Okay, I can stop now. I know enough Italian as I got this one right!

I realised it would be a good idea to learn some basic Italian before my trip in September. Off to a good start, I think.

@maartje that sandwich looks good! What’s Rivella? (Adds Switzerland to Interrail plans)

@valhalla I have it on good authority from an Italian friend who likes train travel and coffee, that the coffee on Italian trains sucks.

Fortunately, the coffee machine in First is working. Despite the train operator being half owned by the Italian railways, the coffee is terrible.

The coffee machine in the buffet is broken!

The aforementioned host has found some avocado. Toast improved.

“Host” because to avoid a repeat of the experience that caused me to learn to drive, I paid an extortionate amount to travel in First.

The entire vegan food offering appears to be toast. Host has multiple food allergies and is sympathetic.

Early morning train to go ride gadgetbahns. This is the same journey, as far as Birmingham anyway, that caused me to get a driving license.

Alas, it is a Pendelino.

@valhalla @Uilebheist Hence my plan to bring along an Italian vegetarian.

@Uilebheist I have a 15 days in two months Interrail pass I intend to start using in mid-May. Thoughts include that city with the weird transport (was that Genoa?) and a beer/funicular ride in San Marino. Know anyone who speaks Italian and is sympathetic to veganism?

@Uilebheist There was a crew member standing by the door, outside the train. Perhaps that’s part of her job?

@Uilebheist I needed to go.

Anyway, I am sufficiently old that flushing the toilet while the train is standing at a station feels naughty.

According to a member of train staff, she’s had to help passengers trying to alight, who were trying to open the door by pressing the loo door button.

This train has a different example of crappy design than the previous one. The buttons to operate the loo doors are by a door to the outside. The buttons for that are close to the loo ones and are of exactly the same design.

The train has arrived at Newcastle in good time, and we are now sat here for another 15 minutes.

OMG, this sunset!

Changed at York to another diverted train. I have plenty of train snacks.