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We left Cinque Terre for Milano to pick up our car rental so we could start clocking miles and seeing the countryside. Somewhere along the line, unbeknownst to us, it had been decided we needed a challenge. Upon arrival to the Milano central station (also the address of the car rental company), we found that they didn't actually MEAN the train station...it was just a guestimate. A couple guards from the army that were stationed at the...station...were nice enough to direct us in the right...direction?? Haha! Anyway, we found what the rental company REALLY meant by "Milano Central Station"...a few blocks away in a building with it's very own address. Although that building was now condemned, having been bought out and evacuated more than a month ago. We got the low down from the nice police men who were nearby. With no idea where the half upright sign indicating the new location was, the officers got out theirs map and left us with their loosely interpreted suggestions. Several MORE blocks and equally hidden away, we found the new, currently occupied, rental company. They were closed- 21 minutes ago. Luckily, there was an after-hours drop off office...back past where we had just been. We found it, found the man to talk to..."no English" he said...as he RAN away into the parking garage. Hm. That's what we thought also.
Enough of this, jumped back on the train and headed to Siena. We're savvy travelers though, and tired- not trying to figure confusing transfers out on our own- no way. Got a conductor to put us on the right train. 
It was just over 3 hours when we should have been getting close to our destination...things just weren't looking right. Time to ask someone. Siena? Siena?? NoNoNo! No Siena here! Haha, we sure are funny Canadians!
Off the train. We were exactly half way between nowhere and completely lost. Found a nice man working at the "station"...just over an hour, a train to Siena. A little past 11pm, we arrive in Siena. 6 hours late, no map, no car, no clue. Hail a cab, give the address (fingers crossed), arrive at our apartment...luckily the owners were nice enough to leave the keys in the door for us!! Gorgeous place. Crash.

Unexpected reservation charges above eurail pass- 30€.
Time added to anticipated travel plans- 6 hours.
Banking a truly European travel experience- priceless.

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