According to Google maps, I moved 504 km today
That excludes the wrong turns I took (only once), the fact that I went further because I used buses & trains, my up & down in Rome due to a misunderstanding, I will call it.
I had beauty part of the way, the train ride through Sardinia, flying over the coast of Sardinia, the first glimpse of Tivoli with a massive waterfall gushing from its side, I had amusement… The flight from Olbia was delayed. Then we got on, started moving…& then went right back to where we started…a technical problem
I sat next to an American couple, the lady so curious, she pops up like a little chipmunk to see what is happening.
Our amusement was multiplied as it was shared
I had tears when I realised I had been misled by the trenitalia ticket kiosk that said I had to go to Roma Termini, more tears when I finally got to the right train & it refused to open it’s doors…
I finally arrived in Tivoli four hours later than planned
But oh, wow
Clinging to a hill top, the waterfall I mentioned…the river like a sky…
Ancient streets with ancient stories
Absolutely worth every minute of effort to get here!
different ways to travel
Contrasts
Contrasts…early morning bus ride, desultory conversation, last minute reminiscences, instructions ping pong between us
A modulated voice telling us horrible stories of ancient Rome on a sightseeing bus through the city
Early morning Malta waking up, sun peeping over the horizon, only the urgent & early awake; midday Rome, teeming with people, like rivers ever moving, everyone with an opinion loudly articulated
Catching buses, trains & planes…tight schedules, precise planning…hours counted together in just waiting
Heat, cold, heat, rain…
Good byes & hellos
Ancient Rome, modern Rome
Loving the sights…not the people, just, unbelievably too many
Glimpses of what Rome can offer, knowledge that I would not willingly face the crowds
Sadness that Mom is leaving, concern that she will be ok, gratitude that I arrive intact, though late, at hotel
Thirst & hunger, temporarily looming larger than life, satiated & content when finally eating at 19:00
Contrasts, stark differences during the day, back & forth, guilt & happiness…truly a day to end & start again
Timed day
It started at 05:00.
Breakfast at 5:30
Train at 6:26 (four minutes late)
Another train at 7:51
An aeroplane at 10:00
An overcrowded bus on hard seats at 12:00
Running to catch
A ferry across to the island at 13:50
Another bus overcrowded, balancing around an iron railing at 14:15
Following our host through traffic & narrow streets having lost count of time
Climbing up & up & up
In a tower
Church bells ringing
Walking & climbing into an old, old city
Gaping at the sheer size of it all
Eating in a town piazza
Greedily on English food
Tea in the tower
It was an exhausting day, filled with much, senses loaded with information.
It was a good day, filled with perfect timing, God-timing and grace
(& if the church bells allow) I will sleep well tonight