Saturday Nov. 22, 2008 Carrying Stuff to Hotel

Today we are checking into a hotel near the airport. Our flight is at 6 am, and we didn't want to burden our hosts with an early wake up on a Sunday. We were told that there is a bus that goes from the train station to this hotel - bus number 15. With our heavy loaded suitcases and two duffle bags, we decided to take two bus trips. I had gone to the local Tabbachi to buy six tickets. Instead of getting six separate tickets, I received an electronic card that needed to be electronically swiped each time we got on the buss. In Italy one swipes, or punches a ticket onboard the bus. This is not so on trains where a ticket must be validated prior to boarding. If one forgets to validate a ticket, the conductor imposes a fine that has to be paid on the spot. Mauny towed the suitcase, Elaine the duffle bag. Every few steps they traded places. About a kilometer to the bus station, and a 40 minute ride to the hotel. At the hotel we left the luggage after checking in, and took the bus back to Mestre for the rest of our stuff. On the final trip to the hotel when Mauny swiped the card, nothing happened. A lady seated across the validating machine said something in Italian. Mauny tried several times but nothing. Mauny just sat down wondering what happened. Well, using an electronic card for the first time, it was possible that one swipe was recorded as two. Luckily no one caused any more fuss about this, as basically the transportation system in Italy is based mostly on the honor system. Mauny knew he had paid for six trips, and didn't feel he was in the wrong...

At the hotel we settled in our small room. Had to leave the bike boxes in the TV room. We went for an afternoon walk in the ever colder temperature. Dinner at a local pizzeria, and an early night in bed. Tomorrow we wake up at 4am.