1995 — my third year and first Contiki tour, with rookie Tour Manager Peter O, part-time comedian, full-time character.
Crossing from the Czech Republic into Germany (pre-EU days), I reminded him about the cash road toll. “No need,” he said — and besides, no German Marks in his pocket.
Cue border stop. Cue “Oh… you were right.” Cue Peter O sprinting 5 km into Germany to find a money exchange, then sprinting back, out of breath and out of excuses.
While he was gone, I told our Cook the border guards had taken him in for questioning and she’d better keep the passengers quiet — the guards were “having a bad day.”
When he got back, we sat a few minutes to let him cool off… and get our story straight.
Life on the road: part hard work, part chaos — all good memories.