Bari to Cassino

We all farewelled our lovely little Trullis this morning and Chris & Lyn had us at Bari airport by 10am. Tony and I along with the Clements took the train into the main Bari railway station and organised ourselves for the next leg of the journey. We said our goodbyes to Martin & Pam who trained to Rome while Tony and I waited for the 4pm train to Cassino. We wandered about looking so obviously like tourists with our packs close to our chests. The girls warned us as we left and another man on the train also said to wear our packs on our fronts. It was such a contrast to the week in the country feeling safe and at home. Now it's back into the city on full alert.

Our 5 hour train ride to Cassino was great with plenty of interesting countryside, rolling hills, valleys then mountains. Once we arrivived into Cassino we started out walking to our hotel with our cases then stopped and asked a waitress, who had snuck onto the footpath for a cigarette, if we were going in the right direction. Next thing she has her friend out with his car to deliver us to our hotel.

 Another lovely little friendly family run hotel more like a B&B with only 5 breakfast tables. So far our experience here in Cassino has been great with very helpful friendly people. We came across a local from a bar that knew we were looking for food and immediately he led us through the streets to show us where to find something. Not really what we were looking for but we stayed and enjoyed a freshly made juice of ingredients we don't really know but it was tasty. I think we are the only tourists in town as everyone is so interested in where we are from.

 

View of the monastery from Casino one of the higher points.

We have since found out that most people come here on a day trip from Rome to visit the Monastery and cemetery's then leave again.