Farewell Firenze - Buongiorno Cinque Terre

After a last walk around the area we stayed in when we came to Firenze 32 years ago, it was time to head for the train.  In Italy, they don't display the platform (binario) until the train is about to arrive, then there is an unholy rush to get to the platform and on the train!  Our train to Pisa was packed and we had standing room only for the trip, conveniently, just in front of the toilet!  We only had a short time at Pisa to find the connecting train to La Spezia.  No train information could be found at the entrance to each platform, so I stayed with the luggage while Paul hared around for the right platform.  Ultimately, we found the train in time and even better, we had seats - but alas no airconditioning!  Our journey, went smoothly from there, especially when we discovered, from the young couple sitting next to u





s, that we didn't have to change trains at La Spezia.  The rest of the trip was a dream as we caught occasional glimpses of the beautiful Mediterranean Sea.

We are now happily ensconced in our hotel, after a walk into the old town and a swim where you are over your head after a couple of steps.  The water was just what we needed after a day of travelling.  Armed with our map of the hiking paths, we intend to form a plan of action for tomorrow over a chilled glass of prosecco & a Bierce.
Ciao

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Colosseum, the Forum and the Palatine Hill

Image
It was another relatively early start for us as we had to be at the Colosseum before 9am for our 3.5 hour tour.  The weather is hot so we were glad it was a morning tour.  Our guide was an archeologist and we were very grateful when she took us to an entry point away from the teeming crowds of people lining up to get a ticket.  It was an excellent tour and helped to dispel a few myths (Christians were not fed to lions at the Colosseum) and clarify what is known and what is still conjecture.  It is a massive structure, even today and enough of its original features exist for you to imagine how it would have looked and operated.  The platform to indicate the floor of the arena is really helpful and the example of wooden pulleys and ramps to bring gladiators and animals up from below was great. The Forum was also interesting we were able to see where Julius Caesar was cremated and the various basilicas that still remain.  On the Palatine Hill, we saw where ...
Read more

Last Day in Roma

Image
Our last day in Rome was relatively leisurely.  We strolled to the Trevi Fountain which was lovely, but very crowded.  We then walked up Michaelangelo's steps behind the gigantic Wedding Cake Memorial.  We were once again near the Colosseum and the Circus Maximus, which meant we had a long walk back to our hotel.  After a rest we walked the Corso for some retail therapy and then found a local place for a drink and dinner.  We have enjoyed our time in Italy but look forward to seeing everyone at home.
Read more

Roma

Image
Today we left the Amalfi Coast but not before a lovely meal at the restaurant just next to our hotel.   Our travel to Roma Termini was uneventful, apart from the local express train from Sorrento to Naples.   The platform was packed with people going to visit Pompeii, but when the train arrived, only the first and last carriage doors opened.   It was a mad scramble to get on the train and then, with our luggage, file back through the train for some space!   We have come to expect the unexpected. Rome is much the same as it ever was, but we notice that drivers seem to now obey lights and pedestrian crossings. Tomorrow we will start exploring in earnest. Ciao 
Read more