Bye Bye La Spezia

Well that was an interesting start to our journey today. Hmm maybe interesting is not the right word more like ...... Holy shit we'd better run! Not only run to the station but run out of the restaurant where we have just ordered a delicious lunch!! After much indecision about where we should eat we finally decided, sat down, ordered and while we were waiting Helen takes out the paper which is our ticket and reads it to me. Train departs at 1356. (Not 3.56) It is now 1.25 and we are not even close to the station!! Realisation dawns very quickly and as we race out I apologise to the waitress and say we have misread our train time. She is less than impressed. Helen's short legs are working like pistons. We not only have to get to the station but also pick up our bags (it's locked so I ring the bell) and check the platform. All is well we have 10 whole minutes to wait!! On a calmer note we left the house at 10 and dropped off the bags then had a leisurely 2 cups of coffee at our now favourite place then wandered down to the Modern Art Museum. Not too impressed. Then it was time for lunch and I have told you the rest!! We get to Naples at 8.30 then a short 15 minutes by train Portici. Maria is meeting us there. 

Have now arrived in Portici and Maria was there to meet us at the station in Naples.  It was complete chaos outside the station as we ran to keep up with her. She also harangued a driver for stoping across the crossing then had an argument with her!! Her dad was in the car waiting for us so we all piled in along with with luggage, her dad  and Maria and away we went. It was a whirlwind. It is about a 15 minute drive from Naples. She gave us lots of information on the way home so hope we remember some. Her parents who live in the next door apartment made dinner for us (prearranged) which was delicious. Pasta with eggplant in a tomato sauce then fried zucchini stuffed with ham and cheese. Also fresh really tasty cherry tomatoes and boccinchini and cake to top it off!  A glass of wine as well!! We were stuffed!! They are lovely, as is Maria. She was going out and think she was keen to get away. Photos tomorrow although I wish I had one of Helen's face when she realised the actual train time!!