Strikers, Pikers, & Likers

We left Milano Centralle station ignorant about the rail strike.  People in our berth soon informed us.  We thought the train would proceed inland, but instead went to Genoa and on to Le  Spezia.  This meant we had great views of Portifino and the Italian Riviera.  Viva la strikers!

Then we arrived at Le Spezia.  We were to have a quick layover.  Then as train after train cancelled we knew we were victims of the strike.  Finally after two hours, a train stopping in Riomaggiore was at the station;  everyone pressed the train to get on.  For us, it was only a one stop ride.  We needed to get to our leasing agent by seven.  We arrived and departed the train.

We hurried through the tunnel and made our way up the hill.  Jen spotted the leasing office  and we popped in.  We were told we had to pay in Euros.  No way, my booking said we could charge VISA.  After stearn negotiations, the proprietor relented and allowed my credit card.  He had the swipe out of view the entire time and quickly processed it.  Score one for Curmudgeons.  The young couple from Finland went to an ATM to get cash.  Give a point to the Pikers.

Riomaggiore is the beginning of our Cinque Terre experience.  We had pizza for dinner and walked.  Vic and Jen took a lot of pictures.  Wifi is spotty again, but the gelato was homemade and good.  We went back to the room and Vic and Jen did some laundry.  We were on the fifth floor so we expected the wind to dry the clothes. Tired, we went to bed with thunder and lightening around, but no rain.