One last leg...

Trying to fight through major incompetence at JFK airport... Three flights at the same gate, some missing, some late... No air conditioning either, it is almost 90 in the terminal!

Train to Milan

4:15am comes early when you finish up your evening at Harry's Bar. I did drag myself out of bed by 4:30, squeezed into the teeny shower, and presented myself at the front desk to check out. I had been told that the night girl would have a "to go" breakfast bag for me to eat on the train. When I arrived at the front the the "night girl" turned out to be a curmudgeonly old man who obviously did not check people out much. Given I only had a half hour before my train left, the speed at which checkout proceeded was alarming! When finally that was over and I started to leave, he informed me that he needed to go down and open the door for me. Oh no. Reception was on the second floor, a long narrow steep stairway ran down to the hotel front door. The man had a bad leg and used a crutch to walk, leaving the crutch at the top of the steep stairs and lowering himself slowly to the ground floor. Smiling, I thanked him and walked swiftly off in the direction of the train station.

I had minutes to spare and even had time to be scolded for putting my shoes up on the opposite seat. Being yelled at in words you do not understand is somewhat frustrating, especially when you are half asleep. Conductors seem particularly grumpy at 5am.

It is a three and a half hour train ride when you take the "slow" train from Venice to Milan. Perfect for napping as the Italian countryside rolls by in the dark... Unless you are awakened every so often by a new conductor demanding to see your ticket... Especially when they seem annoyed you are sleeping and that you are taking too long answering whatever question they asked using words you would not understand even if you were not just awakened from a deep sleep. The train eventually pulled into the Milano Centrale station precisely on time at 8:45 am. I had heard that the railway companies have to pay back fares if they are late, each train I have ridden has been very much on time.

Venice: Harry's Bar

So, it seems I am on a life long pilgrimage to Ernest Hemingway haunts... I ran across Harry's Bar while wandering the Grand Canal tonight in Venice and how could I refuse a drink at the very bar stool Ernest sat. While I am forbidden by tradition to reveal a picture of the bar stool, I did take a photo from that bar stool.

I did not have the classic champagne drink... Well, not yet. I think it is a Bellini (sp?) but everyone drinking them is totally drunk.

Let's see how it goes. ;)




Bellini in progress...

Margaritas in the street!

Spent my first personal money of the trip... A street margarita vendor for something to drink while I wander!

Side trip: Venice!

It has been an intense few days of work in Legnago. Lots of work, lots of eating and espresso. People take an espresso break every hour or two... Having five or more shots during the day is easy to do. Good when you are working 12-18 hour day...

One of the people I was going to see was going east to Venice and convinced me to come meet his family and spend an evening in Venice. So, with no plan but to wander, here I am!





The street outside my hotel... Going to wander and hit the touristy things, find a few cafes to relax in, and perhaps eat some more. :)

Morning in Legnago

So after an eventful trip, here we are in Legnago. Amazingly, it only took a short time to get to sleep and I woke up before the alarm. With no luggage, it was short work getting showered and dressed. I did hazard the emergency razor provided with not so good results. Ouch. Messy. Won't do that tomorrow! :)

Breakfast was a mix of American breakfast and classic sweets and coffee and meats and cheeses. Being the tourist, it only seemed right to sample each type of offering. The pastries and cheeses and meats were definitely the favorites.

Then wash it all down with some espresso and it is time to go to work!

I've fallen and I can't get up?

While getting ready for bed I ran across this little gizmo in the shower. Do we think there is an intruder problem in the area and you need this in case they sneak up on you in the shower? Or are there just a lot of old people who stay here?

Inquiring minds and all that...