DAY 171: Bologna to Muenchen

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Back in Germany tonight after 2 glorious weeks in Southern Italy where the people are friendly and the pastries and cakes are ah-mazing.
Today was a bit special though. I booked an expensive train ticket with a window seat, direct train from Bologna to Muenchen through the Alps. And then.... no train (no idea why!) "Bus-ah. Out-ah, right-ah, right-ah. Bus-ah eight-eight." I got that and so did some 60 other people. Only no Bus 88 showing up around the two right-hand corners. After 40 minutes a bunch of us went back to the station to talk to customer service who told us to go back, 2 busses WILL come. So we wait some more.
I of course understand zilch and a lovely Italian lady who can speak a little English, looked after me and ensured I knew what was going on. After an hour and a half one of the young girls decided to check what would happen if she went "left - left" in stead of "right-right" …. and there they were: 2 busses, 2 drivers and 2 assistants, having a lovely old chat, wondering why their train customers are not showing up.... One would think, maybe one should enquire .... but no, that would require effort.
Long story short, by then half the people had lost interest and left, 9 of us got into the one bus to Insbruck (Austria) from where we could then get a train. The other 20 or so went on the second bus to Verona from where they could also catch a train.
Once things turned from Italian to German, I of course looked after my new friend and ensured she got onto the right train etc.
And when we eventually got off the train in Muenchen, lo and behold, the Verona-bus people got off with us!!!! Why two different busses no-one will know.
I have to say, it is nice to be where I understand what is being said again.






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