Roma 2010-07-13
I actually tried to plan!!! The shuttle from the hotel took over an hour in traffic so I could not see as much as I wanted to I went to the Termini to get my tickets organized… I can plan at least 2 days ahead now… progress… but they won’t let me. Oh, yea I over shot the Termini metro stop by one because I was distracted. Fortunately once you are in you are good to go. So I tried to book my train from Pisa to Livorno and the ferry to Barcelona. The kiosk would not let me. It told me to go stand in line. I stook in line and had a nice chat with a guy that had an easy train to book. I instructed him on how to use the kiosk, I am now the teacher… so I am in line and I talk with a guy from Seattle that studies in Paris for June and now is traveling to Munich via Bari. I told him how to do that, because that is way I came. I am even learning some Italian, thanks to Google translate.
Next mission find train 518 to Pisa… everyone says that there is no need to stay in Pisa after you see the tower, but I have no idea where I am staying tonight because getting the 19 hour, yes, 19 hour boat ride to Barcelona has to be book AFTER I get to Livorno, so I hope to be sleeping in a bed tonight and not a port terminal….
Off to find a train… oh yea, I snagged a small towel off the cart from the Marriott so at least I can dry off in this non-air conditioned termini… AND THERE IS NO WIFI!!!!
I thought my train was at 13:07, but that turned out to be the date, not the time, DOH! I finally found the pick-up point for the second tour bus. I almost gave up twice because it the heat and the rush but I persevered! I think it was worth it. There were a couple of new views… but I paid for it so I was going to take it!!!
Then the train to Pisa is not labeled Pisa anywhere. It is the train to Ventimiglia. Fortunately I have no pride when it comes to asking directions. I don’t care what country I am and even more fortunately almost everyone is happy to tell me where to go… I think that is good.
Finding the train wasn’t bad except for the fact we jumped the gun and go on before the people got off… oops traffic jam. The halls are pretty much one way. Picking my seat was completely counterintuitive. I attempted to get the window going in the direction and ended up with the isle facing the opposite way?!?! The picture looked like a window and apparently mis figured on the direction of the train… maybe an arrow on the picture would help…. Also they said that don’t announce all stops so pay attention to the time… US wins on travel… so far…
So I arrived in Pisa with little trouble. I did not get here until 8:00 which was ok if I knew the train and ferry schedule. I looked on line for a hotel near the train station and found one called Capital. They wanted $63 on price line so instead of booking there I walked on down and got it for $50 :> it is no Marriott, but it will keep my butt off the floor. I think that I am going to stay in Barcelona for 3 days. Not sure why, it feels right. Spend a night at the beach.
Off to see the tower…
OK, sight seeing at night in the summer might be a good plan. It was way cooler, but still hot. Man, that tower is leaning… it was pretty cool. When you walk up you can feel the tilt of the tower on the very narrow and very worn stairs… The crypt building was pretty cool at night too…
My plan is to get up fairly early spank the sites and head to Livorno and look up the ferry. It seems a bit elusive… I will look up a hotel in Livorno just in case….