Richard S. Hunter: Italy as it Happened...Day 11

Italy as it Happened...Day 11

Saturday, April 20th

We woke up early and took advantage of the extra time to insure our bags were properly packed, rail tickets were easily reachable and to give everything one last going-over before we began the next phase of our journey. Yes, this was going to be our last day in Assisi. After breakfast we would be rail-bound for Rome.

As we sat down to eat, Valantina sat down with us and sipped on her espresso while chatting about life in America, her family and her schooling. Apparently she is a single mom who is also working at a job while going to university. Sounds American to me.

As we were finishing our meal she asked us if we wanted a ride to the train station. We accepted her offer with much appreciation. Ten minutes later we were hugging and double-cheek kissing each other as we said our good-byes. From this point on, Valantina would be referred to as Mama-because she was very motherly in how she cared for us and our needs. (We have e-mailed each other since).

Okay, so Kerry and I are a little confused when it comes to which train is departing from which track. Today was no exception. We needed to catch the train to Foligno, where we would transfer to the Rome bound train. Since their trains never run late, when a train pulled in 5 minutes before our scheduled departure time, we assumed it was our train. As we boarded we quickly found out that this train was headed for Florence. As we exited the train, another one pulled into the station (on the other track). Again we had to run under the underpass (with bags in tow). That second train had to be ours so we huffed and puffed while running at a quick pace. We cautiously boarded and asked the people nearest to us if this train was headed to Foligno. Some Italian lady smiled and affirmed that we were on the right train. The train pulled out at exactly 9:45 am...on schedule. As we passed through Spello, we knew we were going in the right direction.

So, by now we have figured out that the one thing the Italians can do to improve the tourist experience is clearly mark on the ticket, and the signage which train is on which track. As far as the locals go, they simply know that Florence is to the left and Foligno is to the right. We didn't figure that one out in time. But isn't that the fun part about being a tourist? In Foligno, being a major city (and transfer point), all signs were clearly marked with all of the info needed.

When we finally arrived in Rome, finding our way to our Roman home was very easy. The metro was right there. We knew that we needed to board the "A" line (Rome only has two lines...A & B). We purchased a 5 day pass so we could hop on and off day or night. Those passes paid for themselves by the 2nd day.

Our stop was 15 stations down the "A" line and with the hoards of Roman people Kerry and I boarded the metro and patiently waited for our stop. Our instructions were to exit the metro and stay to the left...do not cross the main street. We were told to walk 2 blocks until we found the correct address. Within 5 minutes of leaving that crowded metro we were standing at the door, ringing the bell. No answer! We rang some more with still no one buzzing us up or coming down to great us. Another bump in the road for Richard and Kerry! Since we had no internet access in Assisi, we had no way of e-mailing our host in Rome, letting him know our e.t.a.

Walking around the neighborhood, we needed to find a phone that would allow us to use the calling card we purchased in Venice. It was a 5 euro card and we still had plenty of time on it. Up ahead we saw a phone booth, but as we picked up the receiver, we realized it was broken. This was going to be a challenge. Walking down the street towards us was an East Indian family (mom, dad, son and daughter). I asked them if they knew where we could find a phone that worked. I was wishing that they would simply offer me their cell phone for a moment so I could call our hosts cell. They were very kind in offering directions, but no offer of their phone. So we thanked them and walked away. They were telling us that we needed go back to that main street and walk for 20 minutes to the nearest phone. I had a better plan.

As we rounded the corner, we saw a young girl (maybe 18 to 20 in age). I approached her and with my nicest smile I told her that we were staying nearby and we just arrived. I continued to explain that when we arrived our host wasn't home and so we needed to get a message to him. Then I hit her with the big question. "Could we use your cell phone to make a local call?" Being a young lady I assumed she, like every other person on this planet, uses a cell and I was right. She said sure and with that, we handed her a paper with Alassendro's phone number. She dialed and waited for it to start ringing. When our host Alassendro answered the girl asked us what we wanted her to say. Quickly I told her to tell him that we were at his place and would wait for him. She relayed the info and then hung up after a brief conversation (in Italian). With a smile she informed us that he would be there in 30 minutes. We thanked her for her kindness and we could see in her face that she was happy to help out. We all went our own way feeling better for the experience.

Kerry and I found a place to sit and while we waited we pulled out some snacks from my backpack (crackers and herb crusted cheese)...and YES, it was good.

Since Assisi was totally off the grid for Kerry and I, once we got into our apartment, we went online and sent out a Facebook posting telling everyone that we were now in Rome. Alassendro gave us some pointers about the metro system and some of the nearby sites. Soon Kerry and I were walking down the street towards a park, located a couple of blocks from home. In the park we found people playing with kids and lovers kissing, all in and around the ruins of the ancient Roman aqueduct.