I was dreading the train trip from Sydney to Brisbane, and rightly so. As mentioned in previous posts, the trains are old and uncomfortable, and thanks to the seat sale they have on, usually packed. I again had someone next to me for most of the 12-hour journey to Casino, where we had to change to a coach. Not all people had someone next to them. I saw one girl spread out over two seats the whole way. Life is not fair.
The check-in nazi in Sydney complained that one of my bags was 1 kg too heavy, so I had to put two books in my hand luggage (which they don't bother to weigh. Apparently, if you drag your bags on board the train yourself, no one cares how much you bring). Then she complained about the broken handle, courtesy of Virgin Australia. I pointed out there was another handle on the side, but she was determined to show who was in charge. "Well we may not be able to accept it if you travel with us again, there must be a handle on the bag." I just pointed out there was one!!
Once the horrendous train journey was over, we had to change over to a coach in Casino (yes that actually is a place), for the last 3.5 hours to Brisbane. Our driver was the last to arrive to his coach, and stressed us all on board. Seat numbers were assigned, and again, I was supposed to have someone next to me. A fully grown man. I said there should be plenty of free seats if he fancied sitting on his own, so he did. But the driver didn't like that. He told us all to sit in our assigned seats, although the coach wasn't even 1/4 full. I asked if it was likely to fill up, and then he relented so we both got some space next to us. But the driver wasn't done with me. Oh no. He specifically hovered over me and told me to put on the seat belt. "We have a law in Australia bla bla bla..." I said to him I'm doing it, so he should just relax. He then berated me for my body language! Bloody cheek. That's not how you speak to someone who pays your salary. Condescending twat. But I was a good boy and bit my tongue! He would probably have held the coach and called the police if I had given him a piece of my mind then.
I've had this superior attitude from several staff at NSW Trains. It seems it is state-owned, which goes somewhat toward explaining the attitude. Public servants aren't known for their service-mindedness. But if you're not interested in providing a courteous service to customers, you should reconsider your career choice. Probably a strong union as well, as they enforce the 20 kg baggage limit like the 11th commandment.
Finally arriving in Brisbane at 10:30 pm, 15.5 hours after leaving Sydney, the bus terminal was closed for the night and no taxis available. There was a phone number to call for a taxi - but no area code! As everything was shut and there was no one to ask, I thanked my lucky stars I had memorised the route and started walking, dragging my two heavy suitcases behind me. 45 mins, mostly uphill, of course, sweating like a glassblower's arse. It was humid as when I left Sydney this morning, and Brisbane was no less so.
Finally arrived at the hotel and had to ring the night bell. The night manager was of course annoyed to be disturbed from what ever he was watching on TV. When my credit card didn't go through after three attempts (I told him the screen said "configuration fault", which he ignored), he put it through manually - after a heavy sigh - and all was fine. So there was no problem with my card. I purposely dripped sweat on his counter meanwhile.
Now it's already midnight and I have had a refreshing shower. I'm tired, hungry, and thirsty. I'm considering staying in my room all day tomorrow. I have wi-fi, cable, air-conditioning, and my own bathroom! Maybe I'll stay in the day after as well. Maybe until I have to go to the airport on Tuesday. Surely they must have a food delivery service here!
Right now I have had my fill of surly, lazy Aussies in the service industry. The more I'm exposed to people, the more I prefer animals...
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