The five days we spent in Amsterdam came about on rather short notice. We met two Dutch gals (Annette and Naomi) in our Italian classes in Alghero who encouraged us to go. Rod went on line and got two tickets on Ryanair for under 100 Euro (for both of us!). Crazy. The next lowest fare we could arrange was over 1000 Euro.
The only downside was the weight restrictions on baggage so we had to send a box of books, clothes and gear back to Canada (the third one so far).
Ok, so the post office. In the stifling heat, I cycled to the post office with the box held on to the rack on the rental bike with a couple of Rod's belts. It was quite wobbly and in danger of breaking from metal fatigue but I made it. Took a number from the machine - one that started with "p" for parcel (I guess) and waited. Finally my number came up, the guy weighed the box - 12.3 kgs - and then said I would have to come back tomorrow morning to mail it. Couldn't be done in the afternoon. Why? No explanation. I almost had a meltdown and refused to leave without him sending the thing.
I was hot, thirsty and tired. But after some argument, I had no choice but to leave and wobbled my way back to the apartment. Bright and early the next morning, I loaded the box packed with exactly the same items on the bike again and rode to a different branch. The box was mailed but guess what? Now it weighed over 13.1 kgs. Neat. Rod said it must have "taken on humidity" overnight.
On our Way
3 weeks ago
I totally remember the monothilic Potse Italiane in Palermo that had no drop boxes for mail. All I can think is that classic Italian phrase; "not possible"...
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