Return to Italy

Right about the middle of May three years ago, we ventured to Italy on our first European and major trip abroad together. We saw Venice, the Cinque Terre, Sienna, Positano and had an excellent trip. We also saw more than we wanted of the Pisa train station.

The plan was to head from the Cinque Terre to Florence and then on to Sienna. Unfortunately, the day did not unfold as planned. When we arrive in Pisa to catch our connecting train to Italy, we discoverd that there was a train strike and our train was cancelled.

Now, the strikes in Italy are a bit different than what I think of in the States. There are no picket lines and it doesn’t draw out for days over negotiations. In Italy it could last just a few hours and is more akin to a large group of workers decided they wanted a little extra time off today.

As such, the officials in the ticket office advised us that the next train would be along in 20 – 30 minutes. So we waited. The train was delayed. Then delayed again. Then cancelled, but another train was right behind it. We received an update every 20 – 30 minutes with effectively the same report that a train would be along in 20 – 30 minutes.

As time grew on, it became apparant that we were not going to make it Florence. We debated going to see the tower in Pisa while we were there — though it wasn’t originally on our itinerary. However, risking missing perhaps the only train wasn’t worth it, so we waited. Finally around 5pm, a train came, we got on, and went straight to Sienna.

This weekend, let’s hope history doesn’t repeat itself! We are returning to Italy and flying in to Pisa. After a quick visit to see the tower, we’re off on the train to Florence. Only this time we are staying in Florence for two nights. One thing that we wanted to do the last time we were in Italy, was drive through the Tuscan countryside and drink good Italian wine. With my new found European driving experience (and license to match) that is on the itinerary for this trip as well.

We are excited for the trip and to see the places that we missed out on during our last trip to Italy. Let’s just hope for good weather and no train strikes!