Arriving in Rome, and more photos of Sicily

I am pleased to tell you that I have arrived in Rome safely, though the journey was a little challenging in terms of finding out information, not to mention carrying all my heavy baggage. I was very glad I had booked a transfer to the station, even though it was very expensive. It saved me a lot of worry and effort, because taxis cannot come into the port.

The train from Naples to Rome turned out to be a modern very fast train, which at one point was travelling at 296 kph, so the journey only took 70 minutes. We were even given a little bag containing a large rectangular jam tart and a small soft jube, both of which were very nice, a hand wipe and a small bottle of water.  However, the downside was there was very little room for your legs and even less for your baggage. It was a real struggle getting on and off and getting into and out of your seat. (You were hemmed in by tables.)

While the other passengers were glued to their phones, because there was free WiFi, I enjoyed the spectacular scenery we saw after travelling through the outskirts of Naples. There was a lot of agriculture, greenery, wooded hills and mountains, and little villages, while in Naples the general poverty, the dilapidated state of buildings and overcrowding was very evident. There the traffic was totally chaotic, and even here it's rather scary. More anon. I have to go and meet my tour group shortly.

Enjoy the remaining photos from Sicily.

I cannot get over having access to free and fast WiFi. Wonderful!

A building built years ago by the fascists. It is right over the road from the university. Notice the soldiers on guard.

The outside the gallery.

Inside the gallery, beautifully restored.

At the square, where we enjoyed our granitas.

Beautiful fountain at the square, with sculptures by a student of Michelangelo. 

One of the famous clocks on the clock tower of the cathedral.

Inside the cathedral.

The clock tower.

The crowing rooster.

The 'rising' cathedral.

The 'risen Christ' appears before the Roman soldiers.

Angels visit the Virgin Mary.