45. Back into Italy

Got on a train to Vermigliana from Nice France

And a woman and I sat by each other by chance.

We both were annoyed by boisterous gypsy pair

That were downright nasty everywhere.

We both got off, not saying a word

And ironically boarded the next train

Across from each other again.

I thought she was French & she thought I

So we didn’t talk to each other until we said “Hi.”

She spoke perfectly good English and we both agreed

The couple on the last train were Romanian gypsies indeed.

A few moments later an Australian couple, Peter and Joan, came onboard

Have been traveling in Europe and conversation poured.

We discussed our travels, the places we’ve been,

The experience in Paris was pretty much the same.

The time passes quickly when you have people to talk to

The three of them are headed toward Milano

Took photos of each other, exchanged emails talked about Juice Plus & then I darted.

Was going to take a cab and showed him the address,

He laughed and said, “You should walk, it is a block at best!”

Checked in and again much to my surprise a very nice place

Only cost me $76 for two nights, breakfast, wifi and plenty of space.

It was early in the afternoon, so I unpacked and dashed away

To explore the city in the light of the day.

I follow the crowd and the streets get narrower

Until I am in an alley filled with vendors.

It opens up to a market plaza

And high up the steps in St. Pietro in Banchi.

It is in the ancient position beside the sea and the gates of the city.

Dating back before Columbus in the 13^th century.

The interior is white marble and the dome an octagon shape,

Making St. Peters open to all ethnic groups, a spiritual place.

The square is full of shop stalls today,

A similar scene to when it was in the earlier ways.

I hear music, I follow the sound,

Come out  onto the wharf and pier I have found.

There is an aquarium,

ice skating rink

and many food vendors

Harbor boat rides,

 ethnic dancers

 and many splendors.

I take a ride around the harbor and float past the ships

There are cargo boats, cruise liners awaiting their trips.

Getting back to Italy and the see I feel more at home.
People are laughing and smiling, not so unknown.

I do get lost walking the back alleys, there are so many turns,

I think that these are the same places where walked the mariners.

I was really hungry and spied a reasonable place to eat

Was craving pizza, ordered  wine and got off my feet.

My eyes were bigger than my stomach, so I thought

But it was so good, I ate and drank every drop.