Thanks, me too!

I tried to book your suggested hotel in Monterosso soon after you replied to my post, but they were booked, same with their other property there. I had a heck of a time finding really anything in either Monterosso or Vernazza (especially something with a private bath!), but finally found a room with a bath at Trattoria Gianni in Vernazza. Since we booked so late I'm just glad we found a room at all! Anyway, thanks for your help!

AMEX blocked my very first transaction - I went thru all the screens and then my payment was not accepted by Trenitalia, no reason given. The next day I got an email from AMEX. So I called them and they said the block would be removed and I would be able to use the online system in the future. They wanted confirmation that I had tried to make the charges and that I had the card with me. I notice VISA and MC have you enter the extra "security code" numbers on the Trenitalia site. This was all actually OK with me - I'd rather jump thru an extra hoop than go thru trying to get fraudulent charges removed from my bill. SueC1

I entered the 3-digit security code when I tried to buy my second ticket with VISA but I still had to call them because they blocked the second purchase.