Enjoying the Greek views on the Ferry
Superfast Ferry
We walked several blocks to the port in Bari to board an overnight ferry to Patras, Greece. Our Eurail Pass enabled us to book reclining seats on the Superfast Ferry for a nominal peak-season fee of 30€ per person. We checked-in at a desk in the ferry terminal and they told us to proceed onboard. When we left the building, we didn’t see any obvious path so just started walking towards a boat we saw in the distance.
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Locals relaxing in the streets of Old Town
We arrived tired and ready to sleep after our whirlwind tour of Rome. The train was an hour late into Bari, but it didn’t bother us because we had prepared a panini picnic for the journey! Our plan was to spend the night in a cheap hotel then take a ferry to Greece the following evening.
Our hotel for the night, Hotel Romeo, did not have air conditioning but at least there was a fan. Overall, this year of traveling has really helped me appreciate the small victories more. The following morning, that little victory was out shined by a major setback. After walking an hour in the heat searching for the correct ferry terminal, we learned that the ferry was completely booked meaning we couldn’t leave for several more Continue reading
St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican
First class treatment in Vienna
After circling back across the majestic Slovakia countryside, we arrived in Vienna, Austria where we had to change trains. The next leg was on a night train with sleeping compartments that required reservations. The Vienna station was packed with other travelers and the ticket lines were extremely long. While Sara saved our place in line, I found the first class lounge and learned they could help us with tickets. (We have a first class Eurail pass because it’s the only option for travelers over age 25) When I told him we wanted a reservation to Rome, he chuckled at our last minute request and said the train was full. Instead of a direct train, he confirmed beds on a train to Venice and then seats on another train to Rome. Although we would get into Rome later, the new option gave us time to enjoy the first class lounge. Skipping long lines, plus free drinks and snacks – we could get used to first class travel!
Our only option in the sleeper train was two upper bunks in a six berth couchette. We boarded, got settled, ate a quick dinner from the market and tried to sleep. A few hours later, our noisy and smelly bunk mates arrived. We got back to sleep only to wake up again but this time covered in sweat. The room was so hot and stuffy that we figured the air conditioning must have shut off. I told the conductor who said it would be back on soon, but hours later we realized it was never going to Continue reading
Our plan for the day was leave the High Tatras early and visit Spissky Hrad, one of the largest castles in Eastern Europe. After visiting the castle, we would take an evening train to Kosice where we would spend a night before making our way to Budapest. Unfortunately, the day didn’t go as planned.
We took the train to Spisske Vlachy which is the closest station to the castle. From there, we saw online that a bus runs every couple hours to Spisske Podhradie where we could walk to the castle. After hopping off the train, we realized that we were in the middle of nowhere and the station was minimal. The station attendant didn’t speak English, but after she pulled out an English-Slovak translation book I managed to communicate that we wanted to store our bags. She pointed to the back office Continue reading