When traveling between any two places, no matter the distance, you are always going to find something different. Whether it's extremely different or something minuscule depends just how far you go. Leaving the American culture behind and entering a whole new place has brought forth many new exciting encounters and experiences. Traveling across the world leaves plenty of room for some pretty big differences. They are really all around, but I think the most significant ones are convenience and transportation. Convenience and transportation pretty much go hand in hand here. In my opinion, the transportation set-up makes for suitable living and is so much less of a hassle than it is in the States. Instead of having to jump in your car to drive across town, you can easily walk pretty much anywhere. Not only is it faster and safer than getting on the road with crazy Italian drivers, it also allows you to explore the city more and stumble upon something new each day.
Traveling in-between cities and countries is effortless with easily accessible train stations located in the center of every city. Buying your ticket is probably the most annoying part, but once you have that out of the way all you have to do is show up, hop on the train, and you're on your way. Not only is this mode of transportation so much smoother than flying and more comfortable than driving, but it is also way more punctual. Almost always the trains leave exactly on time, never a minute late.**
Not only is traveling more accommodating, but much more exciting as well. Lengthy train rides offer day-dreaming out the window at the beautiful scenery to pass the time while some modes of transportation are simply way more fun than others. If you travel to Venice you will have the opportunity to take "traghetti", ferries and water taxis which take you across the Grand Canal of Venice.
In order to take full advantage of these conveniences, remember maps and train timetables. They will be your best friends on this trip! Buon divertimento! --Molly Middleton
**Editor's note: Molly, I think your positive experience with the punctuality of trains in Italy may be atypical.
Molly, I want to travel in Italy with you the next time I go. I didn't quite have the same experiences with train travel. If you see Debra again, ask her how long I sat on the tracks in Siena waiting to get back to Florence. (Of course, she will tell you it was my fault, but trust me..........!)
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