I’m excited to share this story about our frustrating afternoon that turned into a heartwarming reminder of human kindness. Before heading to Italy we had heard about Italian hospitality, but this experience was beyond what we imagined.
We seem to struggle with transportation everywhere we go! Check out the time we learned what AdBlue was in Ireland:
At the start of our three-month European adventure, we relied heavily on Google Maps to navigate Rome’s public transport system. We rented a cute little apartment on the outskirts of the city. The area was nice, but getting into the heart of Rome was a challenge. The commute took about an hour, involving multiple bus and metro transfers. We weren’t used to public transit so it was a bit overwhelming.
Also from our three month European adventure: Ultimate Guide to Visiting Disneyland Paris with a Toddler
Stranded by Google Maps
On one particular day, after exploring the city, we found ourselves at a train stop close to our apartment. We needed to catch a bus for the final leg home. The bus stop was just down the street on a busy two-lane road. The only way to get to the bus stop was to cross the busy street at this gas station. The side of the street where the bus stop was only had a sidewalk the length of the bus. Otherwise there was a fence on the side of the road with no safe room to walk.
Google Maps assured us that the bus would arrive in two minutes. We waited… and waited. No bus. The next one wasn’t due for another 25 minutes. The only other option, presented by google maps, was to walk along the busy street with no sidewalks—a nerve-wracking idea, especially with a toddler in tow.
It Starts to Rain
As we waited, trying to not let our two year old fall asleep (because we’re still trying to adjust to the time zone), it started to rain. There is no shelter at the bus stop. Just then, of course, my two year old announced that she needed to go to the bathroom. Panic! We assured her the next bus was just five minutes away and she agreed to hold it.
But then, Google Maps says “The bus is one minute away. The bus is here. The bus departed.” We were baffled—no bus had passed us. For the second time, we had been ghosted by Rome’s bus system! This was not the Italian hospitality we had heard about.
We Need a Bathroom!
My two year old says again, she has to go to the bathroom and she can’t hold it. We dashed across the street to the rundown looking gas station. There’s a young man working there, I’m guessing early twenties, outside pumping gas for people. I walk up and ask if there’s a bathroom we can use for our toddler. He bashfully explained that it’s broken, 4 men work there, and he cleaned it 4 days ago but it’s bad. Then he quickly added, if she can wait five minutes he’ll go clean it and she can use it!
https://theresabtravels.com/surviving-air-travel-with-a-potty-training-toddler-what-every-parent-should-know/: Stranded at the Gas station in Rome: A Lesson in Italian HospitalityMeanwhile, my husband scrambled to find us a taxi, but our data-only plan didn’t allow for calls or texts. We downloaded a taxi app, but it took forever. The gas station attendant, seeing our struggle, suggested we try Uber. We did—but Uber needed to verify my phone number, which was impossible without SMS access.
After 25 minutes of standing at the gas station, we watch the bus drive by…
The Bus System
The gas station guy explained that the buses can be a bit of a mystery. “Growing up as a teenager here they can be frustrating.” I remember him telling us. He also explained that if a bus breaks down, the “gps” will continue, proving that the gps is actually fake. He also offered to drive us since it’s on his way home anyway. I was determined to get Uber or a taxi because I had read up on car seat laws before we left for our adventure. A child can ride without a car seat in a taxi if needed but not a regular car.
To add to this stressful situation, our toddler decides to run behind the gas station building. As my husband chased after her, the gas station guy warned me that he cleaned needles out from back there just a few months earlier. As if on cue, my husband is carrying back our crying toddler because she fell… He said he didn’t notice any needles around and I didn’t see any puncture wounds, just scrapes. Thank goodness she was ok.
The Hero and Italian Hospitality
We had been stranded for over an hour and it was now 7pm. The gas station guy insisted on giving us a ride. He pleaded, “I’m off work now, I can’t leave you here, it’s so close and on my way home I’ll drive you.” We finally agreed. In less than five minutes, we were back at our apartment.
We tried to offer him some cash for his trouble, but he refused. He humbly said, “That’s not going to change my day, but I hope that I helped you out and that you tell this story of your visit to our country”.
And here I am, sharing how one young man’s kindness, and Italian hospitality, saved the day.
Tips for Navigating Public Transport in Italy
- Expect Delays: Italy’s public transport can be unpredictable. Always have a backup plan. Especially if you need to be somewhere at a certain time.
- Download Apps in Advance: Be sure to download taxi or rideshare apps before you leave your country if they need phone verification. You typically only need to verify your phone number one time before using the app regularly.
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