Sciopero! Strike!

Today’s goal was to get to Bari, Italy, which is directly east of Naples on the Adriatic Sea — the other side of the boot . It was going to be a two leg, four hour journey by train, and that’s where our cruise departs tomorrow. We had originally wanted to drive — but, after experiencing taxi cab rides in Naples, we decided it might be better to take the train (about the same cost). You might think, how bad could it be? We know we could manage the drive outside of Naples … but the driving in the city, INSANE, the craziest we’ve ever seen — well, maybe not as crazy as Honduras. We just didn’t feel like enduring the anxiety — we’re on vacation. 😁

Well, the anxiety gods said, “Hold our beer!”

We easily booked train tickets online yesterday, no problem. This morning we taxied to Napoli Centrale (train station), had some coffee and food, and then promptly learned that a national train strike had stopped most trains for the day. Yes, panic set in. 

After hurriedly trying to figure out other options, we managed to get a taxi ride to another city, about 30 minutes north of Naples, that had a train running to Bari a few hours later than our original departure time. 

Waiting at Stazione Caserta after the commotion of trying to figure out how we were getting to Bari as to not miss our cruise tomorrow. 

Look at those kids playing on their cell phones!

At 4:14pm we departed on a fast train that took us all the way to Bari. There are several train companies that operate fast trains in Italy,  and there are 1st and 2nd class options on some — this train was only 1st class (it was just €45 each for the three hour trip). 1st class comes with a snack or meal and drink. 

On this trip we got a box with a mini salami sandwich and a cookie — a selection of coffee or soft drinks.

Jim and Kristi have never been on a trip without a hiccup. Today’s strike did cause us a little consternation and stress, but it ultimately only delayed our arrival in Bari by two hours. 

We arrived in Bari just after 7pm, taxied to our hotel, got checked in, and found a place to have dinner. On the recommendation of the hotel desk staff, we opted for a restaurant about two blocks down the street. 

We all were trying to decide what has been our best meal since we’ve been in Italy… We all agree that it’s impossible to decide. Every dinner has been fantastic and different in a slightly different way. Tonight was super fantastic. We got to try something which is highly restricted when it comes to selling and consuming in the United States, which was one of Jim’s bucket list items. He also got to eat Spaghetti all’Assassina which is a Bari specialty. At any rate, you can’t go wrong with food in Italy.

The restricted food??? We had horse meat sausage for an appetizer. When in Rome … or Bari.