Saturday 18 May - we were showered, packed and ready to go by 6.15am. Michael collected the car from half a kilometre away. We stowed our gear, then sat in the car for at least 15 minutes trying to enter the aeroporto address. Just as we had it sorted and were about to leave, I spotted a piece of paper under the windscreen wiper. Oh yes, it was a parking ticket. There was no amount specified, obviously that will be revealed in the fullness of time. I’m sure Avis will on charge us, as is only right. However, I think Frederico the landlord should pay the fine, as he told us parking was free behind the blue lines until July.
Off we went, back along the horrendous hillside Autostrada, through the multitude of tunnels, eventually skirting Palermo city and on to Falcone where the airport is situated. Some of the roads are three or four lanes, but no clear markings, and cars shooting into traffic from all sides. I shrieked for at least half an hour as poor Michael did his best to calm me down while avoiding collisions from every angle. At one stage we were side by side with a police car, the burly driver smoking a cigar out of the window. I begged Michael not to pass him as I imagined being pulled over, the language barrier causing all sorts of complications and delays, resulting in us missing our flight. Michael ignored me and shot past the coppers, managing to stay on track to the airport. The police car veered off to the right and was swallowed up in traffic.
Eventually we made it to the car rental return area, and handed over the Renault. Apparently the tyre rims came back with more markings than when they went out. There was a possibility that this was the case, as Michael did have a slight problem with curbs in Capo D’Orlando and Sinagra. Anyway, we had taken the additional insurance so there was no extra charge. The young man took the parking ticket and said we would get a receipt when they were aware of the amount. I think he meant we would get a bill.
After checking in, we had the obligatory coffee and then after a couple of hours wait, we were winging our way to Milan, a relatively smooth flight of about one hour and twenty minutes. This was to be our last flight until we headed home.
Our chauffeur was waiting and he delivered us to our hotel after a pleasant half hour drive through Milan. Pleasant because Michael wasn’t driving and I wasn’t navigating. The NYX Hotel was on a corner directly opposite the Central Train Station. Eve and Max were due to arrive later in the day by train from Salerno. And as we were all leaving from the station in two days time for Varenna, it was very handy being so close.
Our room was on the ninth floor, with a great view of the train station and the square in front of it. It was comfortable and very modern, if a little tight for our bags. We spread out a bit then went out to explore. The day was overcast, rain fell every now and then. We had borrowed an umbrella from the hotel so kept reasonably dry.
After returning the to hotel for a bit, we headed out in the rain again to have a look at the train station. As we were crossing the square, who should we run into but Eve and Max! It was really great to see them and we were looking forward to sharing our Italian adventure with them for the next nine days.
After arranging to meet at the hotel bar at 5pm, we found that the happy hour commenced at 6.30pm. So we headed out to find a bar with reasonable prices. We found a bar, not sure about the reasonable prices though. After being seated, we ordered drinks, only to be informed that we had to order food as well. After two drinks each and some anti pasta to share, we returned to the hotel for happy hour, 91 euros poorer, but having enjoyed the experience all the same.
For dinner, yes, there were those among us who were still hungry, so after a drink at happy hour, we found a Vietnamese restaurant across the street where we ordered hot and spicy soup. Just the thing to soak up all that bread we had been scoffing.
No comments:
Post a Comment