Oh my God – All of a sudden I feel the time crunch – I am leaving for Italy in two weeks and just realized that I still had not booked all my train reservations. So today I spent time on the Trenitalia website rectifying the situation. I still have a few to do yet, so tomorrow you know what my agenda entails.
I love that I have come to know so many people in Italy and around the world thanks to Twitter. One of the great things about social media is interacting with others with similar interests. I have come to know so many people that I feel comfortable asking for advice and taking advantage of their expertise for information.
Here is an example. I will be going back to Venice this trip and am excited about it, because it is one of my favorite places in Italy. I have only been there twice before and neither time have I experienced the flooding which is associated with high tide, or acqua alta. My luck is due to change, I’m told, because Venetian locals have had to deal with an unusual amount of rain this year.
Thanks to Karen Henderson, Venice tour operater and fellow blogger on Italian Talks, I now know to expect that and to be prepared. “Disposable boots are a great option, you don’t have to carry that extra weight in your suitcase. And the latest models are sturdy enough to be reusable, and come with a little carrying case,” Karen mentions to me in an e-mail. She advises that I will have plenty of advance warning, saying “if the water is going to be above 110 cm- you will know it! The sirens will go off all over town. If you are sound asleep,it will wake you. If the water is going to be extremely high, you won’t even need boots, you won’t be going out in it. Everyone waits a few hours for the water to recede.”
It’s this personal advice from a local that is something you don’t find in typical travel guide books. I also found this convenient app, called hi!tide Venice. It monitors the current tides and informs you which areas in Venice are flooded. Pretty cool. I will be in Venice near the end of my trip so stay tuned for weather from Venice updates and photos.
Gloria Walsh
I am with imarancher! Grab your Gladrags ! Have adventure! Be safe!
margieinitaly
Thanks Gloria – Getting there!!
susanvanallen
I am leaving in a few days for Italy too! I hope you enjoy your trip in Venice, and have a wonderful safe trip! Buon Viaggio! I look forward to reading about the trip.
margieinitaly
Have a wonderful trip Susan – I am sure you will…Looking forward to reading your upcoming book!! Thanks so much for all your spport. It really means a lot!
Joan Schmelzle
Enjoy your trip. Venice is one of my Italy Big 3! One request–when you find your disposable boots and they work well for you, let me know the brand–I just checked on Google, and am not sure. I hope to be in Venice in November 2015, and November 2012 was the first time in several fall trips, I evey had to use the elevated walkways since I had no boots.
Thanks
hometoitaly
the boots are sold everywhre, and they were 8 or 10 euros last november, colors of yellow, green and orange….you can always spot the tourists
margieinitaly
Good to know Lee – and yes I am sure it is not only the boots that give away who the tourists are! LOL
hometoitaly
HA, so true! we just look different.
we may cross paths while home to italy………..puglia,naples, rome, venice shall look for you in the crowd
margieinitaly
Thank you Joan – If I end up buying the boots I will certainly write about it and include the brand and price….I have only seen those elevated walkways in videos and photos, so this may be a first…
hometoitaly
the high water is great fun, with boots, only the tourists are out playing in the water: http://hometoitaly.blogspot.com/2013/12/aqua-alta-venice-high-water.html
question: are you booking tickets before you arrive in Italy? friends have told me the prices are much better if booked early, but how are you printing copies of the tickets? i dont find an option on Trentalia for that…………….. have to book tickets for the entire month of october and my only travel agent in Florence went out of business!
margieinitaly
Hi Lee – Yes I usually book the trains ahead if I can. The regional ones have to wait until 7 days in advance, but I have gotten great deals on Freccia trains by booking early. I am able to print the ticket without any problem..I register and use the USA site of Trenitalia.
hometoitaly
thank you. while looking for fares I found most of my route ‘no prices available’, shall just have to tr again.
since i dont stay in hotels at each stop, finding a place to print a ticket has become difficult now that most of the internet cafes have closed…..my associate in florence said i can have it sent to my phone but i am old school, i like a paper back up……….
greeneyewitchygirlbree55
I am living through you with your trip to Italy and all your beautifully written blogs. Your pictures make feel like I was almost there! One day perhaps. Go, Fast! Enjoy! blog when you have time. thank you for keeping us up with your travels!
margieinitaly
Your comment makes it all worthwhile! Thank you. I am so happy that you feel like you can travel vicariously for now through my riting. Thank you for such a compliment! I do hope you can go in person one day too!!
Sherry
I’m very excited about your trip, Miss Margie. I do wish I were traveling with you! You must promise me, if you get “pinched” that you tell me. 😉 You are right about social media in that we are able to connect with people are so helpful. You must be off the rails, so I’ll wish you calm moments between now and take-off. Then I wish you nothing but wonderment! I’ll be reading with anticipation and much curiosity.
margieinitaly
Thanks Sherry – I am not off the rails but quite busy getting ready. Believe me if anyone pinches me in Italy I will be writing about it!Looking forwardto seeing new places and experiencing la dolce vita once again!! Thank you for all your support!!
Debra Kolkka
I never book trains in advance. It is quite easy to book them as you need them from the automatic machines at the stations. It is probably cheaper that way too.
margieinitaly
Well you live there Debra so you should know…I feel more secure with the advance reservation though. Once I tried to book something last minute and the time I wanted was gone.
Lisa
Excited for you, Margie! I agree…social media has allowed me to meet people I would never have met otherwise. And as we all share our adventures, I have felt so comfortable seeking out their advice. Let me know if you have time for a coffee or aperitivo while in Florence. Weather is perfect! Safe travels!
margieinitaly
Grazie for the offer in Firenze Lisa – I would love it but this time I will not be there..Next spring for sure!! Ciao
imarancher
So excited for your coming trip. Get those trains booked and throw some glad rags into a suitcase! Go, go, go!
margieinitaly
Thanks so much Bonnie – You take care of yourself so you can travel with me this trip through my blog. I am looking forward to your comments!
Ruth Rainwater
Great pictures. You must be getting excited – I know I am!
margieinitaly
Thank you Ruth and I hope things keep looking up for you..Thinking of you a lot these days
stephanie710
I’m with Taylor!! You are going to have a wonderful trip, and I can’t wait to read all about your travels upon your return. I’ve never been outside the United States but your articles and pictures have me thinking….you never know. Excited for you. Fun post. 🙂
Taylor
Oooo…sister! Love the pics! I truly wish I could go with you. Have a wonderful time and safe travels. Keep clear of the overly affectionate men😘
Great post!
Hugs…
Taylor~