Text 3. What to expect when travelling by train

The romance of traveling by train continues to enthrall tourists as it has for more than 170 years, and nowhere is this felt more profoundly than in Europe. Rail travel is the best way to get close to all that Europe has to offer, from big cities and quaint hamlets to scenic beauty and fascinatingpeople. It is also the one form of transportation that conveniently and efficiently takes travelers practically anywhere and everywhere they want to go. If you're planning a trip to Europe the best way is to get to travel by train. You may be uncertain about exploring Europe by train, simply because you don't know what to expect and don't understand how train travel works. You may worry about how to get around rail stations, what to do with luggage, how to read timetables and, most importantly, how to find the right seat on the right train.

The Train Station

The adventure begins in the European train stations. In most cases, these create the first impressions visitors have of each city on their itinerary. Each station is unique, often picturesque, with its own distinct personality. Most are centrally located and have a full range of convenient services and facilities to make transit passengers feel at ease. Remember: When you can't find your train or need help you should look for the "i", the universal symbol for "Information." In most major stations, you will find information desks, reservation offices, restrooms, gift shops, luggage carts, bookstores (great for purchasing maps and city tour guides), access to metro, taxi stands, postal services, restaurants, lockers, currency exchange, and telephone.

Baggage

The best rule of thumbis to pack lightly and not to travel with more bags than you can handleyourself. And the lighter your bags are, the happier you'll be. Most train stations provide baggage carts, but you still need to load your bags on them, or you may have to go up and down, a staircase. On the trains you are allowed to bring as many carry-on bags as you can place underneath your seat or in the baggage rack above you. All excess baggage must be checked.

Most train stations have lockers or luggage checkrooms where you can store your bags. Many stations no longer have porters, but if they do, you'll easily recognize them by their uniform or official badge.

Timetables and Finding Your Train

In most stations poster timetables show departure, arrival, and platform numbers. They can be recognized easily by the background colour. As a rule, departure timetables are printed, on a yellow background. Arrival tables are on a white background. Major rail stations provide this information on computerized boards.

To make sure your adventure is all you want it to be, it is important that you understand the different seating options on European trains, and which ones are appropriate for each leg of your trip. First-class is generally quieter and roomier, and unlike the difference between service levels on airplanes, first-class rail tickets are only moderately more expensive than second class. There are usually fewer seats per car/compartment in first class, and more space for luggage than second-class. On some Premier Trains, a meal will be included in the price of a first-class ticket.

European day trains will have coach car seating or compartment seating arrangements:

Coach car seating means an open car with a centre aisle and seats on either side. In first-class, seats are wider and there are usually two seats on one side of the aisle, and a single seat onthe other, providing optimum comfort. In second-class, there are usually two seats on either sideof the aisle.                            

In a compartment seating the car is separated into enclosed cabins, which open to a corridoralong one side of the car. In first-class, cabins can accommodate up to six passengers, second-class cabins have a capacity of up to eight.

On Night Trains

Night trains are for overnight travel. They have sleepers and couchettes.

Sleepers are the most comfortable way to travel on night trains. They contain berths and a private washstand, fresh linens arid towels. First-class accommodates one or two people, Second-class accommodates two to four people. Couples, families and travelers of the same sex can share a sleeper.

Couchettes are the simplest of the overnight accommodations. They are open bunks in a compartment, each with a pillow and blanket. Usually located in second-class, they accommodate up to six people. There is no distinction by sex, so you should expect to sleep in your daytime clothes. Washrooms are provided at the end of each car.

Dining and Bar Cars

You will be able to purchase foodоn almost every train. Dining cars can be found on most long-distance trains, but only at "normal" meal times. If a dining car is not available, the trains will most likely have a bar car with snacks available. On many of the Premier trains in first class — and especially on Eurostar - meals are served right at a passenger's seat. On trains equipped with bar cars, you will find a social atmosphere, with light meals served at all times. On shorter trips, passengers can purchase snacks, sandwiches and cold drinks — without ever leaving the comfort of their seats -- from a food trolley that passes through the aisles.

WHAT TO DO:

1. Give the Russian equivalents for the following words and word combinations:

to enthrall tourists,quaint hamlets,  scenic beauty, on their itinerary, the best rule of thumb,lockers, luggage checkrooms, seating options, coach car seating,compartment seating arrangements, an open car, with a centre aisle, with seats on either side, enclosed cabins, to accommodate up to six people, overnight accommodations, a food trolley.

2. Answer the following questions:

1. Why does the romance of traveling by train continue to enthrall tourists in Europe?

2. What are the peculiarities of European train stations?

3. What problems connected with baggage can you face in trains?

4. Have you ever left your luggage in self-service luggage lockers or staffed luggage facilities?

5. How can arrival and departure timetables be recognized?

6. What seating options do European trains have?

7. What are the types of overnight accommodation on night trains?

8. How can meals be served on European trains?