Edward Hendriks
A first report of Edward's Italian adventure, typed from the Eurostar Alta Velocita (HSL) between Rome and Naples. I have my mini laptop in front of me, connected to the power from the train. Unfortunately, there is no wireless internet on this train yet (in a few months, according to the conductor).
The first part of the journey went well. Anneloes and Ella waved me off at Weeze Airport. sob. Unfortunately I had to pay an extra 45 euros for my suitcase that was 3 kilos too heavy. Now I understand why Ryanair can fly so cheaply. At KLM they never make a fuss about anything overweight. Anyway, I probably shouldn't whine if I necessarily low cost wants to fly.
The flight was tight and stripped of all service, but in terms of time it is doable. Within two hours we landed at Ciampino Airport south of Rome. There I took the transfer bus to Termini (Rome's main train station). And that's where it went wrong. At least, I did arrive at Termini, but in all consternation forgot to take my suitcase from the bus.
Of course I only discovered this when I was standing on the platform near the train to Naples with train ticket and all (but without suitcase). Okay, it could be worse: I could only have discovered it if I had already been on the train… but why not while I walked into the station and the bus was still unloading in front of the door? The counter did tell me that if something was found, it would come back on its own.
And indeed, with two hours delay I am now on the super fast train to Naples. It's so loud that I sometimes have to 'pop' my ears. It is now dark outside, so there is not much to see.
In 1 hour and 20 minutes we have to be in the pizza town of Margherita. With a bit of luck also for a bargain. Because the conductor to whom I had to pay extra for this train (luckily I was still able to exchange my ticket), could not hand over a receipt for the payment because of a defective device. I got my money back.
(Update: He just came by to collect the money, he had replaced the receipt machine battery.)
Now let's see how I will soon get from Napoli Stazione Centrale to my apartment on Via Maddaloni.
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