Transition day - trains and ferries

Transition days on vacation are never fun, but you can make the best of them by being patient. 

There has been a lot of goodbyes in the last couple of days and yesterday was the last of them as I am now on my own as Dillon and M had one day left in Taormina on their own, and DH is off to play golf with his buddies on their annual golf trip. He was going to Spain and well, his travel plans didn’t go as planned and I’m not going there. Some things are best left unsaid. 

I had a train to catch and rather than take a taxi, I decided to walk to the train station - it was only a 30-minute walk. OH MY —— the silly GPS takes me to the road which is OK, but I don’t really think I was supposed to be walking on that road. But no worries — there was a combination of road and path. And since I only have my small carryon suitcase and a small backpack, I was good. The joys of travelling light. I will NEVER, unless it’s for work, travel with a lot of luggage. And I brought many things that I won’t be using on this trip. That bugs me, but get over it!!

You can’t really appreciate the pitch of the ground in this photo, but let’s say it was steepish!!

The foot path down the hills in Taormina

Taormina is about 670 feet above sea level and I had to descend to sea level in a very short distance! This was one spot where I stopped and took a photo. Yep — I had to get to the sea!

High above the house tops

And the next thing you knew, there I was - at the train station. It was an super easy walk — OK — so it was an easy walk and then I had to wait a bit because I got there a bit earlier than I needed but I would rather be early (GASP!!) than running late. When I’m in my own environment I can cut corners on the time, but not in a strange city. 

Waiting for the train

The day before I purchased a first-class ticket for the train and it was all very civilized. The train ride would be 7 hours and it was worth it to have a bigger seat. Before I left home I had done some research on what to do after the wedding and how to get to where I wanted to be. I know — that is a bit shocking because I typically don’t do that - I just go. But when I discovered that there was a train on Sicily and that you could take the train to Italy main land via a ferry, I was in. 

When the train picked us up in Taormina, there were four cars in total and an engine on both ends. There were tons of tunnels along the train ride on Sicily. I took this photo for M as it was the last view of the Normand castle - right in the top left corner. You really have to zoom in to see it, but this was the kind of hill I had to walk down!

One last glimpse of Taormina

Our train was destined for the ferry docks. I know — a FERRY for the train, We were stopped and the train was separated. No idea that was happening. I mean I knew that was going to happen but we didn’t feel the train move at all. We were waiting for our turn to board the ferry. And then we were moving forward and onto the ferry. The other half was already loaded. It’s so absolutely cool. I can say I’ve been a walk on passenger on a ferry, by bicycle, and car. I don’t think I’ve ever been on a bus on the ferry. It appears that they could take more rail cars on the ferry but we were only four. 

The train is on the ferry in two parts

And then everyone shuffled up the stairs to the lounge, I think people mostly went there to buy food as the line was crazy. I had snacks with me but I should have bought a sandwich. No worries - I was fine. 

Going up to the lounge on the ferry

Gosh — it looks so much like the BC Ferries!!!

The lounge

It’s only a 35-minute crossing, but it takes at least one hour to disconnect the train and then reconnect it on the other side. I wasn’t in a hurry and it was so fascinating to be part of that that I didn’t care how long it took. 

The outer deck on the ferry

But I had a couple of chuckles when I initially got on the train in Taormina. A group of people were getting on the train - there were six of them and it’s not easy to get a large, heavy suitcase up the stairs and onto the train. This group sounded like they were so disorganized. Stuff was falling everywhere and they were making a lot of noise. 

The group beside me were into games! Two couples from Australia or Britain - I don’t get the accents and they were heavy into a trivia game when I arrived to my seat and they were collectively (at least the two men were) into a crossword puzzle when I got off the train. 

I had to laugh because the mannerisms of the gentleman “controlling” the puzzle made me think he was an accountant (very precise and meticulous) or he definitely had OCD problems The other gentleman across the table from him was leaning over the table and right into this guys space. I’m not sure he liked it, but they were definitely engaged in the puzzle. As they said the clues, I was trying to guess as well! But just to myself. 

Once we were on the mainland, we travelled along the coast. There were a lot of beaches, but they seem to very pebbly as they were in Taormina. The weather was glorious and you couldn’t ask for more! Again, many tunnels as we went under or through the mountains along the coast. 

The coast as we traveled on the train

Here’s one way to know if you are getting close to your destination. Use Google Maps to find your location. Thank goodness I got my phone issue resolved or I would have been dead in the water. How the heck did we ever travel without the internet? I would be totally lost without it. 

Where am I? 

It was interesting when we finally arrived in Naples, (the train was on its way to Rome - another two hours  away), I realized that the train now had more passenger cars than when we started. They must have added more cars when the train reconnected, which explains why we went back and forth a couple of times. 

The train got longer than when we started

And then there is the train station. Which is always bustling regardless of whatever train station in Europe you arrive at. They are all busy!

The train station in Napoli (Naples) 

OH — I need to be very explicit on the blog because I go back to reference it many times. DH was asking for the name of the hotel I stayed at when I was in Madrid. I had to check back because I didn’t remember the train station name (Chamartin) or the hotel (The One Hotel). But through the blog I was able to find the information, so I must be thorough for future reference since my memory doesn’t retain stuff like that. 

It was about 4:30 PM when I exited the train station. I had started my train ride at 9:35 - the train was five minutes late! Anyway, the first line of business is to find a hotel. I know —- what a risk taker to arrive in a foreign city and not have a room to stay. I’ve done it so many times that I never worry now. There is always a place to stay. Gosh — I think I started traveling like that when I turned 50!! You can teach an old dog new tricks! 

I think the most “exciting” experience was my first time walking the Camino and I arrived in a small town and there was a massive festival happening. The number of rooms was extremely limited but they found me a room and I was good. Except for the fireworks that went on and on that night. I barely slept! 

I did look at the map and then decided to just start walking and the first one I went to, it was full. The second one just across the street had rooms. OK — so I look like a tourist because the guy greeted me in English! Did I want a single room? Yes — I’m OK with that. Do you want a single bed? Yes — I’m OK with that. And so for 130 Euro a night I got a very nice room with a single bed. That is a very good price. 

My bed!!

The room is only as wide as the bed and the door, but it’s long and has a very nice, large bathroom. 

Huge bathroom

The only thing missing is plugs and a small light for reading. But no worries. Thank goodness for that long cord I brought for charging my phone. It’s a slow charge, but it allows me to charge while I’m fiddling with my phone. I also have a fast charge which thankfully I used on the train to keep me connected. 

There is ONE plug in the room

Once I got into my room and dumped my stuff, I headed out to find something to eat. I found it quite dirty around the train station with a lot of garbage hanging around. It was Saturday, but still early. I ended up going back to the food court at the train station to get a sandwich. I then had a look at the pastries, but ended up getting nothing. I just couldn’t be bothered to go through the motions of buying something. How silly is that and they didn’t seem to be super friendly either. 

But that’s OK because I have snacks with me so I had some chocolate. Bringing or having snacks with you always is so important when traveling. The same for water. 

I switched my pillows around to face the other way which was more comfortable with that long cable. It was long, but not quite long enough but after switching the pillow, all as good. I’m sure that would have drove DH up the wall. You have to sleep with your head at the head of the bed. Not so when you travel alone. You can do anything you want. I love it!!!

So the question is what to do with the two days I’m here. I booked two nights at this hotel and so I need to fill the days. While I was eating, I was scouring the internet to find a tour group. Not only does one need to book a tour, but you must be close to where the pick up is going to be. So back and forth with Google and maps and so on and I found something for today. 

I hear over and over that you must book things in advance or you will never get in. I have never not gotten into where I want. Wait —- maybe I shouldn’t say that but if you look and are not particular about the time (I had tons of options), I got a tour and the pickup is very near this hotel. A short walk. Plus it was on sale because it was last minute. 

I remember when M and I were in Paris and we wanted to go up the Eiffel Tower. Sorry — no tickets for today. However, you could walk up and there was zero waiting. Guess what we did? We walked!!! There is always an option. 

Being able to get around and have little luggage makes almost all options available to you for whatever you want to do. 

When I got back to the hotel, the Tour Company called me to ask if I wanted to extend the tour for free and I said,  sure - why not. So I’m supposed to be doing two things today. Let’s see how that goes!! I still need to get a geocache so I can get my Italy virtual badge and I’ve located one in the square outside the train station so I should be able to do that on my way to the tour pick up point. 

I know there are a lot of people who would never travel the way I do and that’s OK. I don’t mind the last minute decisions and the hassle of doing the homework. So much can change and if you preplan everything, what happens if you are sick or tired. This way, I can do what I want when I want. Perhaps if it were in the heat of the high season I might not be as lucky but I would never consider traveling somewhere at high tourist season unless I had no other choice. That would be just too stressful and too many people!!! And certainly, not as much flexibility. Besides the weather has been perfect and not hot. 

This hotel includes breakfast so that is good — no need to wander outside to find something to eat. it’s called Stelle Hotel and its slogan is The Businest Hotel. 

I could not find the wi-fi code, and I checked everywhere. AHA — I found it on the key card which I needed to insert in the slot to get power in my room. I had to enter the darn password multiple times and could not get my iPad to connect to it. I had to take a picture of the card with my phone to read it - very small print even with glasses. So my iPad is running off the phone. You have to love technology. While the iPad is heavier than the mini keyboard, I’m getting the hang of it and not having to email the pictures is great. I may consider the iPad for travel in the future. I wasn’t happy about it, but so far, so good. 

I hand washed a few things last night and they are dry this morning, so I’m all set for the next couple of days. 

And with that, I’m out of here to get ready for the day. Another town, another adventure. 

Have a  wonderful day. 

Ciao!!!!

Travel days are the BEST

 What is more exciting than a travel day? NOTHING -- that's what! 

I was up early, and YES -- I finished the urgent paperwork, including using my scanner (part of the printer), which will scan but will not print. At least not from that computer. Can you tell me why that is? Obviously, there is some feature that isn't turned on or something. I shall have to investigate when I get home because it's a royal pain, to say the least. 

And then I got the binding on the wallhanging. Yep --- thankfully it's small, so that was easy. 

The binding is on the quilt

Isn't this fun?   It has a few reasons why it was made, and all the flowers you see were done with chenille yarn on my PFAFF creative icon 2 and the new embellishment attachment. I love it, and it was super fun to play with. I modified the flower from a design in the software --- I'll provide more details later. The bottom line is that the binding got put on the piece and packed. 

Speaking of packing, I got out my SMALL suitcase and was determined to get everything packed in there. The small piece above and the quilt I'm taking for my Mom wouldn't fit. The small piece went into the backpack, and I carried that quilt for my Mom. It's a bit of a pain since I'll have to carry it for a couple of days as visiting with parents is the last destination. No worries -- it's all doable!

I got a notification that my flight was delayed by 30 minutes. I can live with that - I did NOT want to get a message that it was canceled. A delay is OK. We still left for the airport at 7 AM to catch the 8:55 (original time). One never knows about the lines. 

I did not get a boarding pass on my phone, so that took all of 1 minute to print that at the kiosk. And then off to security, where I use my priority pass. This was the first time I saw a line, but it went pretty quickly, and other than taking out my laptop (which is normal), it was a breeze to get through. It's the putting yourself back together at the other end of security that takes time. The non-priority line was busy, but not overly so, and Monday mornings are supposed to be the worst time to fly. It was busy but not crazy. 

Off with the scarf, jacket, and small purse. Computer and small toiletries bag out. I even took my hairband off as I did NOT want a repeat of that last time, and everything went fine. Now I have a LONG wait before boarding.

I wandered down to the Tim's line, which was HUGE. And there is NO Tim's here on SSI  -- there are NO chains of any kind. 

The line for Tim's was HUGE

I got in the line and thought, why am I waiting in this line? So I left and found a spot to sit and read. But only after I bought snacks from another place for the plane. 

The flight was full, and the seats were small, and for the most part, I was OK. There was the advantage of sitting beside the window so I could move my backpack to the side, giving me ample room for my feet. I was tired and dozed on and off the entire flight. Nope -- I didn't even dig my laptop out! I suspect I won't look at pictures the whole time I'm out here, and that's OK. 

Gosh, the skyline of my city is ever-changing. All those highrises are apartment buildings, and a very few are office towers. 

The skyline of Mississauga

And then we were off. I wasn't a fan of how many vibrations there were in the wing as we taxied to the runway, but I'm not a mechanic. 

Toronto skyline

The sky was clear when we took off, and I think I was asleep within seconds. When I finally woke up, we were over the Great Lakes. Then it was a solid cloud all the way, so I did NOT get to see the mountains. I've flown over them many times, but it's still fun to look at. Then the clouds parted, and we got to see Vancouver. 

Downtown Vancouver

I haven't flown to Victoria in a long time, so I don't usually get to see this view of Vancouver. 

I'm not a talker on the plane, but as we were waiting to get off, I had a chat with my two seatmates and SHOOT --- it would have been fun to talk to them. One of them was a hiker on her way to the West Coast Trail and hikes a lot in Ontario. Oh well! The other was from Salt Spring Island and had been in Quebec City. She had spent the night in the airport as her flight to Victoria was canceled.

I guess I should be more of a talker on the plane! I'm sure I could have picked up some tidbits from both. Next time! 

Oh, did I mention that we got another notification that the plane was going to be further delayed -- another 20 minutes. There was some issue with the plane arriving late in Toronto. OK -- so instead of landing at 11 AM, it was now 12:30. I have to catch a ferry! The lady from SSI said she had caught that ferry with a lot less time, so I was reassured, and what is a travel day if there isn't a bit of excitement in it?

I got out of the airport -- NO time for a bathroom break as there was a line-up, and headed to the taxi stand (No UBER here). Fortunately, the ferry is only a 10-minute drive (more or less), and I got to the terminal on time. Well, at 12:51 to catch the 1 PM ferry. I bought my ticket and then had to walk to the ferry. I've never been a foot passenger on this ferry before -- it was weird -- I've either been on my bike or in a car. 

However, the agent told me to go to Berth 3, and when I arrived, there was NO ferry. AHA  -- but at the next berth (Berth 4), that looks like the ferry to SSI. I walked over, and yes -- they were boarding and almost ready to leave. 

Before I even got myself settled on the top deck, we were off. That's cutting it close, but I still had about 3 minutes to spare! 

On the ferry to SSI

Every time I'm on that ferry or on the water here, it makes me want to move. It's so stunning and so beautiful. We've thought about it numerous times, and it seems that this is the place to hike. Maybe I need to move? I doubt it -- we've always talked ourselves out of it. 

I got a couple (who have been hiking here) to take my picture. Let's just say that it's pretty windy on that ferry. I have several stories about that ferry -- like getting explosive residue on me on one of our voyages and almost didn't make my plane. And let's not forget the time when the Captain (or are they a pilot) spotted whales on the aft of the vessel, and everyone ran to the opposite end because none of us knew one end of the watercraft from another! 

On the ferry

My aunt picked me up from the dock, and we had a great chat all afternoon. I won't mention our ages, although that topic came up. Let's just say that for her age, she is fantastic! But we have longevity in our family so let's see what happens. 

On the homefront, I did get some pictures of the work. It looks like the new steps are formed. Hmm -- I thought there was supposed to be a landing there? I'll have to send an e-mail. 

Forms for the new step

And the plan for the rest of the front yard is mapped out as I guess they have to set out the forms for the concrete. That's probably their job this week, and they are slow and methodical, which I'm OK with. So you can see, there will be some grass, but there will be other things. 

The plan for the rest of the yard

Well, it's ridiculous o'clock here in BC, but notice that I got up early just so you could read the blog on time. Actually, I had to go to bed early as I was tired. So after my 7 hours, I'm awake! 

Today is a rest day, and then I'm on the move tomorrow. Not sure what the agenda calls for, but I NEED to go for a walk. I haven't walked much in the last two days, which is OK, but now I have no obligations for anything and so I can walk. I have to find a geocache to drop off something, so that is my only urgent thing today. 

Om that note, I'm off to catch another half-hour sleep. 

Oh, and I still have travel arrangements to change. I hope they don't cancel my rental car when I get there. I hear that cars are being canceled due to a lack of cars, and what a hassle. Fortunately for the Vancouver part of the trip, I'm not relying on a car rental, but some of my group was, and that will be a hassle, to say the least. Fingers crossed!

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!