Expats with Cats: Elba Island

Over the weekend we were in Florence, we decided to try for a mini vacation. I had originally wanted to go to Southern Italy, but didn’t realize how far away we still were. Elba was only a 2-3 hour bus/train ride, plus an hour ferry. It seemed easy enough. The problem, though, was not having internet. We decided we would get up early on Saturday, pack, then find an internet café, book a hotel, and head to the train station to catch the bus. We were given tips about where to stay on the island from people at school, so we felt somewhat prepared. We were wrong!

None of the internet cafes were open before 9:00. We didn’t know this, so we walked around for an hour (bags in hand) trying to find an exception. There were none, but we did come across a travel agency, so we went in to see if they could help. They didn’t book in Elba. At this point it was 9:00 and the bus we needed to take left at 10:00, so we decided to switch gears and get the tickets. Ryan thought we had passed a place that looked like a bus depot at some point that morning, so off we went. It wasn’t the right place. Frustration set in big time. It had been over an hour, we had tried many doors that weren't open, and couldn't get help from those that were. We started to walk home and call it quits. I am not the most spontaneous person, which is why this next part might come as a big surprise (it did to me). I figured we could get bus ticket inforomation from the train station, but accepted the fact that the hotel situation might not be so easy. So I asked Ryan, "how comfortable would you be going to Elba without a hotel?" I didn't even know how comfortable I would be in that situation! But apparently I was looking for his opinion. We turned around and headed for the train station.

The train station didn't sell bus tickets, but they did tell us where we could buy them. The train station did, however, have another travel agency. That didn't book in Elba. So, we walked VERY quickly to the bus depot, and bought tickets. I saw another travel agency at the entrance, so Ryan and I split up. Their computers were down! This was getting borderline ridiculous, but we still had 20 minutes, so we decided to push forward. Tickets in hand, we started walking the streets. We hit another travel agency. They only booked with one hotel in Elba, which was full. They also told us that it was very crowded this time of year, and that they would not, if they were us, go without a hotel reservation. This place had an internet cafe about two doors down. It was our last shot.

These internet places take your ID when you use their computers, and this guy was entering Ryan's information with the ever efficient hunt and peck method. If you looked closely, you could actually see the steam coming out of our ears. We finally got a computer, and started furiously searching properties. The only one in our designated area was $400. At this point, we gave up again. We were going to chuck the bus tickets we just bought, and call it a day (again). And again, I pipe up! "What about Trip Advisor!!!" We decide to give it a try, at exactly 9:50. And we found a place! We wondered if we'd have time to book, but it worked - we had a hotel! We tried printing the receipt, and nothing happened. I start entering the confirmation codes into the phone as Ryan's asking the tortoise behind the desk if he could help us with the printer. We get it printed! And RUN to the bus station like crazy people. When we're actually in our seats, we both can't really believe we're on our way. Even typing this story makes my heart race.

Elba was worth it. As soon as we got settled, we headed for the beach. By the time we arrived, the only space left was on a rock beach, which really isn't comfortable. It was gorgeous, though, so you had a lot to distract you. The next morning, we got up really early and rented an umbrella and chairs at the one sand beach we could find. That was the best day - we sat and read in those chairs for hours, which is exactly what we want from a beach vacation. The scenery reminded of us Cinque Terre, and the water was just as cold. The towns were much bigger,though, and really came alive at night. Everyone was outside, couples were holding hands, kids were on bikes, all the shops were open... it was a great little vacation.