Mr Toad's wild ride

Another lightning and thunderstorm filled night, we awoke on Wednesday in Positano deciding to hit the road north for a 7 hour drive. We had thought we might stop and stay overnight along the way, but found nothing too intriguing. With two hours to go to Cinque Terre, we just decided to drive to our final destination. Once again the heavens opened up on us. We had reservations at a hotel in Portovenere beginning on Thursday night, but called ahead and asked if we could arrive a day early, we’d be there is less than 2 hours, or so we thought. Portovenere is on the Italian Rivera, about a 20 minute boat ride from the 1st of the 5 towns of Cinque Terre (5 fishing villages). Thank goodness for our friendly Navigation system that leads us to the long, narrow and winding road to our hotel. The Nav system counted down, destination is 6 minutes, then 5, 4, we knew we were close. It was pouring rain and lightning like crazy. We couldn’t find or see the hotel. It was so dark, no one was home in this building, than that one, wait there was no power is this town, we couldn’t see anything! Funny enough, thought we were on a hilltop, then we rounded this corner and there was the ocean. We’re on a one way street, so we’ll need to circle this town once again. This time we turn on another road, we’re going uphill, it’s getting narrower, thick with brush and Mr. Nav shows us on an unmarked road. There’s nowhere to go, it’s a dead end so were forced to turn around. Back on the road, we saw a police car and we pull up to them. They don’t speak English but points up the hill and say look for a temple. Well thanks a lot, how about a police escort! So up the hill again. Glenn pulls the car over to walk up this steep driveway because in case he’s wrong, he doesn’t want to back the car down. Now mind you, this is the set up for one of those scary movies when you know you’re not supposed to leave the female in the car. Moments later Glenn’s orange cap is visible coming down the hill, this isn’t the place! Let’s try calling, but the cell won’t connect, there’s no power in the town. We decided we should give up on this town, and head back to a larger town with power! But then we see these people on the sidewalk. Do you know where this hotel is, do you speak English? Ah, American’s and it’s here. The lights come up and we unload the car, Glenn goes to park. Standing on the sidewalk, the lights go again. Where’s that flashlight? Now in the hotel, its 9:30 and the restaurant is only serving pasta, providing the power stays on. The waiter warns the power could go. We pull out our flashlight, order some wine, laugh about our adventure and high five each other on remaining calm in the car.