Our train out of Taormina was delayed by half an hour...hardly noticeable seeing as the one before it was delayed by 140 minutes! The fun we had was because both trains were arriving in Taormina at roughly the same time. There are 3 platforms. The screen on platform 1 announced our train...but then it changed to platform 2...we all changed platform. Then our train changed to platform 1...we all changed platform. Then our train changed to platform 2...we all changed platform. Now, to change platform you need to dash to the stairs, carry your case downstairs, hurry along the tunnel under the railway lines, and carry your case up the stairs. I'm pretty strong, but to hoist my case up and down stairs in quick succession...we're talking 3 times...was like a test from the Amazing Race!
We had booked seats for the journey...in carriage 2. When the train pulled up we dashed along the platform to carriage 2...which was not in service. We realised this as we tried to open the door and then noticed the faded, handwritten note taped to the window on the door, and the next door and...! Jumped on at the first available door...hoisting those cases up the train steps and giving them a shove to propel them into the open area. It was seating chaos in the carriage, people and cases clogging the aisle between the seats. We found a spot big enough for our suitcases and propped ourselves on top for the trip. Fortunately it was an express train, and only a half hour trip. We missed our connecting train at Milazzo due to late arrival, but it was a regional train and our tickets were valid for 4 hours, so we were able to just take the next train. That part was easy peasy!
Half an hour later we were in Milazzo. Just so you can appreciate my pain...cases down the stairs, along the tunnel, cases up the stairs...and then we were at Milazzo! I think Brent took one look at my face and decided the intended bus trip to the port may cause tears...and we lashed out and took a taxi, right to the ticket office for the hydrofoil! Perfect!
We arrived at the port just before noon and were able to get on the 12.30pm hydrofoil. The trip to Lipari was just over an hour, the boat stopping first at the island of Vulcano.
Nicole, the owner of the accommodation we're staying in, met us at Lipari port, and gave us an orientation tour, pointing out how to get where, locations of shops, etc. And then we arrived at Villa Sea Rose.
We have a gorgeous tiny "villa" with verandah, surrounded by greenery, flowers and with a view of the sea and the surrounding hills. A minute's walk down an adjacent lane takes us to a tiny, pebbled beach where we can swim...and that was the first thing we did! There is a communal roof top deck with wonderful views.
After the crowds of Taormina, the peace of Lipari is a welcome contrast. I've got a feeling we're going to love it here!
1 comment:
What a circus, not surprised that tears were close. Your accommodation looks really lovely - enjoy your stay.
Lils
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