A Fiat, A Fuel Crisis, and The Meatball that Changed My Life
Part Two
Having gone back and forth from New York to Italy countless times over the past 10 years, you would think that I could confront most travel disasters with a “seen this one before” air of worldly calm. But when it comes to international travel, you’re always a rookie.
I have to admit that the predicament in which we found ourselves at the end of Part One of this story was a new one: an electric rental car with a dwindling battery, and no way to download the mobile app necessary to charge it. As we charged toward the Hertz office in Avezzano for help, racing to reach them before the sacred three hour lunch break, I thought to myself:
So this is where technology and innovation get us. Having solved our old familiar problems— ones that we anticipated and understood—we’re now faced with an entirely new set of problems, for which we are entirely unprepared.
I suppose such things are how travel memories are made. I do admit that I will never drive by a sign for the little-known city of Avezzano without being reminded of Italy’s endless capacity to create unexpected problems and even more unlikely solutions.
Part Two:
Argh-- I know that nightmare. Surprised it's happening in June though. Usually that's a Ferragosto phenomenon. Last trip to Italy in May we were driving all over the place-- at one point, a tanker truck exploded on the A1. That was good for an hour long delay. Exciting theatre though. You know it's a bad traffic jam when the Italians start getting out of their cars and setting up lunch on the hood. Hang in there!!! Hope you find your meatball. Can't wait to see you guys!
Thanks so much!!! Really appreciate the kind words! An Emmy would be pretty amazing-- I was just hoping maybe L'Osteria di Corrado would send me some more meatballs :) Thanks again for your support!