Saturday, June 28, 2014

Italy! Day 5. Mr Toad's wide ride

IToday we arose early and said goodbye to Manarola and Cinque Terra. Rolled and hauled our whole compliment of luggage up the hill, down the long tunnel and up the steps to the train platform. ( there are no lifts.. Elevators ).  We had an ample connection time in La Spezia ... 15 minutes. Which would have been fine but the first leg of our journey train was 17 minutes late. 
What a rush!  We bolted from one train, hauled ass and luggage down one set of steps and up another just in time to jump on our connecting train. All the while our ever vigilant tour guide,Zara, busted a team of pickpocketers from absconding with some of our possessions as we struggled with ourselves and luggage to board the train.  It was what appeared to be a mother and child who slid in and a 3rd person who trailed behind. Zara was worth every penny as she successfully thwarted the ruse. 

A leisurely 4 hour train ride to Roma. That is after we finally ejected people from our seats. Thank you Zara!  Upon arrival we were handed off to a new guide, Judit.  Now we had the delight to cram onto a city bus, yes with all our luggage, and off to our new hotel.  This has to be the most compact accommodations in my limited travel experience.  :). Second floor of a couple hundred year old building with a total of about 10 rooms. Ah, Roma!!

Oh this blog cannot be finalized without mentioning our foray into the world of riding the public busses.. With and without luggage. There is no opportunity to maintain your personal space..whatsoever. I do not get that close and personal with Brenda.... Did I mention the personal hygiene or lack thereof...in the heat...and humidity.... 

We were thrilled to be meet with 3 more travel companions who flew intoday to join us 
We had about 15 minutes to settle in when off we go for a bit of a walking tour. Only 4 miles based on my pedometer. The location of our hotel is very close to many landmarks. Yeah!


Pantheon    Very old. 


What a crew!


Gelato... What is not to like!


Tomorrow, the Vatican and colosseum!

Ciao 

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