind was just clouded I couldn’t even count properly lol. Still, it didn’t matter as no single Uber was available).

He and his friend went farther to see if they could get a taxi instead and would get back to me as soon as they found one. I waited but also thought of another way. There was no assurance that they would return for me and I didn’t want to be left alone.
The Magic Mike guys were back. It seemed they got an inside scoop, lol. They walked to the bus parked at the end of the station, asked the driver, and got in. My seatmate on the train also boarded a bus, but to a different route. I knew he was going to Amsterdam because I asked him before. I was torn, still trying to process everything. I didn’t follow anyone. I just watched them leave.

After some time, I asked one bus driver. He wasn’t sure but recommended something. How could I rely on that lol. A local was sitting at the bus stop, so I checked to see if he could validate the information. Sadly, he had no idea. I began thinking about the worst that could happen. I might spend the night out in the cold or hope to find available accommodation nearby. It seemed I was the only one who was still there and lost. 

While making up different scenarios in my head, a family of 6 who were struggling to carry their luggage up the stairs, sat beside me. We smiled at each other. Without hesitation, I asked if they were going to Amsterdam. It was a resounding yes! I told them to please adopt me! I wasn’t alone after all, they were my answered prayer .

They are Mexicans – mom, dad, 2 sons, and 2 aunties. The eldest son worked in Germany and took his family on this trip. I was relieved that he spoke English. He was on his phone searching for a solution while the others were quickly resting. Minutes later, we went on our merry way. I took a picture of our route from his phone so I could somehow help with navigation. Sadly, it didn’t come to fruition.