James Gaston

Around Arles

Isola Bella map

Sunrise to sunset 29 Oct 2022 Sunrise to sunset 29 Oct 2022 Arles, Como --

From sunrise to sunset we were looking out a train window.

The view was pitch black on the 6:09 from Arles to Marseille; a pretty sunrise on the 8:10 TGV to Lyon; sunny skies on the 10:38 to Geneve; the setting sun on the 13:39 to Milano; and back to black on the 17:34 to Como.

All were on time except the last, which was 20' late. This last one was also standing-room only and lacked stop announcements. I know, complain complain. It was a short ride. The 2nd class Trenitalia from Geneve to Milano, the longest and most scenic stretch—mountains, vineyards, and pretty Swiss towns—felt crowded like a budget airline with little space for legs or luggage.

It was an exhausting day and that's leaving out the embarrassing discovery that I'd bought train tickets, first class no less, for the wrong date. We cheaped out on the replacement tickets. Will not do this again.

And then there was the tale of how shortly on arrival in Como we lost our apartment keys which lead us to banging on the windows of the closed Carrefour market where we knew we'd left them. It was a long day and by the time we were settled into our apartment (yes we got our keys) we were ready for a glass of wine. Or two.

Isola Bella seen from the train

Just for fun I'll crank up the shutter speed and shoot photographs from a moving train. The quality is iffy but why not. On the uncomfortable Geneve to Milan leg, as we passed through Stresa, I caught this photo of Isola Bella, an island in lake Maggiore.

Isola Bella seen from the train

Paul on the Lyon to Geneve train

Don't be mislead by this photo. The Lyon to Geneve train, an old train where first class features 6-seat compartments, was the only train that wasn't packed with passengers.

Paul on the Lyon to Geneve train

Don't be mislead by this photo. The Lyon to Geneve train, an old train where first class features 6-seat compartments, was the only train that wasn't packed with passengers.

Paul on the Lyon to Geneve train

Don't be mislead by this photo. The Lyon to Geneve train, an old train where first class features 6-seat compartments, was the only train that wasn't packed with passengers.

Milan Centrale

Waiting for track announcement, Milan Centrale

Around Arles

Isola Bella map