Unexpected Adventures

Today has definitely been an adventure. With only one train ride under our belt, Sean and I were not ready for our Eurail navigation skills to be put to the test. After arriving at S. Maria Novella train station in Florence with excessive time to spare, we found out that our departing train was delayed by 40 minutes. With only a twenty minute connection time in Milan to our train to Lucerne, we knew immediately that we would not be at our destination on time. We tried asking for help from numerous people and kept getting the run around – it seemed no one wanted to take the time to help us. After much frustration, our train finally arrived and we boarded having no clue as to what to do when we arrived at the next stop. In Milan, we were able to track someone down who was willing to help and point us in the right direction. Our new direction required another connection – this time in Zurich. We arrived in Zurich, only to discover that we needed to board yet another train heading back the way we came, but at least it was set to end in Lucerne (so much for the train system being ridiculously easy!). We have definitely seen our fair share of the Switzerland countryside. Our original arrival time was set for 6:12 pm, but after all the mishaps, we finally made it at 8:00 pm. Such a relief!


I think my emotions have run the gamut today from angry, frustrated, panicked, relieved, and now, after finally arriving, I’m excited and exhausted. If you can name it, I've probably felt it at some point today. I suppose if I’m bound to get lost in Europe, there’s no one I’d rather get lost with than Sean. We are now relaxing in the hotel (Hotel Pickwick), which is a lot of fun. The rooms are very small and simple, and located above the Mr. Pickwick Pub. After our train ride today, I began to feel very lonely due to the frustration we encountered and all the language barriers. However, we are both feeling more comfortable now as the bar is an English/Irish pub, so everyone speaks English and the food is a nice taste of home. This spot is just the pick-me-up we both needed after the stress we faced today. Lucerne is looking to be the perfect spot to recharge after all the new experiences we've had this past week.