Rome. It is amazing when the first few days of a trip proceed as smooth as silk. No hitches. No train flubs. No health issues. Ideal.

Well…my start isn’t as smooth as silk. I arrive in Rome from Atlanta easily enough. I find my convent lodging not far from either the Colosseum or Termini Station. From Rome, I have to negotiate Italy’s train system to reach Pontremoli, in the north of Tuscany. The most reasonable option is to take a train to Florence, then to Pisa, and then to Pontremoli. No problems! A “doable five hours.”

Since my convent lodging isn’t far from Rome Termini, the main train station, I arrive at the station an hour early. I’m impressed by how busy the station is. Before long, the board shows my train to Florence and “1 EST” next to the train. Since I assume that the “EST” simply means estimated, I wait. No problems, I’ve got time. I see another train listed on track “1.” That train departs because a train with a different number appears. My Florence train still has “1 EST.” I frown. Another train arrives at “1”. This train’s destination isn’t Florence. I start giving quick glances at other boards, at other gates. With only ten minutes before my train leaves, I swallow my pride and ask a gate attendant “Where is the train to Florence?” “1 EST” she briefly replies. Dumb me! There is actually a platform “1 EST.” Fortunately, I reach the train in time. Lesson learned. Check my assumptions when in a strange station.

The other train transfers are also a close call. When I arrive in Florence, I don’t see a “Departure/Arrival” board on the platform. As I walk briskly toward the main station area, I see a smaller board before I reach the station. Yikes! Five minutes before the Pisa train departs! I race to the platform (as much racing as I can do with a 25 pound pack), board the train, and find a vacant seat. Before I can find a decent place for my pack, the train door close and the train departs. Note to self: give myself more time between trains next time.

When I arrive in Pisa, I’m a bit more confident. I tell myself “Pisa is no Florence, no Rome. Plus I have plenty of time before the Pontremoli train leaves.” I let others pile out of the train. I find the electronic board. “What’s this?” My train from Pisa to Pontremoli is “Cancelled.” Heck! Joining the people rushing through the station, I make my way to the ticket office and join a line. Eventually, I’m rerouted through La Spezia where I’ll catch a small regional train to Pontremoli. While not an excessive re-routing, I’ll be traveling for another extra two hours. I say to myself: “Oh well, no sense stewing. I’ll sit and wait. Not enough time to visit the Cathedral.” As I wait, what do I see? My train from Pisa to Pontremoli has been reinstated and is leaving in fifteen minutes!

Disruptions during the first few days of a trip often seem monumental. I’m new to the different regions. I’m confused about stations, their language, their layout. I worry that delays will upset my well-planned hike.

I’m definitely not into the spirit of a slow-walker. Harkening back to the days of walking various Caminos, I definitely have no sense that “the Camino will provide.” Maybe that will come with time. I hope.