Tips for Italy

• In both the Roma Termini and Napoli Centrale train stations in Italy, the overhead signs that point toward washrooms, exits, platforms, etc., also direct travelers to ticket sales offices (biglietterie). In each station I saw only a single Trenitalia ticket office but several travel agencies sporting lots of Trenitalia logos.

It can be difficult to distinguish the official sales office operated by Trenitalia from the travel agency ticket offices (especially in Naples). Pay close attention or you may find yourself paying an unexpected sales commission on your tickets.

On my February ’08 visit I learned to look closely for any sign (sometimes none too prominent) with the name or logo of a travel agency. In the case of Naples, I passed multiple travel agency ticket sales offices before I found the Trenitalia ticket office I sought.

This also could be the case in other large train stations in Italy.

• Regarding POMPEII, it is wonderful and is a “must see,” but there are some downsides. There is virtually no shelter from sun or rain once you are admitted. Also, walking on the uneven stone surfaces can be tricky. Dress accordingly.

Signage in the city is minimal, so be sure to get the excellent (and free) guidebook and map from a window near the restrooms after you buy your entrance ticket. (The restrooms at the entrance are free but are poorly maintained and could be cleaner.)

We found the cafeteria staff unfriendly, bordering on rude. In the nearby souvenir shop we lingered for several minutes, but no staff member ever appeared to assist us.

STEPHEN O. ADDISON, Jr.

Charlotte, NC