Using the Tram in Sicily

So let’s start off by stating, I think I accidentally rode it without paying the first time. As someone who speaks only conversational Italian in Italy, I am struggling. This brings me to simply attempt to copy people’s behaviors I see since I assume that is the correct way to do things.

And now you see how I have accidentally ridden the tram for free. Or rather, I committed a crime by accident. I do not know if I should even talk about, or post this public written article on my blog, illegal activity I have committed. Especially since I am worried they may deport me for any crime I commit accidentally or otherwise.

I digress, my son and I were waiting for awhile for the tram and when it finally arrived they used a button to open the doors. This was definitely new to me and I decided to copy anything that person did. They went in and sat down. So I did the same. Luckily I was going to the last stop and did not need help getting off. Simple, I thought. You get on and get off for free. Wow this is an amazing service for people. I cannot believe that it is free.

So I go about my day down to the local Questura Office, the immigration office. That is a story for another time. My god is that a story for another time. I come back about an hour later to ride the Tram home. I probably waited about 15 minutes to get on because the one I was supposed to get on left early. I was annoyed. But again, it’s free so I shouldn’t worry.

The next train finally arrives and I get on and sit down. Wait someone swiped a card by a little red machine. I have no idea what this means. Then some workers come over and ask for my ticket. I ask them how to get one. Then they ask for my green pass. Oh mio dio. I forgot to get my American one changed to an EU one. They accept it anyway. I feel so relieved. I have a ticket. They accepted my vaccination card, despite it being in English. We are good.

Then I realize, I have ridden the train illegally before. Just today. Anxiety hits me for no reason. They will not deport me for a two Euro ticket. Still, coming from America, they deport everyone for any reason. For a land of immigrants, they really are very strict with immigration.

I am sure I will be fine as they seem much more relaxed here about the immigration procedure. So hopefully, I do not get deported for riding the tram without paying. Although, I could have sworn that police officer who directed me to the tram told me it was free… he definitely said gratuity.