Our day started with a train trip from Annecy to Chambery where we switched trains for one that would take us to Milan. We were a little concerned because our train was about 5 minutes late arriving in Chambery and we only had 25 minutes to catch our next train. No worry our connecting train was late. We made it with no problem. Getting to Milan was the easy part. Even though we were 30 minutes late. Getting out of Milan was another story. Our reservations for a car were with Hertz. So when we arrived we looked for the Hertz location in the train station. Not finding it we went to tourist information who directed us to a location about six blocks from the station. It was raining and once outside the station we were immediately confronted with some street construction so we decided to take a taxi to the Hertz location. Arriving at Hertz we were told our reservation was with the location in the train station. Fortunately they said they would honor our reservation. We opted for the GPS which cost an amazing 16 euros per day. That was money well spent. Even with the help of the GPS it took us 45 minutes of winding through the local streets before we got on the highway and actually felt that we were making progress toward our destination. Having been lulled into a sense of accomplishment we were now headed south on the freeway. That blur in the fast lane was cars passing us. The entire trip was spiced up with a pouring rain that lasted almost until we got to our hotel. With out GPS and my companion navigator your humble writer would still be circling Milan. My fears of what would transpire trying to get out of Milan were realized.
The GPS had only one short comming in that it did not recognize our hotel but with a little interpolation we were able to find it before the evening light faded. Now we are fed and watered and ready for a good nights sleep. We are told the weather forecast for tomorrow is more rain so we will have to see what we will be able to do.
Chris - Well, we made it to Italy, although it was often hard to see through the constant rain and even lightning. Our hotel, Hotel Lauren, is beautifully positioned on the harbor in Santa Margheritis Ligure. It's actually a 4 star Best Western, you know it came highly recommended for me to stay at a Best Western! My experiences with them in the States hasn't been positive. Our room has a lovely balcony overlooking the harbor and the sea. If it ever stops raining we would have a FABULOUS view. I highly recommend it if you ever travel here. The one picture today is of the steeple from the moving car and a sample of what we passed along the Italian countryside, the rest are from our balcony.
Tomorrow calls for 70% chance of rain and thunderstorms but it's our day in Portofino so we'll see what happens. I do have to solve my shoe problem...hum...new boots...or better plastic bags???!! On to more experiences :))
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