Two for Milan Please ~ August 17, 2013 (Part One)

"Two for Milan please" Alain said to the lady at the American Airlines check in counter.  Suddenly it all felt real and we were on our way..... eighteen hours later we were chatting to Alberto at the Avis counter in Milan airport, a very friendly chap who sent us off in a snazzy cute wee blue car.  Our destination, Sestri Levanti, four plus hours drive from Milan.

Feeling rather apprehensive about this driving plan, I had in advance suggested to Alain that I should drive while he navigates with one of his many GPS devices, giving me clear verbal instructions. Off we went and immediately outside of the Avis car park, I said "okay Alain tell me where to go. " He replied "I can't until the GPS starts working - lets get away from the airport by driving through those gates on the left." I pulled into the lane with an automated gate.  Alain shouted "no this is the entry gate back into the airport, you must reverse." This became rather complicated as I had a barrier in front of me and several cars in the line behind me. So while in Rome, do as the Romans do - I got out of the car and waved my arms in a dramatic way and all the cars got in reverse and we were free and on our way! Glad I couldn't hear what those other drivers had to say!

Finally we are heading in the correct direction on the Autostrada, zipping along like the locals.  "Prepare for the next exit" said Alain along with the nice lady living within the GPS box.  Sadly a terrible accident had just happened and we were now being diverted through a very busy town with many roundabouts.

Trish: "Alain Darling, do give me clear exit directions as we go around the roundabouts.

Alain: "No problem"

Alain: " Okay exit here"

Trish: "Where?"

Alain:" There"

Trish: "Alain please be more specific."

Alain: "Just watch my signals."

Trish: "Alain I'm watching the road, please use your words."

 Alain: "Okay, this one, now, now, now!"

Trish:"Oh my God I need a drink!"

Back on the Autostrada after several more anxious roundabout moments of miscommunication,  we are still in one piece and moving along confidently again.  Lots of traffic around us and behind a Tanker Truck, which for some reason needed to brake suddenly and the truck fish-tailed across the three lanes of busy traffic. It's miraculous that nobody crashed into it, but at that moment I did feel my world go into slow motion, as I was sure the cars following us may crash in a domino effect behind us.  The Italian Gods must have been with us, as it didn't happen and Alain and I looked at each other in a state of shock knowing it was a reminder of how fragile life can be!

Alain had reminded me several times that when entering the automated toll booths on the Autostrada, do not enter the one called Telepass. It is reserved for Italians with prepaid passes, be sure to enter the blue lanes only! "No worries Darling" I replied. Shortly afterwards, as we approached one I could hear Alain's words of advice in my head, but like a Lemming jumping off a cliff, I managed to enter it anyway. As we both stared at the barrier preventing us from moving forward, I looked at Alain with a blank expression on my face and he said "so now what are we going to do?"  I replied "I'm experienced in this kind of problem, I'll take care of it." I jumped out of the car again and waved my arms at the line of cars now gathered behind us. A few arms waved back and soon they all started to go in reverse! I noticed a button, bright red in color saying help in English. I found this comforting knowing others have found themselves in the same position. A mans voice came over a speaker in Italian and I said " I'm ever so sorry, but I'm in your Telepass Lane with no pass."  He said something else in Italian and I repeated myself in English.  He repeated something else in Italian and I once again repeated myself in English.  Although I couldn't see this person, I'm sure he too was waving his arms. Of course there was the option of joining the others and attempting the Autostrada in reverse, but I decided going forward was difficult enough! Finally I heard an Italian word coming from the speaker, which I recognized "Andiamo."  The barrier, raised up and once again we were free and on our way!

Suddenly the scenery changed as we got our first glimpse of the ocean ...... oh so beautiful! We drove through a series of tunnels which had been carved into mountains. In between we captured the beauty of the pastel colored homes scattered over the hills. Exotic Palm Trees blowing in the breeze and the roads became more narrow and curved with every turn. But with each of those turns, another breathtaking view lay ahead of us.

Finally there was the sign welcoming us to Sestri Levanti.  Our lady friend inside the magical GPS asked us to drive along the sea front and then into a wee cobbled winding street, which was so narrow we felt the need to breathe in.  There was Hotel Hevetia, looking so very inviting with flowers flowing all around it, and a swimming pool perched on the hill overlooking the entire bay.  Alain took care of the car and I went into the hotel,  the lovely Receptionist said "Welcome Pat-Reez-Ah, would you like a drink-ah? I'm not sure if she had taken one look at me and thought this poor women is in desperate need of a drink, or if it was standard procedure. But regardless and without hesitation, I replied "oh yes please." I so enjoyed that Campari-Orange!

Our room is a calming yellow with French doors opening up over the ocean. Boats fill the bay and people stroll along the beach. It's all so heavenly!  But while in Rome, do as the Romans do.....it's time for Siesta! Actually we have just learned that the Italians refer to it as riposo, oh such a civilized tradition!


We awoke feeling ever so refreshed and ready to explore our new surroundings. We strolled into the town through the cobbled streets and observed the lively Italians in their special surroundings.  We found a nice restaurant by the waterfront and sat outside next to a couple of Italian fellows, along with their wee doggy, Lilly. We chatted and gathered valuable information about the area, and it was a good memory of our first evening in Italy.

Slept like babies and awoke refreshed and raring to go. Enjoyed Buffett Breakfast on the balcony of the hotel as we absorbed the view.  Later we both walked around the town and then I lounged around the pool.  Alain on the other hand will not relax until all his gadgets are in order, so purchasing an Italian phone along with some more wires and gadgets, became top priority for him!  It's like going on holiday with a CIA Agent and already one half of our room has been take over with wires, lap tops and various other gadgets, such as remote control helicopters. I do wonder what the maid thinks when she comes into our room!