Off to the train station. English speaking assistance is an issue.  CUSTOMER SERVICE. Can I catch an earlier train to Riccione?  First answer...It's impossible! Second answer...You can get on any train you wish.  Is there an additional fee?  First answer...No, you paid top price for your ticket.  Second answer...It will be up to the conductor after you get on the train, he will charge you any where from 2 to 8 Euros.  When does the next train leave of which I can get on?  First answer...it looks like 11:45. Second answer...There could be an earlier train.  What "gate" will the train be leaving from?  First answer...How would I know, the train hasn't even arrived yet.  Second answer...Usually the platforms between 1 and 6.  How will I know which "platform" to look for?  First answer...There are signs posted at the end of each of the 24 tracks.  Second answer...They will be posted 15 minutes before the train leaves.  How do I validate my ticket?  First answer...Find a yellow box.  Second answer...There are boxes at the end of each track.  Is my ticket okay?  It doesn't look like other people's ticket.  First answer...You don't have an Italian issued ticket.  Second answer...Just stick it in the validation box anyway.  I'm getting worried, my destination is not posted anywhere.  First answer...You must know the end point of the route you are going.  Second answer...I can't look that up for you.  AT THE TRACK.  Do we board on any car?  First answer...I don't speak English.  Second answer...I don't know.  What do we do with our large suitcases?  First answer...Put them in the overhead.  Second answer...Put them any where you wish.  ON THE TRAIN.  Where can we sit?  First answer...In your assigned seat printed on your ticket. Second answer...You have the wrong kind of ticket.  We are getting off at Falconara to connect to a train to Riccione, okay?  First answer...You didn't want to get off at Ancona?  Second answer...You will be fine.  Which "platform" will we look for?  First answer...I dont know.  Second answer...You will have 10 minutes.  AT OUR CONNECTION. Where is the train going to Riccione?  First Answer...Take your 120 pounds of luggage down 1 and 1/2 flights of stairs, read the signs, then carry it all back up the stairs again.  Second answer...Turn and face the track behind you.

 

On the first day of registration, the Man in Blue said I could make any changes to the relays.  Just tell him and he could do it right then. Thank you, but I wish to discuss it with my team first, and then make the changes later.  So, the next day, I got in line to speak to the Man in Blue.  Sorry, my line is too long today (yes, I know).  Changes must be done with the Lady in White, whose length in line matches the Man in Blue. The Lady in White requires paperwork filled out, so this is done and submitted with the name changes.  No, we also require each swimmer's ID code...talk to the Man in Blue.  Back again.  Sorry, my line is too long today (yes, I've waited in it twice now).  You must get their codes from one of the three lap tops that are provided for that service.  Oh, you mean the area with 12 people waiting? 

World Gold Medalists

Finally done, and back to the Lady in White, whose line has now doubled.  No birth dates are listed, we must verify that the age group is correct.  Isn't that done with their ID code?  Left the building and tracked down every swimmer.  Back to my favorite Lady in White, where the line has reached the length of the building.  The group just before me is now arguing an issue that requires 13 people to resolve while 1 person video tapes the whole scene.  As the group leaves, she sighs a big sound of relief until she spots me, and I take the wry smile as not good.  We go over each change, line by line, which totals up to a whopping total of 3 things.  Now, you are good.  Not sure about that, but now I am done.

 

Lessons Learned...1.The Conductor is God.  He determines if you stay on board, if you should pay extra for your current seat, or if you can change departure trains. 2. Punch your ticket before boarding.  Do this for each time you transfer, even if your are only given 3 minutes to make your next train while running down stairs to run back up stairs as you change platforms.   3. Its not good when number 1 doesn't see number 2 happen.  The result is a fine of $80.   4. Make sure that you are getting on the right train. Just because you are standing on the correct platform, at the correct time, does not mean that the train before you is the correct train. 5. The Help Desk is not helpful.  Better to ask a perfect stranger who doesn't speak your language.  Gesturing works best as anyone can feel your pain and will want to help you.  6. If you paid for your ticket with US $, you're screwed. No amount of pleading let's you change anything.  But the ticket office does offer you to purchase a whole new ticket with Euros, of which you can do any changes you like.  7. When desperate, you are happy to sit anywhere. This includes on the top of your luggage, with one foot on the landing, for 3 hours.

 

They say it's as easy as riding a bike. That regardless of how long it's been since you rode, you can pick it up again.  It didn't even enter my mind how many years since the last time that I was on a bike, until I took that faithful push off the ground.  First thought, Whoa! -  I'm moving.  Second thought, Quick - Get your feet on the pedals.  Third thought - Where's the brake?  But then...I was off!  It was awesome cruising down the beach walkway.  I quickly figured out that pedestrians watch out for Italian bicyclists.  What other explanation would there be for the numerous amounts of people leaping out of my way, old ladies waving local friendly gestures to me, and parents yanking their children to safety.  What were those little kids doing playing on the sidewalk anyway?  The same cannot be said for cars and trucks.  While riding in the road, they expected me to keep to the side, where the curb was dangerously close to my tires and gutters created constant hazards.  I had a really cool bike, which came loaded, chalk full of gizmos like a basket to keep my towel, a lock wrapped around the seat stem, and a bell on the handle bars.  The third of which I used a lot!  The towel later became handy as extra padding on my seat.  How do riders handle sitting for hours on end?  (That's a pun, for those who didn't recognize it.). I had a wonderful time and crowned myself a true Italian as I rode my bike, wearing a short skirt and tank top, eating a gelato cone, along the beach.  Thousands of swimmers rode to the pool each day, I was not one of them.

 

Corky proved to be too big for Italy. 

He didn't fit in the cars and he didn't fit in the showers. 

 

We had a fantastic time, and all wish that our MOST

teammates will join us at either the

2013 Pan American Championships in Sarasota, Florida

or the 2014 World Championships in Montreal, Canada. 

 

 

 Arrivaderci from Itilia! 

Susan Ingraham
Masters of South Texas