The Night Train and the Horrible Smell

Back in the day when Todd and I backpacked through Europe, we often took a night train to our next destination. We had good experiences so thought the kids would enjoy spending the night chugging along the tracks.  Our longest leg this trip was Florence/Pisa to Dijon, France - the perfect opportunity to book a night train trip.  We booked a 6 couchette sleeper thinking it might be neat to meet some other people.  Mistake.  One of our 'roommates' was beyond tolerable with bad BO (I'm gagging typing this).  I opened the window immediately hoping that the wall of odour might disperse before we had to close the door again.  It was closed relatively soon because apparently the air-conditioning doesn't work if the window is open.  Fine.  However we quickly realized the air conditioning also did not function.  Needless to stay, I got out of the couchette with Emily as soon as we could and stayed in the hall until we arrived in Dijon.  Liam and Todd powered through; I guess their need for sleep outweighed the smell.

If we ever ride a night train, it will be for only the four of us.

Ah fresh morning air