The only hiccup in our return to Milan airport for the return flight to Amsterdam was trying to find gas to fill up the car. If a gas station had been central to the plot of “Deliverance,” we managed to find two potential filming locations.
We had driven 90% of the way to the airport before seeing our first gas station. And it was from the early 1960s. Finally, I just gave up and pulled out of the station. With seven miles to go to the airport, we stopped in one from the 1950s with no indication of how to pay, who to pay, and how to pump. They were both in the middle of the woods, so leaving was the better part of figuring it all out.
I was resigned to paying the skyhigh per liter rate at Avis when, with three miles to go, we came to a more modern station. The attendant ran to our car as we pulled in, smartly filled up the VW, whipped out the credit card machine, touch the card, and go.
Returning the car in the Malpensa Airport (we had flown into xxxx Airport, clear on the other side of the city) was a bit tricky, as the Avis Rental Car return sign was hard to see. However, one illegal swerve across oncoming lanes (no oncoming cars at that time!) and we were on our way into the terminal.
Given how messed up European airports are this year (especially Heathrow in London and Schipol in Amsterdam) we took the “get there three hours early admonition seriously.” With no bags to check however (all carry on).
We arrived back in Amsterdam and only had to wait a few minutes for our pre-booked taxi. At 35 Euros, it was literally 40 Euros cheaper than the cab we had taken a week earlier. Suffice it to say, I have to believe that the first cab took us for a ride, literally and figuratively!
Arriving at our Canalboat, we were met by the property manager, who gave us a quick tour, pointing things we needed to know, and left us to our own devices for the next three nights.
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