5 trains, 1 bus and a funicular

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Now I'm onto the 13th of August. My trip from Riomaggiore, Italy to Airolo, Switzerland (see map). It was a bit of a tricky one because of all the changes and some of them didn't allow much time either. This didn't bode well when my first train (due at 7.21am) was 12 minutes late which meant I'd miss the next connection unless that was late too... Ahh the beauty of the Italian railway system - its consistency: Each of my first three trains were equally late so I made it without a problem to Milan. I like Milan station. Its huge and so even when it's busy it still feels spacious. I had to buy tickets there but luckily had plenty of time as there was a humungous queue. I wouldn't mind queueing if it wasn't for the huffing lady behind me who kept prodding me with her hand bag (or was it her huge breasts?) and sighing. Silly cow. Anyway I got my ticket and laughed when I saw my seat reservation was on Carozze 007. So I was travelling on the James Bond carrot. It was quite an impressive alpine express carrott as it turns out (photo coming soon).

This was easily the most spectacular journey yet, through mountains, past lakes Como and Lugano. Hardly any tunnles either. Good job. I had to change once more at Bellinzona where I got my first Swiss currency. What fun the Swiss bank notes are - quite psychedelic in their colouration. The next stage of the journey was equally mountainy and then we arrived at Airolo where I illegally crossed the railway lines without realising. Well, they'd made this lovely squishy tarmac crossing which I presumed was for all the travelling public to bounce over on their way to the hills. But no, it was just for show. We were supposed to tunnle it. But I didn't realise it and bounced over while others looked on in horror at my lax attitude.

Then I found the bus which is called La Posta. And funnily enough after a couple of minutes we stopped so the driver could pop out and post a letter. I think that's good thinking doubling up public transport with the postal service.

The funicular was next. Looked a bit like a little London double decker bus moving almost vertically up the mountain. The driver was rather special. He wore a slick back blond pony tail, red vest revealing well toned muscles and black hot pants. Well that's how I like to remember him. So we sailed up ears a-popping, it wasn't at all scary, even though it was very steep and it did rattle and chunder along. The last bit was a 20 minute trek by foot, besandled foot as it happens. Then there was the hotel on the edge of a damn with an amazing view over the valley. The hotelier was very nice and helpful, lent me a map and gave me a cup of tea. That's what I call service. My room was basic but fine, very much of the pine-slatted ilk, reminding me of our old downstairs bathroom back in Peckham, but not in a bad way!

I've noticed I get very excited every time I arrive somewhere new after a long train journey, especially when it all goes to plan. Although it's taxing getting on and off trains and things, I still arrive feeling energetic. The journey was long but not stressful, even if the Italian trains were all late.

It got pretty cool outside up so high - I even had to change out of my sandals and put my jeans on. It was a cloudless night and what with there being no flood lights etc I decided to slip outside to star gaze in the hope of seeing more of the meteorite shower. It was incredibly quiet - the sky was amazing, it was bloody cold so I took a blanket with me. However I soon realised there was a massive storm going on - even though I couldn't hear it there was constant flashing going on over a nearby valley. I slightly freaked out, what with the quietness and the storm and so only stayed out a few minutes. Pity, it was a beautiful night, but I couldn't take the strain...

Well, that's all I can muster on the big screen today.

Tomorrow I'm travelling all day to Budapest, the final frontier. So I won't be around for a day or two. On Monday I start my Hungarian course - it's going to be quite hard work, I'm not sure I'm ready, but never mind.

Cxxx

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Photos

Milan Central station
It's quite grand, isn't it?

Comments

[Anna]

At last I found you
Sorry it has taken me so long to find your blog. I have just gobbled up the whole lot in one big gollop and really pissed off my brother in law (who is sitting opposite me on his computer) by snorting tea through my nose at hime every time I laugh. Sounds like you are having a fantastic time. Enjoy the course. love Anna xxx

[arch]

Can't think of a snappy title for this comment...
Nobody ever prods me with their huge breasts whilst standing in line. I wish they would. Tunnel! Tunnel!!! You're doing it on purpose, aren't you?

[Clarification]

She was shaped like a bus and had no controll over her frontage or her handbag - it was quite disconcerting and I had to keep my backpack on at all times as a shield against her cavalry. It's funny I checked in the dictionary and you and my mum are both right about tunnel. I was convinced it was tunnle. Apparently funnel and channel also have that strange ending too. I have some issues that I need to deal with here. I think its because I clutter my brain with Hungarian and stuff. I bet you don't know how to spell tunnel in Hungarian, why would you want to... But if you ask nicely I'll tell you. It's a good word. Cx

[Clarification]

Yay - glad you joined the fun! It has been ace and now I'm settling into the Hungarian way of life which is also great. I wish August would go on a bit longer! Hope all's well with family Max... Clare xx