Despite the late fun of last night, we manage to get up early enough and go through the routine of getting all the gear together, shower etc. As we're roughly on time I think it's better that we dont get on the tram to Centrale Station and opt for a Cab. The nice young lady at the counter rings for a taxi and whilst we wait, we sample San Giovanni's unique breakfast of Farley's Rusks and jammy biscuits - at least there was coffee at hand. I left a note for Angelo, thanking him for his hospitality and apologised for getting him up late last night.....you'll note that staying up late is a bit of theme with us. The taxi showed up, we jumped in and he immediately headed off in the wrong direction, he obviously had to keep up the reputation that Milan's Taxi Drivers are rip off merchants....so I say to Rhid, "This guy is going the wrong way".. and we slowly take a couple of turns until we're heading the right way. We get to Centrale Station and I can see Rhid is impressed. Fair Play it really is a magnificent building. Rhid gets the tickets easily enough and then we get touted by some African guys who pretend they're working for the rail company, they look at your ticket, suck their teeth and lead you to the completely wrong platform, looking all officious...then out comes the hand that wants to be crossed with Euro metal....great scam, the best bit is that they really do look the part as they wear suits and ties...fantastic. I tip him generously and wonder how far that 10 cents coin will get him..........

So in between marvelling at the architecture, we get a coffee and wonder which train we need to get on, we have 40 minutes, so by our standards it's quite relaxing to have some spare time. I figure out that if I stand by the main board, it'll show Parma somewhere and we can sort it that way. After a while Rhid says he's off to information to find out the connections. I work out we need to get on the train to Recci and that'll get us to Parma......I then work out that the train to Recci is boarding so I need to find Rhid.....sure enough he's in the Information booth talking to a confused looking assistant. I tell Rhid we need to go....and I'm wondering why the assistant was looking confused. Rhid was one step ahead of me.....sure we get the train to Recci and get off at Parma but which train do we need to get on to get to Aulla........."Ah.." says I.... nope hadn't thought of that.

It's a nice ride to Parma, good relaxed scenery and before long we arrive. We then have to work out which train to get on to get to Aulla. We have a bit of a panic but then work out we have to get on the train to Spezia, this gives us an hour to spare so we head out and take in the sights of Parma. It seems like a lovely little town, quite sleepy. We don't go far and decide on having a couple of beers. Rhid has some fast food Kentucky Fried Rat Burger stuff which he instantly regrets. Soon enough we're back on the train. The ride through Tuscany was spectacular - almost like time travel as we seemed to go back 50 years. It's definitely a train ride to do, one for the list all you intrepid travellers out there.

Once we arrive, we are met by our mates Tim McGarr & Tim Davies. Tim McGarr has invited us to stay at his Casa for a few days and so we load up the Land Rover and head for the hills. It's a beautiful part of the world and it's a steep climb to Casa Lucia up in the hills above Casette. Tim's Casa is an impressive place and has a marvellous view overlooking the local mountain range. The view always changes and it's great just to sit and watch it. Up at the Casa Tim fires up the Pizza oven and we have a good time catching up and reminiscing about the devious past. As usual Rhid and myself stay up too late playing loud music and generally behaving like the idiots we are. Tomorrow we're off for some fun and frolics by the seaside in Lerici.