We took the overnight ferry from Palermo to Naples. The ferry, the SNAV Sardegna, is big: 10 levels capable of carrying 1,700 passengers, 575 cars, and 118 trailers. Fortunately it wasn't anywhere near full.
The cozy cabin, dated appointments, and formally-dressed male staff give the ferry a retro atmosphere. Unlike a bus or a plane, a ferry is a nice way to travel.
From Naples we flew to Frankfurt, which is sort of the anti-Naples: Frankfurt's weather sucks, the regional train is wonderfully modern, and the train passengers sit quietly, staring at their smartphones.
Whereas Naples is sunny and warm, the trains are crappy and old and filthy (like Naples), and the passengers are, well, Italians. Who thought these two could share a currency?
Nevertheless, vive la différence.
The ship in the photo is our SNAV Sardegna, moored in Naples between trips to Palermo. The train in the photo is heading to Frankfurt and is all high-tech with LED lighting, flat screen readouts, and boring passengers focused on their screens. Behind me—not shown in other words—is an enclosed section for pregnant women and the elderly. Can you find Paul on the train? Hint: he is the only passenger not looking at his phone.
