Hello everyone. Many of you have helped me with answers to many of my Solo Italy Vacation, so I thought I would give back. OMG I am so thrilled with my trip.
I thought I would just share some thoughts and observations of a novice traveler and maybe help others.
Security: First let me say, I have the upmost respect for TSA officers and the very difficult, hard job they have. But here is my experience this time around: I have an ileostomy which causes the alarm to go off and usually just have me swipe my hand across my clothes and hand swab for explosives. Not at JFK: I was given the full treatment of exposing the bag, in private, with a body pat down and hand swab. They had trouble finding a female replacement for the officer in line (they needed two female officers to observe), which took forever. I was very worried I would be late for my flight as I didn't know how far the gate was and I began to panic a bit. All my belongings were left on the table 10 feet away from where they told me I had to stand, not talk, and out of my line of sight, where anyone could have stolen them - all my money except what I had in a money belt - was in my purse. I mentioned it and she finally took the boxes off the table. So, it's taking longer and longer, and no one seems to be responding to the very young officer's request for help, so I loudly complained to someone who seemed to be the super, "I have an ileostomy, a bag that catches my poop !", so that heads turned. He bellowed for a female to help. They got someone fast. In Newark, on return to States, the officer scolded me, "Why didn't you come here when you knew the alarm went off?" I didn't know the alarm went off, and I was patted down and hand swabbed. No one in Europe stopped me, no one in Cincinnati and no one in Raleigh. TSA, I know you have a hard job, but really?!
Trains: From Florence to Arezzo: The station was crowded and busy, and I'm glad I got there over an hour early. The ticket machine issued a ticket with no time, no train number even though I specified a time. I looked at that ticket forever, then asked, and apparently it was good for any time, any train.
Train Tracks: there can be two different train track numbers on the same set of rails. I assumed one side of the platform was always one track number, not two (maybe more?). So track 7 and 8 were one behind the other on the same platform in Rome. A kind mother and daughter helped me.
Over the Counter Medicine: Very, very expensive in Italy. Bring a supply if you can fit it in the luggage.
Naples: Not for single women after dark - my opinion. Heed everything Rick Steve's writes about it. But there are some good prices for clothing and shoes.
Being sick: Got the flu the last day. Getting dehydrated can cause major problems for ostomates . I was flying back in 24 hours, and not wanting to heave all the way, I called the US embassy, was put in touch with the duty officer in Naples, who provided a hospital name. Used the phone translator and wrote down on a 5x8 index card my situation, brief medical history, what meds usually work for me, and got a cab to the ER. Because of the language barrier, I didn't understand when she called my number and sat there for about an hour before I checked. The clerk at the register saw me, was helpful, super friendly, and they whisked me right back. They got blood, vitals, and MD made a quick exam. They gave me IV meds and then I waited for about 2 hours for blood work to come back. Was in ER for about 4 hours altogether. I don't know if I'll get a bill, but they have my address. Although I wasn't feeling very good it was interesting to experience the Italian socialized medicine, which was over all a positive experience.
About at my Max length. Thrilling trip! Loved every minute. Met some lovely wonderful people. Strangers are very helpful. Next time Northern Italy!