(WARNING -- not many photos today--- just surviving another long drive)
Our last day in Croatia, I think Savage was very excited. He got up and out fast. I leisurely got ready and went down to the gazebo to read. I am loving this little waterside daybed relaxation spot. There was a very nice red headed lady down there also. We sat and visited. She was English but she and her husband (an accountant in the oil business) had lived all over the world - including Alabama. That’s where she thought I was from... close, very close. They lived in Alaska, Spain and Indonesia --- A life of a true vagabond.
As a small town girl, who loves to travel, this doesn’t sound so bad. But I do love to come home and know the people who are passing me on the street. I guess that is a weird combination -- comfortable on the small town streets knowing everyone and loving exploring a city street in a country where I don’t speak the language.
Savage is a kindred spirit but he doesn’t really have that home base like I do. He has lived all over -- London, Dublin, Auckland, and Sydney. He is a surfer who works to support his habit. Kind of like me, I work (but at a little more stable job) to support my traveling habit (and retail therapy habit).
Also he has a different traveling style -- more relaxed and see what you see, but enjoy the local flavor and culture. I get a little more anxiety and like to see as many of the “tourist spots” as possible. But I do like the “go where the wind blows you” theory. On this trip, I am going to try and adopt the “Savage attitude” and maybe some healthier eating habits as well. We will see how long I can lay off the desserts and bread. I do think I have lost a little weight already, hopeful thinking.
Our plan today was to fly to Italy and then drive to the Italian Riveria to meet up with our old friend from London, Helen. She and her family have a “villa”/flat/condo at the beach. Yippee a few days with another person (too much togetherness is sometimes too much togetherness, even though he is fun) and to relax at the beach.
I repacked my bag as best I could but I knew there would be problems. I admit it (in writing, online) -- I packed too much. There was no problem with the car (guess they didn’t see the place where the idiot keyed us). Thankfully the lady at the desk took pity on me. Savage gave me tons of grief over my suitcase (I think he finds my “too muchness” too much but entertaining). But he was sweet enough to let me put some of my books in his bag and helped me throw out the water I had put in my bag (we hadn’t drank it all, waste not want not -- so we dumped it). He took a picture, which I know is funny, but I haven’t seen it again. (S - would love to have a copy of some of those pics -- hint hint.)
We had some Kuna (Croatian currency) left and bought a couple of chicken rhombus sandwiches -- they were good. Security wasn’t like the US at all (kept our shoes on). We had some twitty Brazilian teenagers in front of us -- what were their parents thinking letting them jet around Europe?
Interesting airport:
Lots of people getting on the plane and it loaded like a bus. The Italian steward was a cutie pie -- I was going to like being back in Italy :) We sat close to the front and had a whole row to ourselves. I curled up in the corner and slept. Somehow, Savage ended up with my cool ear phones, how did that happen? If it keeps him happy, so be it.
Quick flight to Milan, landed at Terminal 2. Of course our car was at Terminal 1. I really didn’t have that much of a problem with that at first (other than the fact I needed to go to the bathroom and was starving (we were both starving and cranky) -- oh yeah and hot and sweating too -- it was sweltering in Italy).
Savage stayed with the luggage and I got on the shuttle (didn’t tell him but the people on there with me were not nice). It shuttled and shuttled and shuttled and felt like I was going to the other side of the city. Would he have the patience to wait on me? I was a little worried.
By the time I hiked from the bus stop to the car rental counter I was pooped out. And the line was forever long. I kept my head though. Had no problem there but then had to walk out again -- past the bus stop to the car park area. I was going to have to come back to get Savage listed as a driver -- fun fun another 40 minutes to our trip. Our friend at the coast was expecting us. So by the time I got to our mini Mercedes Benz (would my bag fit?) I was flustered. Then I had to find my way back to Terminal 1 -- thank goodness I watched on the shuttle. Luckily Savage was sitting there with the packs waiting. Dang he can be patient sometimes (was relieved to see him and calmed down quickly). I was gone for quite awhile. We sorted out the car and then hit the road in Milan. We had problems here last time we were in Italy as well... could we find our way out??
Yes, there was a little traffic and yes, we got turned around. What is it about Milan? But this time, we couldn’t end up at Lake Como (last time we ended up fortuitously in Lake Como and the beautiful Belvedere Hotel). On correct road out of town and we found the McDonald’s on their interstate. We parked on our side of the road and Savage recognized the place as where we stopped the last time here. What is this with this weird trip, it’s almost backwards in a way. At least we were not fighting an ice cream truck (our mode of transportation last time) nor did we have two idiots in there with us (he had some interestingly stupid travel companions the last time I met him here).
While Savage was in the restroom, I called home to not so great news, but not tragic thankfully. It’s all good, I have faith it will work it's way out. On the road to the Italian Riveria and Helen’s place, thankfully Savage was driving down the windy roads, I was glad to be the passenger. He tackled the Genoa traffic -- and there was lots of people and traffic. Beautiful drive through the mountains and flatlands (a variety of scenery).
GPS’d her place and drove up into the very blocked off area where their place is. Neighbors quite out of sorts with us, tough for them. Got her on the phone and finally found her exact place. Unloaded the car (yes, I took my big suitcase up -- great opportunity to repack for a road trip) and then parked at the train station across the bridge (I parked and then walked back -- let Savage decompress - tough driving and, I am sure in his mind, tough co-pilot too). Thank goodness we were off the road.
Helen’s place was very cool --- a second floor condo (they call them villas here) overlooking the town, harbor, and coastline. Funnily enough our major road trip topic of conversation was whether or not we would have A/C -- we got our answer --- none. What is up with that? No fans either. But their place was super nice.
Her two sons, E and F, were there -- they looked like a handful (little did I know how correct I was) and little angels at the same time. E was under the weather, poor kid. I can’t imagine how he was handling it -- I hate it being sick and hot. And he was both.
Savage was feeling much better (thankfully for everyone’s sake) and almost back in “taking the piss out of everyone” form. Helen had a great meal for us -- parma ham and cantaloupe overlooking the bay. FYI she can "take the piss" out of him better than anyone.
When the kids went to sleep, I went in the room to repack (can’t be taking this bag in ever again on this road trip) and let Helen and Savage visit alone. Took a pill to sleep through the night and it worked.
Did I mention how much I love Italy and would go here often -- even in a converted ice cream truck...... Looking forward to a great few days visiting with Helen and her lovely family and then on to a great Italian Adventure. Fell in love with Croatia and would go back, but Italy is still Italy -- Buona notte. :)
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