You might remember, that my original plan was to take the high-speed rail from Rome to Naples, then without pausing, take the local train to Pompeii where I’d reserved a room. But I’d screwed up and reserved my Pompeii room one day after I was suppose to arrive. Now, I’m sure they would have been able to accommodate me a day early, but I took it as an opportunity for adventure. As soon as I had some extra time in Rome, I spent some hours trying to find both the best things to do and places to stay. My original research had been done over a month before and I didn’t see much in my notes…which lined up well with what I was finding now online. Not much I’d want to do there. Well, spending one day there wasn’t all that bad then. At least I’d be able to say I’ve stayed in Naples. Impress the gurls.
I was looking for a hostel and it was kind of handy that there were two within walking distance of the main rail station, Napoli Centrale, where my train would arrive. Cool. Chose the one that seemed the most comfortable and made my reservation on hostelz.com. Only 200 meters from the train station.
The morning arrived, I gathered all my stuff, and made my way to the termini in an unhurried fashion as there are several trains to Napoli leaving every 25 minutes, all day. So relaxing not having to worry about getting to the airport for the one or two flights they have. I didn’t bother with an early train because, hell, I’m on vacation. This was my first ever high-speed railroad trip though so I was kind of excited to get aboard. The route the train takes isn’t all that mysterious or exciting, interesting still. And the trip is only 1:10-2:32 hours depending on type of ticket you buy…I went with the 1 hour ticket.
At the Temini, waiting for my train…
Time for an espresso.
Kind of strong, so people add sugar. Me too.
I walked off and left my hat sitting there on the counter for some reason. Wandered around the termini for like a half hour before I realize I’m not wearing or holding it. Came back and they had put it safely behind the counter.
The bullet shaped train is mine.
All aboard.
These high speed trains are all fairly comfortable. Nice soft seats, fold down tray, recline enough to sleep, etc. Many have charging outlets if not on the wall at every seat row, then at tables for four in the middle of each car. And the lounge had outlets too. But no seats, standing only.
Leaving the station.
Around 10 minutes after leaving the station, the conductor comes around and scans your ticket. I’d bought mine at the kiosk and still had it but if I’d lost it somehow, I did have the number written on a scrap of paper in my wallet that would have worked too.
First look at Italian countryside.
Took this picture ^^ just after I’d almost wet my pants when looking out the window and another high speed train going the other way zoomed by. Jeese! Warn a person will ya?
Whoa, this thing is up to 188KPH.
Turned out that this was the only train I was on in Europe where my GPS in my Android tablet worked. And when it worked, I could follow our progress. Must have had a plastic roof because on every other train, I could never get a GPS signal.
First look at the Mediterranean.
The termini at Naples.
I arrived at Naples early enough in the day that I could wander around the termini and find where the train for Pompeii was and where I’d buy tickets. Having this advance notice really helps trip planning. Especially when you don’t speak the language. You just cannot afford to be in a hurry.
After I’d done the investigating, I wandered out onto the local streets not bothering with a taxi since the hostel was so close. Even with the written directions I’d printed out, it still was difficult trying to find the place. I was walking on the main drag looking up the streets for a large sign. Nope, there wasn’t one. See that little tiny red sign in the picture below? That’s all there is. I actually passed by the right street and ended up two blocks away…where I found the other hostel. There was a gentleman there who spoke English who set me straight.
Arriving at the hostel.
Had to figure out the whole setup here, and since everything was in Italian, it was a little disconcerting. Eventually, found that I needed to buzz the buzzer, then the gate unlocks and you walk into an open air, tiny, car parking area. I wandered around trying to figure out where to go (no signs about the hostel) until some guy came down and escorted me upstairs to the office in this tiny 2 person elevator. Huh. Paid my money, (around $52 USD for one night), got my key, and headed to my room to store my luggage. Room was kind of plain and uninteresting but, hey, it’s only for one night. It’s ensuite so the bathroom was in the room instead of down the hall. After stowing my stuff, I wandered around the neighborhood looking for something unique to eat. It was around 4:30pm so there were lots of hardware street vendors still hawking their cheap ass wears, but many were closing up. I was surprised how many vendors there were here in downtown Naples, especially since it all looked so informal. Although I spent an hour wandering downtown looking for a fancy, semi-fancy, or greasy spoon restaurant, I just couldn’t find a sit down place that had both the menu and the ambiance I was looking for. Ah, well, I’ll just have a hot meat sammich at the deli place I kept passing that smelled so good. Yumm. Turned out to be very tasty and with the included extras, filling. Inexpensive too. Should have taken a picture.
My room. Nice and comfy.
When it got all dark (sorry, I’m not that much into night life anymore so I didn’t go bar hopping), headed back to the hostel and my room. Tried to watch a little TV but it’s kind of pointless with everything being in Italian and all. But I could follow the weather maps pretty easily. Looked like it was going to be fairly nice for several days!
Next time we head for Pompeii. Stay tuned!