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Published: June 22nd 2008
YES, we made it....
Wow, what a hassle getting out of Florence. The rental car fiasco, the torn up streets, yuck!
OK, so this is what happened... Our train tickets did not specify that we had a transfer between Munich and Florence, but something must have changed between when the tickets were issued, and when the actual train trip happened. Our train trip started out very pleasant. Made it to the boarding ramp without any issues, and found our car and seats very easily. We were in a compartment car, so the four of us also has someone else (an Italian man returning to Italy). The train made very short stops in Holzkirchen, Bruckmuhl, Rosenheim, Worgl, Jenback, Innsbruck, and finally Brenner (on the Germany/Austria side of the Alps). Because Brenner is the border stop, they switched to an Italian engine, and continued the trip down through Fortezza, Bressanone, Bolzano, Trento, Rovereto, Verona, and Bologna. We were told that in Bologna we would need to transfer to the train going to Firenze (Florence - our final destination). We arrived on track 8 and we told the Firenze train was on track 3. We quickly got over to track 3 and
Our Train to Florence
from the Munich station.got on the train. The train was packed (standing room only), and we all were packed into the staging area of the car. Charlene talked to somone who was able to tell her that this train was going to Niba, so we were on the wrong train. We quickly got off the train, and scrambled to find the right train. There were a few different trains that had a stop in Firenze, all leaving at different times, and all delayed (because is was later in the day by now - about 5:30pm). We ended up staying on the ramp we were already at, and got on the train heading to Napoli, the second stop being Firenze. This train was even more packed. We squeezed into the train, but were separated to areas where we couldn't see each other. Charlene left her backpack behind, but I had grabbed it, and she worried the rest of this last part thinking she left our tickets/passports/etc behind. Yes, it was very stressful by now... We continued about 45 minutes, the train stopped in Prato. A few people got off, but not enough to ease how overpacked the car was. Another 20 minutes later we
Snacking on the Train
no food car, so we basically ate crackers and light stuff all day. arrived at Firenze RR. We got off the train, and gathered back on the ramp. We got all our stuff together and headed out of the station. Our instructions had our Rental Car pickup 5 minutes from the station. I sparked up the GPS, which told me the actual location was 1.9 miles away (ouch - no 5 minutes). Taxis only appear to respond if you've called them in advance, and I tracked down a bus driver who didn't understand a lick of English, so I started out on foot to get the car. I had my GPS with me, so I felt secure that I could find the place.
Florence is undergoing a LOT of construction (appears to be lighrail type train lines going in), so the actual route to the Rental Car pickup was much longer than the 1.9 miles (probably more like 3 miles). I got to the Rental Car location about 7:40pm, and yes, they were closed - grrrrrr. Without any other way to get back to the station, I started my walk back, but did it doubletime knowing they would be worrying. I got back about 8:20, and after explaining what happened. I also
explained that during my excursion, I found what appeared to be another train stop called Firenze SNM. Yes, we were on a train that went 45 minutes to it's first stop, another 20 minutes to it's second stop, then I guess another 5 minutes to the next stop... After debating a few options, we loaded back onto the next train, and continued to the Firenze SNM stop (there was no way to walk this with the amount of luggage we have). When we got to this station, it became clear that this was the right stop. It was after 9:00 now, so we got some more cash, and headed across the street to the first hotel we saw. They had two rooms available, so we just checked in there, and found a local Pizzaria to have a late dinner - Oh what a day!
We slept in the next day, and after a short breakfast, got packed up and headed for the lobby. While Charlene got us checked out, I headed out on foot again for the Rental Car pickup (much closer now). I managed to get the car (this time an Alfa Romeo - don't get too excited,
Italian countryside from the train
the windows were very dirty, so it was had to get a decent picture. it's the Chevy Vega of Alfa Romeos). I worked my way back to the hotel, and got everyone/everything loaded up. With GPS working well, we managed our way out of the city, and on our way to the Villa. We got to the Villa about 1:00, and met up with Bruce, Brandee, and Alex. We got checked in and unpacked, and Bruce, Rhiannon, and I took a short drive into Impruneta to hit up the town store. We loaded up on snack stuff, fruit, etc and when we got back to the Villa we had a short snack/wine break before hitting the pool. This Villa is very nice - well furnished, and clean.
I did a couple loads of laundry in their tiny washers, and got it hung to dry - no dryer. We had dinner down the street at a local restaurant owned by the same people who own the Villa, and it was just ok (a bit overpriced) - we'll venture further out our next meal. After dinner, we hung out on the patio talking about our ventures, then off to bed. This morning, as I write, we are getting ready to head to the bus stop
Bolzano Train Station
again from the train. to catch the bus back into Florence. We plan to see the Galleria degli Uffizi at 12:30, then the Galleria dell' Accademia at 4:00 (this is where David is). We will also walk through the historic part of Florence, so with my battery fully charged in the camera, I should get lots of neat pictures...
OK, we're ready to go, so more updates later. Still having lots of fun...
Doug
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Jesse
non-member comment
Made It
Sounds like a rough trip to get there but the villa sounds great. Hello to everyone, good to see the baby. Jesse