I am starting the new year off with a piece on taking the train in Italy, and a poem.
How to catch a train in Italy.
(a ten step guide)
1. Find out where/ when you want to go
you will need to check the website (trenitalia) and hope it doesn't have any glitches... but really this is the easiest step of all.
2. Get to the station
plan to take public transportation EARLY to avoid missing a departure time. Remember; buses are not very reliable, there can be unexpected traffic... just go early. oh... and on the way (or before you leave home) buy water and a snack, you may need it later*.
3. Arrive at Station a minimum of 15 minutes Early
(you need this much time-- believe me)
4. Find a ticket machine and wait in the cue (and hope it works) or go to the ticket counter.
you may have to wait in line 2 minutes... or half an hour... in which case you may miss your train
5. Once you've successfully bought a ticket
you must validate that ticket at a yellow ticket validation box.
these often do not work, in which case you are running around the station looking for one that works, while also trying not to miss your train. your ticket is not valid unless stamped... if you do not find a functioning validation box... get on the train and if questioned speak in English and feign stupidity (anyways, half the time on the regional trains they don't even check the tickets).
6. Go find your train.
the platform should be listed on the departures screen. if the screen isn't working... ask someone or check the paper listing of all departures... it is there.
7. Wait at the platform
it may be punctual. or it may be late.
8. When your train arrives
get on and find a seat.
9. Once on the train
it may stop at any time and stay stopped. you're probably wondering why, as is everyone else, but you probably won't find out. there will be a symphony of angry commuters confused and competing for their opinions of why this delay affects them more then anyone else on board. just be patient... most likely it won't be delayed more then 2 hours *this is where it comes in hand to have water*.
10. Arrive feeling proud of your ability
to make fast decisions and meditate with patience the most trying of situations.
and now... a poem.
For Sylvia
a partially found poem- with words gleaned from Sylvia Plaths All Appearances.
With
this red velvet cake
Icing
barricade the arteries
O
heart opens purr and great heart shuts
How
her body annihilates me
Blue
currents of static sheet kisses
Like
icebox electric eels
From
her lips the stars are flashing
Her
smile like terrible jeweled morals
Blinking
lights and Exit signs flash
Refugee
in the dark of her silence
What
am I to make of my loved one?
I
bow and I hear her contradictions
On
Monday, her eyelids say
Is this love then?
She
sighs at the sight
Of
dried roses on the nightstand
I
wear a Swiss watch that is issuing
A
dynasty from its steele needle
ABC
launder these numerals
Make
little dresses and coats
So
blindingly white they will cover
The
mindcuffs of dissatisfaction
Such,
such is love then.
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