I like to plan ahead, way ahead. So, on Friday, 6 giugno, I decided to walk to the Hertz rental car agency to see how far it was and what the pedestrian situation was like. It was very hot on the walk and very little shade. I had to cross several busy streets which was a bit hair-raising. There are crosswalks, but I don’t believe there is a “pedestrians have the right of way” law or attitude. The Hertz agency is located on the outskirts of town in an industrial area and right next to the on-ramp/off-ramp of the strada (highway). The look of the agency was disappointing to say the least. It makes sense though. Benevento is not a big tourist place. The door was closed, no windows, and not a car in sight. There was a sign posted with the business hours though. I wasn’t too thrilled about the hot hike or the looks of the place. I needed a plan B.
I walked back to the apartment and found a bit of a different route over a pedestrian/bike bridge that looked modern. I stayed on the bike part though, because the pedestrian part was wood and sounded a bit creaky. I didn’t want to fall through to the river! (I think I’m exaggerating, but better safe than sorry). When I got back to the apartment, I cooled off a bit and decided I wanted to go to this deli I had seen to get a panino (sandwich). I headed out again, sweat stains on my shirt, but “oh well.” On my way, I saw a sign for an Italian car rental agency called “Noleggiare.It”. I made note of it to check out online when I got back to the apartment. The deli was just ahead and I was hot and hungry. To my dismay, the deli was not open. Business openings are somewhat hit or miss here, especially during the late morning/early afternoon. I knew if I headed toward the Trajan Arch, I’d find something open.
I found Roni’s, they advertised their hamburgers on their signage and had piazza seating with view of the Arch. I decided to give it a try. I was the only one there initially, but a group of Catholic tourists from Salina, Kansas showed up too for lunch. It was fun to talk to them about what they had seen and where they were headed on their tour. I was able to help them with the menu too. The cheeseburger was delicious as was the ice cold beer. I’m glad this plan B worked out well especially after the nearly 4 miles of walking I did in the heat.
When I got back to the apartment I looked up the Italian rental agency for my other Plan B. They had a great website that was easy to use, the rental wasn’t too expensive, and the local agency is really close to where I am. I have my fingers crossed they bring cars in as they are needed, because that location looked pretty bare too. The reviews were really good and recent, so I think I’ll be fine. I pick up the car Saturday, June 14 and will head to Pietrelcina which is the town next to Pago Veiano. Pago Veiano is where my great grandparents lived before the emigrated to the US. I will stay in that area until June 17, come back to the apartment for one night and then say “Arrivederci” to this part of my trip and head to Napoli for 4 days before meeting up with Gamaliel and company in Rome.
Today, I’m off to Bari on the train. I leave in a couple of hours. L’avventura continua…
You do stay busy! Lots to see!
Planning ahead makes for less stress in the travel day! And you find little treasures like the Italian car rental. Get the full insurance package, Dr. Lagozzino!