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Published: October 6th 2011
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Today was a day of travel, and missed connections by two minutes! We had to catch a taxi on Capri to the Ferry port, missing the ferry by about 2 mins, we were actually sure it was still there, but the ticket office is a mile away and we didn't know which number/boat to run to, so had an hour to pass then at the port.
From Sorrento we then had to catch a bus to the train station. John ended up at the back of the bus, and I was in the middle with the bags. Four wheelers are great for walking, but terrible on buses and trains as they just roll around, so for most of the trip up a windy road, I had one foot on the ground, one foot trying to stop the farthest bag from rolling into a lady, and on hand trying to hold the suitcase closest to me, bag on shoulder, and wrapping a finger around the camera bag strap which was tethered to the top of the farthest bag. Needless to say I was very cross and stress on reaching the station. The train to Naples was on the platform and a
conductor told us it was leaving in 2 mins, but being desparate for a toilet, and it being an old train, we had to let it pass and take advantage of the facilities, with no lock, no loo paper, and no flush. Lucky it was the only one we haven't had to pay for!
The very old all stopper train from Sorrento to Naples took a very long time and ended up packed full. Arriving at Naples, which we had been warned was pickpocket heaven we tried to have all our wits about us. One nice young Italian man helped us organise tickets from the machine, and advised that we wait for the next one, as one was leaving in 3 mins, but we were unlikely to make it with luggage. After being told to be cautious of people trying to assist it is hard not to be suspicious, but he turned out not to be of anything but help. We did encounter a few suspect characters, one of whom the local police had a conversation with a few minutes later.
Arriving in Rome we then had to change trains yet again to arrive closer to our hotel.
We followed signs from the intercity terminal to the Metro, but then we hadn't seen any information about what line or platform we should be on, so John went ahead to check out what was up ahead and whether we were going in the right direction. Lo and behold, here is me standing with 2 large suitcases, 2 carry on suitcases, large camera bag and a soft bag slung on top of one suitcase, when two dodgy characters pretend to be in intent conversation and come to stand right near me. I was thinking there was not much I could do about moving, and maybe if they made a grab for my bag, all I could do would be make a lot of noise, but luckily a nice Italian gent eating his gelati decided I might be in need of help any minute and stood there near me and glared at them. They moved on a little and sat close where they could watch. The gelati gent said ' you need to be observant'. Observant I was, and knew they had no good intentions, but not much I could do on my own. Lucky John came back in only a
minute or two and it turned out the man stayed close where he could see the youths.
The police are constantly moving around these stations moving people on, who are trying to assist with tickets then want to have your change etc. We arrived at our hotel, bags, passports and cash intact, but very hungry after our days adventure with no lunch stop so we ventured out and ate at the ungodly hour (to the Italians) of 6.45/7pm! We were very excited to find a Chinese restaurant.
Rome is a beautiful city with so many monuments, ruins and incredible architecture. We are looking forward to more adventures tomorrow.
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