The final day of our trip to Italy was full of disappointments and delays. Our five-star hotel experience fizzled out with a so-so breakfast in a very crowded room delivered by a waitstaff that looked annoyed to be there.
I reserved a driver to take us to the Malpensa Airport. The bellhop grabbed our luggage and threw it into the trunk of a taxi. I walked up to the counter to ask why our luggage was thrown into a taxi when I had paid for a driver to take us to the airport. A desk clerk spoke up saying our driver had a flat, so we would have to take a taxi. She had a great air of arrogance, so while watching the clock I complained for ten minutes before getting in the taxi anyway. I knew we could not miss our flight. The hotel is not even worth the mention of its name here.
Our taxi driver dropped us off at the wrong end of the terminal, and we had to walk for a good 40 minutes to the correct side. Mom was not happy.
Our flight was delayed an hour, and then we sat on the tarmac for another hour and a half, so of course we missed our connecting U.S. flight.
We landed in Newark, and after the rotten experience we had in Milan, we felt like we had arrived in the lap of kindness.
Really.
Newark.
Kindness.
Milan was that bad.
An airport employee named Gloria, pushing a wheelchair, picked up my mom at the gate, and life was filled with smiles and helpful people from then on.
Really.
In Newark!
Gloria got us through the short line for immigration and customs. She also rebooked our flights and left us at an airport diner, which suited us! Mom gave Gloria a big tip, I gave Gloria a big tip. Gloria deserved a big tip! Thank heavens for Gloria!
After we ate, we ended up watching part of The World Cup in an airport bar, cheering with strangers. The bar was mostly American, but we all shouted for Brazil and walked away saddened by Neymar’s injury.
Our flight to North Carolina took off in time for us to watch the July 4th fireworks displays down the east coast from our plane window.
I can’t say I was sad to leave Italy because I know I will be back to climb the steps to San Miniato al Monte in Florence, and sit by Orvieto’s Duomo with a glass of Urbs Vetus.
Find out how Italy changes for Laurie and her younger daughter Arden’s trip to Italy years later. There will be fantastic sites, thrilling adventure and wine, beautiful Italian wine. Coming soon…