Day 17 – Off to the CRUISE SHIP!

Our final leg of our journey is set to begin.  Since our train ride didn’t leave Florence until 9:30am, we didn’t need to have an ungodly wake up time. 

WHEW!  Breakfast turned out to be the 12 of us, and 250 or so high school/college students from all over the world.  Truly a worldwide experience.  No bacon & eggs this morning, we’re back to croissants with butter & cappuccino/hot tea.  The kids WERE able to find a small cup of milk (I have NO idea why milk is not a ‘go to breakfast drink’ in this country??) and we started our trek to the train station. 

 

What to do when the seats face backwards?

Five people chose a taxi for themselves & luggage, The Magic Homeschool Bus + FIL opted for the adventure of hiking the mile or so through the streets which isn’t difficult in Florence because they have designated streets AND sidewalks… not areas that act as both… plus parking areas for anything with wheels.  Have I mentioned that Florence really is more organized than much of the other places we’ve stayed?

 

 

 

 

 

The trains almost always run on time (thank you Mussolini)… and we easily make our connection to Rome.  Making the transfer, however, promises to deliver more challenges as we have to get 12 people, all their luggage OFF this train, across at least 1 terminal (likely 2) and up/down escalators… (or, since this is Rome, likely stairs).  Thankfully there are several options over the 90 minutes after we arrive, and our tickets are good for any of them.  All will get us to the ship on time. J

 The last train is really a local commuter train, so there isn't much luggage space... but our nephew loves the idea of sitting alone in his "fort".