Monday

Got up early and packed, had breakfast, paid with a 5 percent discount for cash. These off season rates are great and the weather has been pretty good. 60-70 degree days 50 at night, only a few rainy days and then for just a short while. It really couldn't have been a better trip...except for the broken arm and tendonitis in my knee for the last few days, and blisters on Steve's feet. Steve was a real trooper through all this. Schlepping our bags on train rides and up steps, fetching ice, slowing his pace for me. Can't say enough about the Italian people either. So nice, helpful, friendly even giving up a seat on a Metro because of my arm in a sling. They really do have a joy of life we Americans could learn from. I think their political system is so insane all of the time that they just don't get caught up in it like we do. No 24 hour news announcing what someone else thinks is important or how we should feel about things. Their focus is more on family and enjoying what is in front of them at that moment whether that is art, food, friends or a tourist asking for directions. So yes we enjoyed this trip immensely!
We boarded the Cicumvesuviana train and since it originates in Sorrento we took a 4 top for our suitcases, that wouldn't fit in the overhead area, and us. By the time we reached Naples the train was once again packed full and someone was sitting where my suitcase had been.  Crazy! We got to Naples early and got our tickets to Rome changed to the next one. Bought some more Lindt chocolate and waited for the platform number to appear on the board. This train has assigned seats so that was really nice and our luggage fit above us. Once in Rome we got the Leonardo da Vinci train to FCO airport. People farm along the tracks. All sorts of vegetables and the ubiquitous, huge artichokes. Got lucky and only waited a few minutes for the shuttle to our hotel in Fuimicino. The hotel was basic but the price was right and the shuttle only cost 6 euros each one way. Our hotelier gave us a map of Fuimicino and described all of the local restaurants, markets, bars etc. Since we hadn't eaten all day except for breakfast and a snack and it was almost 3 we headed to the bar for a sandwich and beer. Walked down by the coast, huge freighters going out to sea. Got some olives and beer at the market and went back to the hotel for a nap. Dinner was very Italian. Pizza and Bolognese, wine and bread. We were definitely the only Americans in the place. Back home by way of the sea view and in bed early.