Chasing Trains Day 3: Buongiorno, from Rome

Nothing ruins a vacation more than great expectations. That's what happened to me with Rome. I guess, with all the history, I expected a very "ancient" feel. Instead I was welcomed with a very busy, crowded, stuffy train station. But in hindsight, what the hell was I expecting? Centurions marching down the streets?

The Coliseum on a winter morning

Shopping the Sales: Lovisa

I try to avoid Lovisa, I really do. Whenever I get suckered in I end up spending more time inside the store than I would like, and consequently spending more money than my wallet would like.

Chasing Trains Day 2 (Part 2): Plan B

(Click here for Part 1 of this crazy crazy day)

So where were we? Right. Chur. 

When I arrived in Chur I was in a post-Glacier Express daze, with crazy eyes and an ear-to-ear grin. I had some time to spare before the succession of train transfers that would take me to good old Italy, so I wandered about the station and chanced upon some free internet terminals where I can check the train schedules and such.

As it turns out, one of the trains I was about to take requires a reservation, of which I have none. I was shocked and just a wee bit annoyed at myself for the oversight. And I thought I had planned this whole thing out so well. Tsk.

So, panic attack. I rushed to the information desk, and asked the very nice kuya if I could please please please get a reservation on the train. To speed things up, I showed him the itinerary I have created (in MS Excel!) to prevent any confusion over train numbers and destinations and things.

Obsessive-compulsive travel planning

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly: Twistbands

You know how sometimes, while examining your shopping loot, you come across something you bought and think, "why in the world did I purchase this?"

Chasing Trains Day 2: The Glacier Express

It was the 16th of December, but to me it was Christmas morning.

Quite apt, because the last time I willingly woke up this early was when I was a kid eager to find out what Santa has left under the tree. But instead of a gift-wrapped box and a card with my mom's very distinct handwriting, I had tickets to the Glacier Express.