Tuesday 01 June Merano

Today we are off to Merano and the idea was to go by train. Plan A is to drive to Malles and catch the recently opened Val Venosta Railway through to Merano where I would meet the passengers and take them into the centre of Merano. The only problem is that there was an accident on the line on April 12th and part of the line is closed. You can travel as far as Laces and then you have to transfer to a local bus which takes you to Naturns where you rejoin the train to Merano. If I was travelling with the group this wouldn't have been too much of a problem but I do not want to let them loose on their own especially as the bus stop in Naturns is not at the station!
I decide to drive to Merano and speak to somebody at the station before we visit the town.
It is a lovely sunny day as we arrive at Merano station and I go in search of information. The man at the ticket office doesn't speak any English and my Italian is limited to ordering beer so we struggle a bit!
The track is still closed and I decide to abandon the whole idea. As I am about to leave I ask when the line will be open and the ticket man replies "tomorrow" in English!
To compensate for the lack of a train ride here I have upgraded the group to a Panoramic carriage on the Bernina Express.
It is only a short distance to the coach dropping off point and the group are soon free to enjoy four hours in Merano.
I have to go away and park by the racecourse which is a nice spot as there are lots of trees and you can park in the shade.
I do a bit of work trying to decide where to go next year before going for a walk to stretch my legs.
It really is warm today but I di enjoy my stroll in the sun. I pass the restaurant I went in last year which is once again very busy with locals. When I went in last year I asked for a pizza or a certain pasta only to be met with a shake of the head. During the day they give you the pasta they are cooking, you just sit there and enjoy. No choice until the evening. It must work as the place is full.
I go into a pizzeria nearby and am the only customer! I have a lovely pizza and bottle of water before walking back to the coach.
We are leaving Merano at 15:00 and I drive to the pick up point half an hour before then.
They are all back on time and all seem to have enjoyed Merano especially the ice-creams!
We are back at the hotel in an hour and forty minutes.
I feel quite tired so have another siesta. This is becoming a habit!
Dinner is very good once again and I have an earlynight as there is a lot of driving to do tomorrow.