I stood on the platform for a while, wondering what to do next.
Then I noticed that the train to Oslo was on the other side of the same platform and there was an officious-looking lady telling people things, so I went over to see her:
Me: Can I get a ticket for this train?
Conductor lady: No.
Me: Oh.. 😦
CL: All the seats are full.
Other guy in a hi vis jacket (to CL): ..rhubarbrhubarbrhubarb..
CL (to OG): ..rhubarbrhubarbrhubarb..
OG (to me): Rhubarbrhubarbrhubarb?
CL (to OG): Rhubarbrhubarbrhubarb. (presumably something to the effect of “I’ve already spoken to her” (like waitresses say ‘she’s MY customer/she’s being(/been) served’))
OG: *shrugs and goes away*
Me: …
CL: …
Me: I’m trying to get to Stockholm….
CL: You can have the spare seat and I can help you later.
Me: So I can get on the train?
CL: Yes. Carriage 8. *turns away to be busy elsewhere*
Me (confused as a confused thing): uh.. cool… thanks!
*gets on train*
The train doesn’t leave for another half hour but I don’t want to get out in case CL changes her mind. So far I’m standing in the isle/sitting on the steps so that I can say I haven’t stolen anyone’s place.. not that I can imagine the whole night train is really full on a Thursday…… 🤷♀️
I don’t much mind sitting on the steps – not that I expect to have to – I’ve been in enough jam-packed long-distance German trains where it’s been standing room only, even on the steps… (pre-pandemic)
Theoretically I think only selling as many tickets as there are seats is a really good idea.. practically it’s super annoying being too late to buy one..
the Jess(e)way around 