And it was all going so well....

Well I spoke too soon - I really thought that the refugee crisis would only affect northbound travel but it's not the case and it's now likely to impact me heavily over the next week.

I stupidly decided to walk to the main station this morning - got a bit lost (distracted by this rather lovely moving sculpture)

and though I was there on time was hot and bothered on arrival. I managed to get a seat but first class was again packed with people who'd sensibly reserved. On arrival in Vienna, I decided to go and reserve for Budapest on Friday, only to discover that it's very unlikely any trains will run at all as they haven't done so for several days. The rather unhelpful man advised me to consider going via Bratislava -which I had just come through on the train.

Eventually managed to find my way to this sweet little pension near Schwedenplatz and the Danube, with the view of a lovely square and very elegant buildings,

The view from my window at Pension Riedl

plus very helpful people and a supply of free chocs in reception. I made a couple of calls to reach out for help in checking out the situation I'm moving into, had a shower in the tiny little cubicle in the corner of my bijou room (it's really hot over here - normally I'd love it but it doesn't mix well with stress, and tomorrow is set to be 30C+!), and then headed out for a little local exploration at 6.30pm.

The boat to Bratislava at the bottom could be my salvation!

Unfortunately, my plan to board the tram ring for an orientation tour was also scuppered because it only runs 10-5.30, but I then ventured across the road to where a boat apparently goes up the Danube to Bratislava in 75 minutes - actually quicker than the train - for a relatively small sum. so providing I can get easily from the old town port to the station, I think I might take a different route on Friday and then pick up a fast train to Budapest. With luck I'll still be there mid-afternoon - please keep your fingers crossed for me!

Neil and I think we will have to skip Montenegro though because the border between Hungary and Serbia is now closed for 30 days, which is gut-wrenchingly disappointing as it supposed to be one of THE great European railway journeys - the upside may be more time in Croatia and we're now looking at Split for a couple of days before Dubrovnik.

I had a celebratory Aperol Spritz on discovery of the alternative Danube route at a trendy bar above the "port", and then after some more wandering about found a slightly confusing fusion restaurant to eat before coming back to blog. I embarrassed myself by walking into a glass door at the restaurant, and then tried to look nonchalant by giggling in relaxed fashion at my stupidity - mind you, the lighting was very dim! I'm trying very hard not to get emotional and tearful at this setback - managing it so far. And at least I have options - I should be grateful that I can travel freely, unlike the poor bastards who in the middle of this mire. And I have Aperol Spritz and a nice rosado to help make it better.....