Traveling to Rome

The train maintained an even speed through this part of Italy. The terrain helped; the high rugged Italian Alps were north of the train's route. This train was traveling over rolling hills.

Maria and Georg heard their children's voices. "I didn't expect to see cows and sheep grazing," from Louisa. And Liesl's announcement, "I've never seen such lush green meadows," made them smile.

The happy couple continued to enjoy their children's comments. They had seen old monasteries, tiny solitary chapels and teensy weensy hillside villages. And Kurt had commented on the many bridges which crossed raging streams. They had been so engaged with the scenery no one realized they had been traveling for three hours.

Louisa was in the seat behind her mother and father. She asked. "Father, why is the train slowing down?"

"The train's been traveling west. Now the conductor must head south towards Rome. He must slow down to make that turn safely."

"Will it take much longer to get to Rome?"

"We're still about three hundred miles away, Louisa."

"I still can't believe we will be in the city where the Pope lives."

Maria responded to her with a rather bland statement. She didn't want to trigger any questions.

"It will be a wonderful memory."

Maria knew they were going to have an even bigger surprise when they learned they would be traveling on the Pope's ship. Louisa returned to look out the train's window. And the train continued south for an hour and a half when one of the attendants spoke to Georg.

"The train will be stopping on the tracks near a town. A restaurant there is providing you with baskets of food."

This he would announce before Kurt had a chance to tell him his stomach was making noises. He stood in the aisle.

"I'm sure this will please everyone but especially Kurt. The train will make a quick stop to pick up baskets of food."

Liesl came to Kurt's defense. "Father, I think all of us are hungry besides Kurt."

Georg smiled at his oldest before returning to his seat. And now everyone felt the train slow and finally stop. A car was waiting nearby. A man exited, carrying two large baskets. The train's attendant opened the train car's door and took them from him as he said, "Grazie tante signor."

As soon as they had been delivered, the train began to move again. And inside the train car the food was distributed. The baskets contained sandwiches made from prosciutto, dry-cured extra thin slices of ham, on a sweet bread with a salty crust. There were also carrot and celery sticks, olives and cherry tomatoes and a bottle of juice for everyone.

When everyone had finished their sandwich and condiments, two large stems of extra-large grapes were passed around as the family's desert. And Franz and Max went around and collected the empty bottles and sat the baskets on the floor in the back of the train.

After a few minutes Kurt asked. "Father, how much further is it to Rome?"

"Not sure, but my guess would be another hour and a half."

The train was able to travel at a steady speed because it almost traveled in a straight line. This part of Italy contained fertile natural plains which are highly productive agricultural land. There were only a few small hills on the train's route. And Georg's guess had been correct.

After an hour and a half had passed, the train began to slow as it arrived just north of Rome. And it began to slow even more as it entered the city limits. Everyone saw the sign announcing Rome's main train station. It was Father Wasner who stood to speak.

And it was Franz who got everyone's attention. He, as a navy man, knew how to use his fingers to give a loud whistle.

"Father Wasner has something to tell you."

"My friends, you won't be getting off here. The train must travel to another train station. It's not far; we should be there in about thirty minutes."

Georg knew that but he was glad Father Wasner had told them and not him. He hoped no one would ask questions. For now everyone was quiet.

The group enjoyed the same landscape as they had seen on their travel to Rome; vineyards, orchards and other agriculture plantings were numerous.

After fifteen minutes the vineyards, orchards and other agriculture plantings were replaced by something else, water.

And now questions were addressed to Georg.

"Father, is this train station near water?"

"Yes, Liesl it is."

"Is it near a port-of-call?"

Georg almost laughed at Brigitta's question. "It is. Where did you learn that term?"

"From reading Treasure Island."

"What's a port-of-call?" Marta asked.

Brother Friedrich answered her. "It's a place where ships dock. Father, are we getting on a ship?"

Now the cat was out of the bag and Georg was forced to tell them the truth.

"Children, we are boarding a small ship at the Port of Civitavecchia to travel to Spain. It will be fun; you will be living like sailors on the ship."

Now the buzz began between all of them. No one asked any more questions. And Georg and Maria took a deep breath. They were both pleased the children had accepted their next adventure with such enthusiasm.