Italy > The beach of Brindisi

Italy - Laundry drying in the compartment after a dishwashing liquid spill

Around 10 o’clock, we arrive in Brindisi. Large signs indicate where interrailers should go to catch the boat to Greece. At the first office, you can only reserve a spot for 24,000 lire (about ƒ35). The crossing is included with the interrail pass, but with a reservation, you’re supposedly guaranteed a place on board. At least, that’s what they say. But who can you really trust in Italy? We decide not to reserve, but then we aren’t sure we’ll get on board. A few meters further, someone else tries to lure us inside—this time with the word “free.” Suspicious, we step in and manage to buy tickets for the boat. We only have to pay the port tax, and then we have a place on board for 8:00 p.m. tonight. Hesitantly, we pay, feeling a little cheated. Outside, we stow our luggage and head to the beach, which is five kilometers away. The bus driver was supposed to signal us, but it turns out it’s just the final stop. The beach is rocky, with lots of trash and broken glass.

Italy - Swimming at the beach

The water is warm but very salty. On the rocks, we let some of Ron’s clothes dry. Back in the city, it’s time to go through customs, warm up our food in the little park near the boat (among all the other backpackers), and check in. At six o’clock, we can board. Clearly, there are more interrailers. For over half an hour, we wait on the ship. Very slowly, a small door gets closer, which everyone has to go through. When we finally reach it with a bit of pushing and pulling, there’s a ticket check at the top. We still aren’t completely sure if we have the right tickets. Luckily, everything goes smoothly, and we board without any problems. We haven’t been scammed. On the top deck, everyone unrolls their mats. Before long, the entire deck is covered with mats and sleeping bags. When we start playing cards, it quickly turns into an international gathering. Swedes, Swiss, Germans, Dutch—and of course us—play Hearts. The party continues until the start of the next day. Meanwhile, I enjoy a nice shower in the cabins—a place we technically aren’t allowed to enter. Just after midnight, we all go to sleep on the deck.