On 19 Nov 2006 09:08:46 -0800, "Dan" wrote:
>I have posted previously in this group and gotten many good responses.
>I just have one additional question. For the first leg of my trip, it
>says our assigned seats are "Coach 2: 53 -, 54".
>Correct me if I am wrong, but I take this to mean I need to board the
>second train car from the front and look for seats 53 and 54. Is there
>an entrance for each train car or do you board the first car and keep
>walking until you are in the second car (are they even connected for
>that matter)? Are the seat numbers easily viewable? Is it obvious
>where the luggage is to be stored (by the seat, or is there a seperate
>car for luggage)?
On the outside of each car is posted the number; the Italian word is
"carrozza". Sometimes they count from the back of train and sometimes
from the front. (This is because there are stations where the train
goes in and backs out, thus changing the direction.) So you will look
for a car with "Carrozza 2" on the outside. You could also go through
the train, but it's much easier to board the train at the right
carriage, especially if you have luggage. On some train platforms, you
will see a sign which has a scheme of the train and shows the
location of the carriages.
The seat numbers are usually easy to see. Ic trains often have
compartments, each with six seats, and in this case the seat numbers
will be on the door. Other trains have an open seating arrangement,
and in this case, the seat numbers will be above the seats, as in an
airplane.
If there is an open seat plan, there is some luggage space above the
seats and a larger luggage storage space at the end of the car. If
there are compartments, the luggage stays in the compartment with you.
There are racks above the seats and space under the seats.
>On the Eurostar, I noticed there is a restaurant car. Is it safe to
>leave our luggage behind, or should we take turns going to the
>restaurant? I mean no disrespect, but I have heard mixed opinions
>about the number of thieves on trains.
I have never had a problem with my luggage on the train. I think
thieves are less frequent than in other places, because they can't
really go anywhere with your luggage until the next stop. I generally
leave my bags unattended while I wander through the train. However, I
wouldn't want to swear that you won't have a problem. In my opinion,
the best defense is cheap, beat-up luggage. Some people carry a
bicycle cable to attach their bags to each other, so that it would be
difficult to carry them off. If you want to be cautious, keep an eye
on your bags when the train is arriving in a station. That's the most
vulnerable time.
--
Barbara Vaughan
My email address is my first initial followed by my surname at libero dot it
I answer travel questions only in the newsgroup |