Keep Cool
After being locked down for two years, we set about planning our trip to Italy to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary. Airline, car rental, hotel. Check we were good to go.
We were going to Florence, Rome, and visit the small towns of Tuscany. The wonderful thing about Italy and Florence, Rome, Venice, and Milan is that the cities are are easy to walk. The trains and public transportation are excellent.
Italy is an open air museum. With all the wonderful museums it's just as beautiful and perhaps more enjoyable to just walk around and enjoy the incredible outdoor works of art. From the buildings, architecture, fountains, and piazzas. Every church is a work of art.
But the best thing about is Italy is the people. When you try and speak Italian they respond in English. They are very welcoming and friendly. Just like anything in life you find what you are looking for.
So, after landing in Milan, we went to Avis to pick up our rental car at the airport. The little Fiat stick shift was in slot 196. We got our key walked to the slot, the door was open, and I jumped in the car. I emptied my pockets including my wallet and phone in preparation of the long ride to the hotel.
When I tried to insert the key in the ignition it did not fit. I then noticed that the car was not a Fiat but an Opel. I started walking back to the car rental when I noticed a black Fiat in a nearby space. I tried the key and the car started right up. I then realized I didn't have my phone and returned to the old car to grab my phone.
We loaded up the Fiat and began our journey from Milan to Montecatini which is a beautiful small Tuscan town 20 miles from Florence. Montecatini is known for its salt waters and relaxing spas and visits by famous Opera composers Giuseppe Verdi and Giacomo Puccini.
We were cruising down to Tuscany on our three hour journey when I realized that I did not have my wallet. I knew where the wallet was but did not want to turn around so when we arrived at our destination we called the car agency. We left a message, I checked my accounts and everything was good.
Instead of canceling my cards, we decided to keep an eye on the funds with the hope that it was safe and would be returned.
One thing we've learned while traveling is that something is always going to happen, from jumping on the wrong train, to getting lost, to a missing reservation, to losing your wallet. So, after emerging from my grumpy state of mind. I settled in and kept hoping. I would check the accounts every few days and all was good.
After two weeks enjoying Italia, we returned to the airport. As I approached the car rental counter I held my breath and asked if someone returned a wallet. They went to the back office and returned with an envelope. Upon opening the envelope, there was my wallet with license, cards, and cash intact.
I just happened to leave my personal phone in the States, and when we returned home I found a message on my phone from Christian of Finland saying he found my wallet in the rental car and returned it to the agency.
After two weeks gallivanting around Italy, a stranger from Finland finds my wallet. Thank you Christian.
And you will know they are Christians by their Love.
With Love,
Coach K
