We started out the day quite early in fear and trepidation as we had three trains to catch and the Italians are renowned for not being on time for anything.
Our first train was the local from Ravenna to Bologna which we thought would be fairly reliable as they go pretty frequently. We were not disappointed but were intrigued, as we had been on the reverse trip to go through a town called Godo. It should be noted that there was no one waiting there!!!
Our next train was a Frecciarossa, a very fast train, from Bologna to Milan. This was the one which we were concerned about because if this was late our connection to Genova might be compromised. This train was a mere five minutes late and the next one, dubbed InterCity, was on time. So we arrived at our destination on time and in good condition. The InterCity carriages, like the Orient Express beloved by Agatha Christie, had a corridor down the platform edge and 6 person compartments. We shared ours with four Americans who didn't seem to realise we spoke English. We all watched, during the latter part of the journey as the line followed the river Bisagno in torrential flood. Later googling revealed that it had burst its banks causing some blackouts and one person had died.
Genoa is at the foot of hills that rise from the harbour.
The station celebrates a famous explorer who was not quite sure where he got to.
The only surprise of the day was on arrival at the hotel, we were told that we'd been upgraded to the five star hotel next door. We are now lying on a very comfortable bed in a small but comfortable room of the old fashioned hotel Grand Savoia which might align itself with the Grand Budapest Hotel of movie fame, but invites its guests to imagine themselves as first class passengers on a transatlantic voyage a century ago. It has the same old fashioned service and comfort. A touch of finesse was the sound of running water as we ascended in the elevator. Perhaps a mite too reminiscent of that ill fated voyage of 1911? We are quite happy with this hotel even if it is only for one night as tomorrow we meet our tour group.
Our window view on Genoa:
Posted with Blogsy
No comments:
Post a Comment