Well we didn't end up going to Monaco this morning. We were undecided whether to explore Nice instead. So we went to the train station to see how often the trains go. We got there about 9.30 and it was packed and chaotic. The queue to buy tickets had about 60 people waiting so I found someone to help me with the ticket machine. When we got to the end it wouldn't accept my visa card and wouldn't take notes. Mostly we sign for the credit card. I have put my pin number in succesfully a couple of times but often if it asks for a PIN it will decline. Is strange as the machines all have visa signs on.
So we flagged Monaco away and walked to the beaach at Nice. I should have taken my togs as it was hot at 10.30 and lots of people swimming. The water was reasonably warm. The beach was stoney, no sand.
Nice is really beautiful.
We got on the train to Genoa at 1.52pm. We had to change trains at Ventimiglia which is right at the border. It is about 45mins from Nice and is just a local train. So we were waiting nice and early and as the train arrived about 200 people appeared on the platform and procedded to push in front of us. We dragged our bags on and had to stand with them until the first couple of stops when it emptied out a little. Not like 1st class at all. Then I noticed that the name of the place the train was going to was slightly different ( vintmille) and I wondered if we were even on the right train. Anyway that all was fine and we changed trains. We didn't have much time to find the noticeboard, sort out the platform and get our bags to the right place. We found our seats. Stowed the bags in the luggage racks and got underway. Then I had another moment when I thought we really were on the wrong train (to Milan instead of Genoa) I didn't realise it went to Genoa first then turned inland to Milan. About this time we encountered a very angry italian woman as I think we were sitting in the wrong seats in the 6 person compartment. Not such a big deal you might say but boy did she go right off. Yelled and waived her arms and huffed and puffed! Finally the trian lady had to come and sort it out. Angry ladt was still huffing and puffing when her poor husband slunk in the door, sat down and sensibly pretended to sleep. I didn't even knw she was with someone. She glared at me all the way, 2 hours. The other people in the carriage were lovely and kept apologising for her.
We are in luxury tonight as there is a big boat expo on here this weekend and accomodation was booked out. We have paid 195 euros for the Sheraton Hotel (we are here for 12 hours), but very nice. We have a bidet, not going near that!!
So didn't take many photos today. Couldn't lean past angry italian woman to take photos. She pulled the blind down anyway so I couldn't see much. The train followed the coast all the way to Genoa and the scenery is truly stunning. Just one beautiful beach after another for hours. Amazing houses and boats and lots of people swimming every where.
Lots more I could say but off to bed now. Early start in the morning. Due in Venice abut 1pm. So exciting!!
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