I seriously have no idea what the purpose is of travel insurance. With my trip to Europe, even though the travel agent didn't think that the trip was very expensive, I still opted to get the insurance. Afterall, outside of Canada and the Bahamas, it was my first international trip in almost two decades.
So I really thought that I was protecting myself by getting the trip insurance for the tour as well as airline insurance through Travelocity. When the airlines grounded the plane due to the 777 issues, I thought the insurance would cover it. One of them, at least.
I missed an entire day and evening in London. I did get there the following morning and the airlines covered meals and the hotel. Travelocity told me that the insurance didn't cover the trip interruption by the airline. Tripmate insurance for the tour said that they would.
When I returned, after a second request, I did submit the travel claim to Tripmate as well as my complaint letter to the tour company. The tour company gave me $14.17 to reimburse the extra taxi cost that I paid and that was it. Two other guests in the UK were given $50 and $75 from their complaint letters. Sigh...My travel insurance claim included the cost of one day/night and less than $10 for migraine medicine I purchased at the airport and a dollar or so that the airport meal vouchers didn't cover.
Today I received a message from Tripmate that they will be sending two separate checks, to cover the medication and the meal. In regard to the reimbursement for the missed day, the insurance didn't cover that kind of trip interruption.
Sigh...think the only break that I'm going to get...is an arm or a leg. Or should I say, if it weren't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all?
Just seems like no one wants to take accountability. So bum deal that I managed to pay for TWO insurances and neither manage to assist me with compensation for my missed day and opportunity in London but I manage to be compensated for $10.00, and honestly I think it's really only $8.50.
What a deal.
Showing posts with label Vacation - Europe. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vacation - Europe. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Monday, May 12, 2008
Travel Trials
Today is just one of those travel troublesome days. Maybe it's time to finally put closure to some of the loose ends of my latest travel adventures. Although I didn't think today would have anything at all to do with my travels.
It started off with a forwarded email from my mom and the travel company I booked the plane tickets through Grenada. I used my mom's email and address, when I should have used my own. Anyway, the tickets were canceled that we just finally secured and purchased last week! Sigh...so if we chose to cancel, if allowed, there would be fees but there is no recourse if the airlines or agent cancel. So, I emailed that my mom should call the agent booking number and see what was going on. Long story short, they claimed the tickets went up $59/each so they canceled the tickets as they were unable to contact anyone about the increase. My mom called with another option that was going to be $500 for the three tickets with 9-10 hour layovers in JFK and Baltimore...ugh. So much for exploring Trinidad on a layover. I told my mom to not book them, I would search more but we were disconnected. She booked those tickets and then apparently talked with yet another person and found the same rate we originally had and then booked those while the first ones of the morning were credited. Six hours later, we may have new tickets. Better her than me on the phone, my tolerance would have never lasted sixty minutes let alone six hours! I'm rather skeptical as two of our flights fly at 1:30a.m. so I questioned if it was legit. I wasn't at a computer to look into it, and I have never heard of regularly scheduled flights flying so late, but they claim they are real. Will have to find out if they sell them at that and then delay until the next day.
Then during the phone calls with my mom, the auction called to follow up from our conversation on Friday. I was almost impressed with the guy on the phone on Friday. Ok, maybe I thought he got it. I thought wrong. He told me that since we wanted to travel during blackout dates that the price would be over $2k more than we are paying. Except, we aren't going during blackout dates! I told him that and he said, "You want to travel in December, right?" "No, that would be AUGUST." So he says, "Oh yeah, August. That's a higher rate too." Whatever buddy. Can you at least lie better than THAT?
Have I ever mentioned how irritating I find INCOMPETENCE?
Waiting for me in my mailbox (after I found two roses stuck in between my doors when I came home) was a letter from the travel company about my complaint. Very nice and politically correct, it was. Bottomline, Cosmos is a budget travel company. Sorry that you had issues with the tour guide, bus driver and another traveler. Hope you still had good memories. Blah, blah, blah. Oh yeah, and seeing that some taxi drivers are liars, we've included $14.71 to cover the additional charges in the exchange rate at the time, that you incurred traveling to the airport. Warm wishes and we hope you will travel with us again. YEAH...NOT.
So maybe my travel isn't going so well. I still have to get a passport for my son and actually find out if his dad will let me exercise my two weeks vacation during that time. Looks like I'll have to rely on my trusty "Friend" of the Court for some assistance...SUPER. Maybe a notary letter will be a better option than finding a time that my son, his dad and I can all be in the same place at the same time to get his passport. If only the passport locale could be at the ball field...Now there's an idea...
It started off with a forwarded email from my mom and the travel company I booked the plane tickets through Grenada. I used my mom's email and address, when I should have used my own. Anyway, the tickets were canceled that we just finally secured and purchased last week! Sigh...so if we chose to cancel, if allowed, there would be fees but there is no recourse if the airlines or agent cancel. So, I emailed that my mom should call the agent booking number and see what was going on. Long story short, they claimed the tickets went up $59/each so they canceled the tickets as they were unable to contact anyone about the increase. My mom called with another option that was going to be $500 for the three tickets with 9-10 hour layovers in JFK and Baltimore...ugh. So much for exploring Trinidad on a layover. I told my mom to not book them, I would search more but we were disconnected. She booked those tickets and then apparently talked with yet another person and found the same rate we originally had and then booked those while the first ones of the morning were credited. Six hours later, we may have new tickets. Better her than me on the phone, my tolerance would have never lasted sixty minutes let alone six hours! I'm rather skeptical as two of our flights fly at 1:30a.m. so I questioned if it was legit. I wasn't at a computer to look into it, and I have never heard of regularly scheduled flights flying so late, but they claim they are real. Will have to find out if they sell them at that and then delay until the next day.
Then during the phone calls with my mom, the auction called to follow up from our conversation on Friday. I was almost impressed with the guy on the phone on Friday. Ok, maybe I thought he got it. I thought wrong. He told me that since we wanted to travel during blackout dates that the price would be over $2k more than we are paying. Except, we aren't going during blackout dates! I told him that and he said, "You want to travel in December, right?" "No, that would be AUGUST." So he says, "Oh yeah, August. That's a higher rate too." Whatever buddy. Can you at least lie better than THAT?
Have I ever mentioned how irritating I find INCOMPETENCE?
Waiting for me in my mailbox (after I found two roses stuck in between my doors when I came home) was a letter from the travel company about my complaint. Very nice and politically correct, it was. Bottomline, Cosmos is a budget travel company. Sorry that you had issues with the tour guide, bus driver and another traveler. Hope you still had good memories. Blah, blah, blah. Oh yeah, and seeing that some taxi drivers are liars, we've included $14.71 to cover the additional charges in the exchange rate at the time, that you incurred traveling to the airport. Warm wishes and we hope you will travel with us again. YEAH...NOT.
So maybe my travel isn't going so well. I still have to get a passport for my son and actually find out if his dad will let me exercise my two weeks vacation during that time. Looks like I'll have to rely on my trusty "Friend" of the Court for some assistance...SUPER. Maybe a notary letter will be a better option than finding a time that my son, his dad and I can all be in the same place at the same time to get his passport. If only the passport locale could be at the ball field...Now there's an idea...
Sunday, April 27, 2008
My "REAL" European Vacation
I've managed to post many blogs about my European Vacation and the wonderful attractions and people- but here is the "REAL DEAL".
Above were the various accommodations. The private beach would have been nice had it not been snowing. The personal trailers were sufficiently sized for two. As you can see, some of them were much nicer than others, but completely what I had anticipated for my "budget tour".
Like the accommodations, there were also a variety of transportation options from country to country. From personal tour guide vehicles to the truck with no window view from the back - fortunately this was used for our shorter jaunts, mainly for our local tours. The railway train was pretty fast and while I have it pictured, we weren't ever on it, it was only fast and loud behind the accommodations.
The bathrooms also varied, mainly in color and smell, but overall were pretty consistent per country.
Then there were a few signs that regardless of not having a clue what they said, made me laugh and go "hmmmm".
Monday, April 14, 2008 Chicago-Home
The morning is rather uneventful, although the screaming baby twice throughout the early hours was obnoxious. Many of the hotel guests were out in the hall around 6a.m., likely awoken by the baby as well. I was almost tempted to call the front desk as I was beginning to get concerned about the baby. But I didn't.
I finally got out of bed. I shower to dress in the same clothes. Something just not quite right about that. I had quite a bit of clothes that I didn't wear during the trip - mainly because I had work-out clothes and other clothes to change into. I didn't realize that for the most part, we were on the bus the majority of time that changing clothes wasn't really necessary. I wouldn't say that I'm one for clothes, fashion or shopping, but I seemed to be one of few that didn't recycle my clothes. I can't say that I would do it differently for my next trip either. I was under the weight restrictions for my suitcase, so why not?
As I mentioned earlier, I also managed to leave all of my money, credit cards (but one), passport, license, etc. by the computer I used at the hotel last night. Fortunately, within minutes of returning to my room I decided to put my one credit card away. Whew, maybe there is hope for me yet - nah, I wouldn't have left it had there been hope!
Seeing that the hotel was in the middle of nowhere, I had no desire to take a taxi around Chicago or venture to do anything else. The thought of clean clothes was somewhat inviting, but the ordeals and issues I would likely find to get the clothes wasn't. I managed to get Sprint to send me a refurbished phone for free due to the inconvenience of the local repair store being an hour away! I left the hotel at noon and headed for the airport. My flight wasn't until 7:00p.m. and earlier flights were apparently booked. With my first class ticket in hand, I was able to bypass the longer economy and coach lines! There was a flight leaving at 1:30p.m. which I was able to get on a wait list for. The flight was actually delayed and I managed to get a middle exit row seat on the plane and we took off at about 2:30p.m.
Unfortunately for me, I had managed to consume my 8 Dramamine, finishing the last one the day before. But the 50 minute flight couldn't be that bad, right? Wrong! Even with the extra room, the middle seat made me feel claustrophobic. The plane was hitting never ending turbulence and my anxiety was increasing and I could feel the blood rushing to my head. This wasn't good. When are we going to descend? I can do this. I can make it. The plane finally landed. I couldn't get off the plane fast enough!
My luggage was behind the counter since it had arrived the night before. It was nice to not have to wait for it to be unloaded from the plane. It was nice to see the sun and see my car in the parking lot. Even nicer was the fact that I thought the two weeks of parking was $198 and it was only $96, bonus! Amazing how excited I was over saving money that I didn't even spend!
The drive home was uneventful and the house was still standing. I was in my house before 5p.m., less than 24 hours later than initially planned, better rested and with a RT airfare for my next adventure around the US.
2008: Year of Travel - It could very well be a GREAT YEAR.
To summarize to date since returning home, life has resumed as normal. I've emailed several people from the trip, talked to one on the phone and mailed (which I never mail anything!) three photo disks out to fellow travelers. My mailbox was void of the claim forms for the trip interruption - go figure. I finally got around to making another call to request the forms and made a semi-complaint which a letter in writing was suggested in addition to the request for the reimbursement of the 9.30 euros. I did finally receive the claim form last week, which I made time to finish and submit. In addition, I typed up a 2.5 page complaint letter to Cosmos about the tour. There were many things I left out, but I'm pretty sure it was rather thorough. I even spelled it out that I hope no one else had to endure a tour with TG or Bus driver ever again. Donald Trump, can I get a "YOU'RE FIRED"?
I finally got out of bed. I shower to dress in the same clothes. Something just not quite right about that. I had quite a bit of clothes that I didn't wear during the trip - mainly because I had work-out clothes and other clothes to change into. I didn't realize that for the most part, we were on the bus the majority of time that changing clothes wasn't really necessary. I wouldn't say that I'm one for clothes, fashion or shopping, but I seemed to be one of few that didn't recycle my clothes. I can't say that I would do it differently for my next trip either. I was under the weight restrictions for my suitcase, so why not?
As I mentioned earlier, I also managed to leave all of my money, credit cards (but one), passport, license, etc. by the computer I used at the hotel last night. Fortunately, within minutes of returning to my room I decided to put my one credit card away. Whew, maybe there is hope for me yet - nah, I wouldn't have left it had there been hope!
Seeing that the hotel was in the middle of nowhere, I had no desire to take a taxi around Chicago or venture to do anything else. The thought of clean clothes was somewhat inviting, but the ordeals and issues I would likely find to get the clothes wasn't. I managed to get Sprint to send me a refurbished phone for free due to the inconvenience of the local repair store being an hour away! I left the hotel at noon and headed for the airport. My flight wasn't until 7:00p.m. and earlier flights were apparently booked. With my first class ticket in hand, I was able to bypass the longer economy and coach lines! There was a flight leaving at 1:30p.m. which I was able to get on a wait list for. The flight was actually delayed and I managed to get a middle exit row seat on the plane and we took off at about 2:30p.m.
Unfortunately for me, I had managed to consume my 8 Dramamine, finishing the last one the day before. But the 50 minute flight couldn't be that bad, right? Wrong! Even with the extra room, the middle seat made me feel claustrophobic. The plane was hitting never ending turbulence and my anxiety was increasing and I could feel the blood rushing to my head. This wasn't good. When are we going to descend? I can do this. I can make it. The plane finally landed. I couldn't get off the plane fast enough!
My luggage was behind the counter since it had arrived the night before. It was nice to not have to wait for it to be unloaded from the plane. It was nice to see the sun and see my car in the parking lot. Even nicer was the fact that I thought the two weeks of parking was $198 and it was only $96, bonus! Amazing how excited I was over saving money that I didn't even spend!
The drive home was uneventful and the house was still standing. I was in my house before 5p.m., less than 24 hours later than initially planned, better rested and with a RT airfare for my next adventure around the US.
2008: Year of Travel - It could very well be a GREAT YEAR.
To summarize to date since returning home, life has resumed as normal. I've emailed several people from the trip, talked to one on the phone and mailed (which I never mail anything!) three photo disks out to fellow travelers. My mailbox was void of the claim forms for the trip interruption - go figure. I finally got around to making another call to request the forms and made a semi-complaint which a letter in writing was suggested in addition to the request for the reimbursement of the 9.30 euros. I did finally receive the claim form last week, which I made time to finish and submit. In addition, I typed up a 2.5 page complaint letter to Cosmos about the tour. There were many things I left out, but I'm pretty sure it was rather thorough. I even spelled it out that I hope no one else had to endure a tour with TG or Bus driver ever again. Donald Trump, can I get a "YOU'RE FIRED"?
Sunday, April 13, 2008 Paris-Germany-Illinois-Home
The alarm was set for 5:55a.m. I had to be downstairs to meet the taxi just prior to 6:30a.m. My bags were packed, I kept my contacts in so I didn't have to waste any extra time. When I looked at the clock, holy !@#$ - it was 6:18a.m.! What happened? Of course my response woke Tania too!
I got dressed as quickly as possible, brushed my teeth and grabbed my stuff. The phone rang as I was getting ready to leave the room. Tania was coming with me since in my daze I couldn't remember if I needed the room key to take the elevator down too, besides, it allowed me one last walk down the hall with my fabulous roommate! The taxi driver was anything but personable. The taxi was a Mercedes mini van. The drive to the airport was pretty quick actually. I began to get somewhat emotional as I approached the airport...which quickly turned into anger that the TG had again F'd up! The bill, 49.30 euros. NICE. Fortunately I still had about 20 euros that I hadn't managed to spend. I tried to barter that it was only 40 but that didn't get me anywhere!
I was actually so early to the airport I could have taken the hour plus earlier flight. It didn't really matter to me which airport I sat in. I never even considered the idea of getting my e-ticket and a seat assignment the day before! The man at the counter was obviously in training, good thing I had hours...literally. Somehow it was determined that my final destination was Chicago, um...NO. Somehow, with lots of french between three people they all finally said OK. Whatever that meant, I guess. I was on my way through security, which by no means was as thorough as the US. Still not knowing which plane I was actually on, I looked at the ticket and realized I was on my original plane.
It was still two hours before the plane would leave. Seeing that it was so early the gate wasn't posted on the monitors. I went to the gate that the first plane was departing and I waited. I walked around the airport, I used the bathrooms and then I decided to just sit down and journal. And that is what I did. I journaled. Then I realized I needed to go to the bathroom again but had no clue what time it was. I looked at the monitor and it was 9:05, my plane was departing at 9:20a.m. and I was suppose to board at 8:55a.m. No people, no plane, how many more delays? Then it dawns on me! WHAT??? Where were the people? Where was the plane? Oh my, I've done it again - stupidity has once again taken over my body cloning me! I had totally forgotten that I never did find out what gate the plane was leaving from, obviously NOT the one I was at! Luckily, it was only three gates down, but seriously how moronic can I be?
The flight to Frankfurt was uneventful, about 50 minutes in duration. I froze the entire way as the a/c was on super-high and my perma chill was only exacerbated by my need to go the bathroom from guzzling 1liter of water before checking in at the airport! The Frankfurt airport is relatively small and not as modern as most. We were shuttled to the terminal and then meandering around was interesting. I stopped to use the bathroom and found myself more confused as a man was heading to the sink, then I saw his young daughter in tow. After getting through security and heading to my gate, I had to wait in a general area without chairs to get through another check point to actually sit in the gate area. All over the floor were masses of high school band students. One, Trevor, was loud and obnoxious and I hoped I wasn't sitting near him, especially since I was in the middle row.
The Teacher/Chaperone of the kids kept telling them to sit in their assigned seats until the plane took off and then to make trades with other students. My luck, Trevor was in the row right in front of me! I was in the second seat of five, fortunately two were empty and I moved to the middle. Didn't help much when I needed to go the bathroom, but gave the three of us space. Trevor switched seats, so the ride was pretty uneventful. I tried to watch a few movies and listened to music.
I have a four hour layover in Chicago. Plenty of time to check messages and make some phone calls. It will nice to be home where I don't have to put in a card key for electricity, don't have to pay for toilets, I don't have issues with the shower and I have my comfy bed and pillows! I'm almost home, almost.
I talk to my son on the phone and tell him I'm looking forward to seeing him tomorrow night. His dad in the background tells our son that he is not with me, despite our trade for nights three plus weeks ago. NICE. At this point, I'm so sad and emotional, I just can't handle it. I tell my son goodbye and that I will see him Tuesday. Maybe I will show up to his practice on Monday, maybe not. Obviously, this must be for a reason too, right? It will allow me to get settled, get some sleep, unpack, etc.
The flight was completely overbooked. They were taking volunteers to give up their seats for a free RT continental US ticket, 1st class to MI same time tomorrow and a hotel in Chicago. Of course the 1st class, hour flight was useless, but seeing that I wasn't planning on working anyway and wasn't going to be getting my son, why not?
So I gave up my seat. At least that was my intention. I was told to sit and wait for my hotel information and rebooking. Then my name and two others were called. Baffled I looked at my new boarding pass, 18 seats back on the plane - for the same flight! What? Apparently the employee was so overwhelmed, she was shocked when I wasn't happy that I now had a seat on the plane. I told her that I had a seat on the plane, which she said no it was a reservation. What? Man, I seriously must be an idiot - I feel like my life these past two weeks has been full of WHAT's! Then she finally understands that I volunteered my seat that she still needs for another passenger, takes my boarding pass and tells me to sit again.
Finally, hotel voucher, $15.00 food vouchers, boarding pass for tomorrow and a RT ticket for another flight, I head to find the shuttle in O'hare for the second time this trip. I seem to be more successful this time and find where I grab the shuttle. This time I didn't pack any change of clothes - because I was homeward bound, what would I need?
The hotel was fine and other than blowing up my cell phone (prior post) it was pretty uneventful. The restaurant food was good and it was nice to have a big bed to crash into. Maybe this was another blessing in disguise as it allowed me to go to bed early since I wasn't distracted by the responsibilities of home ownership, parenthood, adulthood. Not yet.
I got dressed as quickly as possible, brushed my teeth and grabbed my stuff. The phone rang as I was getting ready to leave the room. Tania was coming with me since in my daze I couldn't remember if I needed the room key to take the elevator down too, besides, it allowed me one last walk down the hall with my fabulous roommate! The taxi driver was anything but personable. The taxi was a Mercedes mini van. The drive to the airport was pretty quick actually. I began to get somewhat emotional as I approached the airport...which quickly turned into anger that the TG had again F'd up! The bill, 49.30 euros. NICE. Fortunately I still had about 20 euros that I hadn't managed to spend. I tried to barter that it was only 40 but that didn't get me anywhere!
I was actually so early to the airport I could have taken the hour plus earlier flight. It didn't really matter to me which airport I sat in. I never even considered the idea of getting my e-ticket and a seat assignment the day before! The man at the counter was obviously in training, good thing I had hours...literally. Somehow it was determined that my final destination was Chicago, um...NO. Somehow, with lots of french between three people they all finally said OK. Whatever that meant, I guess. I was on my way through security, which by no means was as thorough as the US. Still not knowing which plane I was actually on, I looked at the ticket and realized I was on my original plane.
It was still two hours before the plane would leave. Seeing that it was so early the gate wasn't posted on the monitors. I went to the gate that the first plane was departing and I waited. I walked around the airport, I used the bathrooms and then I decided to just sit down and journal. And that is what I did. I journaled. Then I realized I needed to go to the bathroom again but had no clue what time it was. I looked at the monitor and it was 9:05, my plane was departing at 9:20a.m. and I was suppose to board at 8:55a.m. No people, no plane, how many more delays? Then it dawns on me! WHAT??? Where were the people? Where was the plane? Oh my, I've done it again - stupidity has once again taken over my body cloning me! I had totally forgotten that I never did find out what gate the plane was leaving from, obviously NOT the one I was at! Luckily, it was only three gates down, but seriously how moronic can I be?
The flight to Frankfurt was uneventful, about 50 minutes in duration. I froze the entire way as the a/c was on super-high and my perma chill was only exacerbated by my need to go the bathroom from guzzling 1liter of water before checking in at the airport! The Frankfurt airport is relatively small and not as modern as most. We were shuttled to the terminal and then meandering around was interesting. I stopped to use the bathroom and found myself more confused as a man was heading to the sink, then I saw his young daughter in tow. After getting through security and heading to my gate, I had to wait in a general area without chairs to get through another check point to actually sit in the gate area. All over the floor were masses of high school band students. One, Trevor, was loud and obnoxious and I hoped I wasn't sitting near him, especially since I was in the middle row.
The Teacher/Chaperone of the kids kept telling them to sit in their assigned seats until the plane took off and then to make trades with other students. My luck, Trevor was in the row right in front of me! I was in the second seat of five, fortunately two were empty and I moved to the middle. Didn't help much when I needed to go the bathroom, but gave the three of us space. Trevor switched seats, so the ride was pretty uneventful. I tried to watch a few movies and listened to music.
I have a four hour layover in Chicago. Plenty of time to check messages and make some phone calls. It will nice to be home where I don't have to put in a card key for electricity, don't have to pay for toilets, I don't have issues with the shower and I have my comfy bed and pillows! I'm almost home, almost.
I talk to my son on the phone and tell him I'm looking forward to seeing him tomorrow night. His dad in the background tells our son that he is not with me, despite our trade for nights three plus weeks ago. NICE. At this point, I'm so sad and emotional, I just can't handle it. I tell my son goodbye and that I will see him Tuesday. Maybe I will show up to his practice on Monday, maybe not. Obviously, this must be for a reason too, right? It will allow me to get settled, get some sleep, unpack, etc.
The flight was completely overbooked. They were taking volunteers to give up their seats for a free RT continental US ticket, 1st class to MI same time tomorrow and a hotel in Chicago. Of course the 1st class, hour flight was useless, but seeing that I wasn't planning on working anyway and wasn't going to be getting my son, why not?
So I gave up my seat. At least that was my intention. I was told to sit and wait for my hotel information and rebooking. Then my name and two others were called. Baffled I looked at my new boarding pass, 18 seats back on the plane - for the same flight! What? Apparently the employee was so overwhelmed, she was shocked when I wasn't happy that I now had a seat on the plane. I told her that I had a seat on the plane, which she said no it was a reservation. What? Man, I seriously must be an idiot - I feel like my life these past two weeks has been full of WHAT's! Then she finally understands that I volunteered my seat that she still needs for another passenger, takes my boarding pass and tells me to sit again.
Finally, hotel voucher, $15.00 food vouchers, boarding pass for tomorrow and a RT ticket for another flight, I head to find the shuttle in O'hare for the second time this trip. I seem to be more successful this time and find where I grab the shuttle. This time I didn't pack any change of clothes - because I was homeward bound, what would I need?
The hotel was fine and other than blowing up my cell phone (prior post) it was pretty uneventful. The restaurant food was good and it was nice to have a big bed to crash into. Maybe this was another blessing in disguise as it allowed me to go to bed early since I wasn't distracted by the responsibilities of home ownership, parenthood, adulthood. Not yet.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Saturday April 12, 2008 Paris - Montmarte & Farewell Dinner
We boarded the bus for Montmarte. Of course I had absolutely no idea what this entailed, and fortunately at the last minute I decided to grab my light sweater jacket! I didn't know that we would again be doing walking around Montmarte and that while we boarded the coach at 5:30, we weren't actually going to be eating dinner until almost 9:00p.m.!
The drive was beautiful with the setting sun and lack of rain. We drove past the Moulin Rouge and the seedier/red light district of Paris area. I entertained myself by trying to take scenery pictures with clouds and sun and buildings. Tania got the scenery bug and seeing that we were in the front of the bus, we had a great view of what was ahead. Then Tania and I tried to take pictures of ourselves, I've never successful at that!
Montmarte was absolutely stunning. The view was breathtaking. To get to the top, you could take a small railcar up the hill, or walk the stairs. The rail car fit probably 40-50ppl in it, but took much longer than to actually walk the stairs. Street musicians were on the steps as well as at the bottom. Very talented and enjoyable to listen to. One of the bands consisted of a sousaphone, trombone, sax, drums, trumpet, etc. They even had their own CD. They were fabulous, especially when the singer decided not to sound like french rap into the megaphone!
There were only 26 of the 44 that participated in the optional excursion to Montmarte and the farewell dinner. For some, the 55 euros a piece was too much. I had anticipated that everyone would attend the farewell dinner, but seeing that we never had a welcome dinner or ice breaker in the beginning, why would saying goodbye be justified? Nick had left after the morning tour as he had to fly out for a conference on Sunday. I never did get to say goodbye, nor did many of us. I did see his email address, but he didn't give it out to myself or any of us.
Dinner was a choice of five options for each course. Four of us - Tania, Paul, James and me decided we would order differently and then share so that we could try almost everything. I couldn't bring myself around to taking a picture of the main course - because they came out staggered, and we were already splitting them by the time they all came out. Unfortunately not one of the four dishes even appeared remotely photo worthy by the time we had split them! Appetizers were frog legs, snails and shrimp. We passed on the soup and something else. We started the meal off with a champagne aperitif which was delicious - but the waitstaff wasn't too pleased if you waited until the meal came to drink it! We also had a variety of five cheeses somewhere in the midst of courses! The meals were prawns, chicken, duck, salmon and beef with sides of carrots, rice, potatoes or broccoli. The prawns were my favorite!
The meal included unlimited beverages - red & white wine, beer, OJ, and water. The table was rather crowded as all beverages and glasses were on it as well as food and bread. I managed to knock over a small glass of red wine on myself and the woman next to me! Fortunately it managed to remain mostly on the table! There was also live entertainment - a man singing and playing some form of guitar instrument - which was entertaining as he sang mostly tacky American sing-a-long songs! Dessert was chocolate mousse, apple tart, profiteroles (cream puffs - frozen!) and caramel creme brule. 
Glenn managed to fall down the stairs - catching himself by the railing two steps down - but scare for all of us! This was the second time he had fallen, to my knowledge, on the trip - the first being the face plant into the sidewalk from exiting the bus. Fortunately, a little scraped up and a few band aids later, Glenn was well enough to join in the dinner!
As dinner was winding down, I tried to get everyone together onto the same stairs for a photo. Even if only 1/2 the tour group, better than nothing. Except for Betty, most of the people that were there were my favorites anyway! As my camera was the first used, Betty didn't make it in my picture as she was too busy stumbling around to get in the first few.
Dinner was rather rushed since the restaurant was apparently closing. A huge disappointment as this was the most fun we had had as a large group. Personally, I think it was the restaurant/tour companies way to minimize the "unlimited drinking".
Seeing that I was the first to leave the group in the morning, 6:30a.m., I tried to get as many contact information as possible. After the pictures, I asked Robert to write down their address and email so that I could send them pictures from Amsterdam. Needless to say, this seemed to take a while - and we found Beverly on the top of the stairs to try to remember her son's email address. Meanwhile, I guess I hadn't noticed, but people had cleared out. I don't recall an announcement or anything, it just happened.
Betty was of course still stumbling around drinking. She had two glasses of wine, which she either put one down or downed it and then dumped some of the remaining glass in a "waste" bucket that the waitress had for glasses. Betty tried to walk up the stairs and completely ignored a server telling her that the drink had to remain. The server asked me to tell her it had to stay. Why me??? Oh, why me? Is this payback, or retribution? Why does my last night have to include Betty?
Politely I told Betty that she needed to either finish her drink or leave it as we had to go. She slurred to me that maybe she wasn't going to go. I told her that was fine with me, she needed to decide. This is happening while I'm still talking to Beverly about her information. Then Betty asks almost incoherently, "Who you sharin'?" Ok, so as a refresher, I have a child and I work in Children's Services with families, so I can almost decipher most things, keeping that in mind...I don't have a clue what she's getting at nor do I want to waste my time or breath on trying to converse with drunk Betty, but I do. Damn me. I ask her if she is asking me if I have a roommate, which she in fact was. I tell her that Tania is my roommate, which she says, "Who? Who's dat?" Tania of course has been rather nice to her most of the trip - helping her to her room, off the bus, taking pictures of her when no one else would - a clear angel - and the reality is is that drunk Betty doesn't have a clue who anyone is as she has managed to be drunk and disrespectful the entire trip to everyone. Anyway, Betty goes on to say that she was lucky enough to get a double room by herself, and she didn't even pay for her own room. Of course this was slurred and broken, but the gist of it. Man did I want to tell her off. Did I want to carry on about WHY she ended up with her own room, when I had originally had my own room (blessing that I ended up sharing with Tania - wouldn't have wanted it any other way - even if given the option to be alone!). I wanted to "accidentally" push her down the stairs and see how she fared. I wanted to tell her off and let out all my immature feelings and emotions onto drunk Betty. Afterall, she wouldn't remember it, right? But the truth of the matter is ~ I would. I would have remembered it and regretted it, for the days of my life. Besides, I truly am a better person than that, I think. If you think this was taking a long time, you are right, it was.
The four of us, me in the lead with Robert behind and Beverly (bless her soul!) assisting Betty, walk out of the restaurant. There is no bus in sight nor is TG or anyone else from the group. The restaurant is in the middle of a crowded street and it goes up hill and downhill. Sometimes, most of the time, I can be completely oblivious. Especially when I'm with a group of people. I don't choose to be a leader, so often times I try to be the follower - and in group situations this is exactly where I try to follow. Needless to say, this leaves me often times lost - so knowing where the bus should have been, I was clueless. I headed up the hill leaving the others in tow. I was irritated that no one had waited or come back to direct us where the bus was and how did this happen to ME? Clearly TG had threatened the entire tour that if you didn't get to the bus on time you would have to find your own way back to where you needed to be. Why now, when I have to be out at the taxi at 6:30a.m. tomorrow morning, does this happen? And WHY is it I'm stuck with Betty? Am I really that bad of a person? There must be some reason, right? For every situation, there must be a reason, even if not blatantly obvious from the get go, right? I continue to silently pray, "Dear God, why can't I become a better person towards someone else?" and other crazy thoughts as I walk aimlessly up the hill, back down the hill, and again. There is no sign of the bus. At the bottom of the hill, I see a tour bus and an unknown driver. Mind you, the cat calls are rampant as I figure out how in my dressy outfit I manage to now lose the others and have no idea how much it will cost to get a taxi back across town. The threats of safety running rampant in my mind. Anyway, this wasn't the bus, but the driver and his "friend" were clearly willing to give me a ride. NICE...No thanks!
Back up the hill again, I happen to see Robert coming down the hill on the other side. All four of us are again reunited. I'm sure it must have been 1/2 hour by now, at least. I'm still sad that my roommate didn't come rescue me, or anyone else for that matter. Clearly without Betty in the picture, I would have been OK with Robert and Beverly, but Betty put a nasty twist on the situation. Back up the hill we all go and Betty happens to hear someone speak English. She decides to try to ask a question, but can't get it out and can't stand up. Somehow I found the strength in me to grab her by the arms twice from behind when she almost fell backward on me. I can't say that the fleeting thought didn't cross my mind to move out of the way and let her fall! I asked for directions back to Clichy which was a taxi, that we should catch down the street.
Back down the street we go. I try to flag down three taxis without any luck. We cross the street again hoping to get a taxi at which time Betty is angry with Beverly that she's really rude and aggressive. We should have left her sorry drunk behind to the wolves, seriously, we should have. Robert had tried to assist Betty as well, but this didn't go well, so we left it to Beverly to drag her around and let Betty hang all over her. In crossing the street I hear my name...My sweet angel - My Tania! They didn't leave me/us! Right behind Tania are Paul and James. The three of them had vowed to split up to find the three, I mean four of us. Tania and I head back to the bus to let them know we are on the way, while Paul and James man-handle, I mean help Betty to the bus and Beverly and Robert walk together strong in their relationship and faith. And that, was the last I saw of Betty for the remainder of my trip.
The drive back was pretty quiet - other than filling people in on the escapade to find the bus. The bus was at a standstill due to a car being in the way. The local TG or bus driver, got out of the bus and moved the car! Impressive. By the time we got back to the hotel, we were all pretty tired and the extra bottle of beer I had snagged to celebrate at the hotel was warm. We took a few more pictures in the lobby and said our goodbyes.
One last TG story...she had given me 40 euros to pay for the taxi that I was suppose to catch at 6:30a.m. She assured me that the taxi wouldn't be more than 38-40 euros.
Tania and I talked into the early hours of the night and everything of mine was packed and ready to go to wake in a few short hours.
The drive was beautiful with the setting sun and lack of rain. We drove past the Moulin Rouge and the seedier/red light district of Paris area. I entertained myself by trying to take scenery pictures with clouds and sun and buildings. Tania got the scenery bug and seeing that we were in the front of the bus, we had a great view of what was ahead. Then Tania and I tried to take pictures of ourselves, I've never successful at that!
Montmarte was absolutely stunning. The view was breathtaking. To get to the top, you could take a small railcar up the hill, or walk the stairs. The rail car fit probably 40-50ppl in it, but took much longer than to actually walk the stairs. Street musicians were on the steps as well as at the bottom. Very talented and enjoyable to listen to. One of the bands consisted of a sousaphone, trombone, sax, drums, trumpet, etc. They even had their own CD. They were fabulous, especially when the singer decided not to sound like french rap into the megaphone!
There were only 26 of the 44 that participated in the optional excursion to Montmarte and the farewell dinner. For some, the 55 euros a piece was too much. I had anticipated that everyone would attend the farewell dinner, but seeing that we never had a welcome dinner or ice breaker in the beginning, why would saying goodbye be justified? Nick had left after the morning tour as he had to fly out for a conference on Sunday. I never did get to say goodbye, nor did many of us. I did see his email address, but he didn't give it out to myself or any of us.
Dinner was a choice of five options for each course. Four of us - Tania, Paul, James and me decided we would order differently and then share so that we could try almost everything. I couldn't bring myself around to taking a picture of the main course - because they came out staggered, and we were already splitting them by the time they all came out. Unfortunately not one of the four dishes even appeared remotely photo worthy by the time we had split them! Appetizers were frog legs, snails and shrimp. We passed on the soup and something else. We started the meal off with a champagne aperitif which was delicious - but the waitstaff wasn't too pleased if you waited until the meal came to drink it! We also had a variety of five cheeses somewhere in the midst of courses! The meals were prawns, chicken, duck, salmon and beef with sides of carrots, rice, potatoes or broccoli. The prawns were my favorite!
The meal included unlimited beverages - red & white wine, beer, OJ, and water. The table was rather crowded as all beverages and glasses were on it as well as food and bread. I managed to knock over a small glass of red wine on myself and the woman next to me! Fortunately it managed to remain mostly on the table! There was also live entertainment - a man singing and playing some form of guitar instrument - which was entertaining as he sang mostly tacky American sing-a-long songs! Dessert was chocolate mousse, apple tart, profiteroles (cream puffs - frozen!) and caramel creme brule. 
Glenn managed to fall down the stairs - catching himself by the railing two steps down - but scare for all of us! This was the second time he had fallen, to my knowledge, on the trip - the first being the face plant into the sidewalk from exiting the bus. Fortunately, a little scraped up and a few band aids later, Glenn was well enough to join in the dinner!
As dinner was winding down, I tried to get everyone together onto the same stairs for a photo. Even if only 1/2 the tour group, better than nothing. Except for Betty, most of the people that were there were my favorites anyway! As my camera was the first used, Betty didn't make it in my picture as she was too busy stumbling around to get in the first few.
Dinner was rather rushed since the restaurant was apparently closing. A huge disappointment as this was the most fun we had had as a large group. Personally, I think it was the restaurant/tour companies way to minimize the "unlimited drinking".
Seeing that I was the first to leave the group in the morning, 6:30a.m., I tried to get as many contact information as possible. After the pictures, I asked Robert to write down their address and email so that I could send them pictures from Amsterdam. Needless to say, this seemed to take a while - and we found Beverly on the top of the stairs to try to remember her son's email address. Meanwhile, I guess I hadn't noticed, but people had cleared out. I don't recall an announcement or anything, it just happened.
Betty was of course still stumbling around drinking. She had two glasses of wine, which she either put one down or downed it and then dumped some of the remaining glass in a "waste" bucket that the waitress had for glasses. Betty tried to walk up the stairs and completely ignored a server telling her that the drink had to remain. The server asked me to tell her it had to stay. Why me??? Oh, why me? Is this payback, or retribution? Why does my last night have to include Betty?
Politely I told Betty that she needed to either finish her drink or leave it as we had to go. She slurred to me that maybe she wasn't going to go. I told her that was fine with me, she needed to decide. This is happening while I'm still talking to Beverly about her information. Then Betty asks almost incoherently, "Who you sharin'?" Ok, so as a refresher, I have a child and I work in Children's Services with families, so I can almost decipher most things, keeping that in mind...I don't have a clue what she's getting at nor do I want to waste my time or breath on trying to converse with drunk Betty, but I do. Damn me. I ask her if she is asking me if I have a roommate, which she in fact was. I tell her that Tania is my roommate, which she says, "Who? Who's dat?" Tania of course has been rather nice to her most of the trip - helping her to her room, off the bus, taking pictures of her when no one else would - a clear angel - and the reality is is that drunk Betty doesn't have a clue who anyone is as she has managed to be drunk and disrespectful the entire trip to everyone. Anyway, Betty goes on to say that she was lucky enough to get a double room by herself, and she didn't even pay for her own room. Of course this was slurred and broken, but the gist of it. Man did I want to tell her off. Did I want to carry on about WHY she ended up with her own room, when I had originally had my own room (blessing that I ended up sharing with Tania - wouldn't have wanted it any other way - even if given the option to be alone!). I wanted to "accidentally" push her down the stairs and see how she fared. I wanted to tell her off and let out all my immature feelings and emotions onto drunk Betty. Afterall, she wouldn't remember it, right? But the truth of the matter is ~ I would. I would have remembered it and regretted it, for the days of my life. Besides, I truly am a better person than that, I think. If you think this was taking a long time, you are right, it was.
The four of us, me in the lead with Robert behind and Beverly (bless her soul!) assisting Betty, walk out of the restaurant. There is no bus in sight nor is TG or anyone else from the group. The restaurant is in the middle of a crowded street and it goes up hill and downhill. Sometimes, most of the time, I can be completely oblivious. Especially when I'm with a group of people. I don't choose to be a leader, so often times I try to be the follower - and in group situations this is exactly where I try to follow. Needless to say, this leaves me often times lost - so knowing where the bus should have been, I was clueless. I headed up the hill leaving the others in tow. I was irritated that no one had waited or come back to direct us where the bus was and how did this happen to ME? Clearly TG had threatened the entire tour that if you didn't get to the bus on time you would have to find your own way back to where you needed to be. Why now, when I have to be out at the taxi at 6:30a.m. tomorrow morning, does this happen? And WHY is it I'm stuck with Betty? Am I really that bad of a person? There must be some reason, right? For every situation, there must be a reason, even if not blatantly obvious from the get go, right? I continue to silently pray, "Dear God, why can't I become a better person towards someone else?" and other crazy thoughts as I walk aimlessly up the hill, back down the hill, and again. There is no sign of the bus. At the bottom of the hill, I see a tour bus and an unknown driver. Mind you, the cat calls are rampant as I figure out how in my dressy outfit I manage to now lose the others and have no idea how much it will cost to get a taxi back across town. The threats of safety running rampant in my mind. Anyway, this wasn't the bus, but the driver and his "friend" were clearly willing to give me a ride. NICE...No thanks!
Back up the hill again, I happen to see Robert coming down the hill on the other side. All four of us are again reunited. I'm sure it must have been 1/2 hour by now, at least. I'm still sad that my roommate didn't come rescue me, or anyone else for that matter. Clearly without Betty in the picture, I would have been OK with Robert and Beverly, but Betty put a nasty twist on the situation. Back up the hill we all go and Betty happens to hear someone speak English. She decides to try to ask a question, but can't get it out and can't stand up. Somehow I found the strength in me to grab her by the arms twice from behind when she almost fell backward on me. I can't say that the fleeting thought didn't cross my mind to move out of the way and let her fall! I asked for directions back to Clichy which was a taxi, that we should catch down the street.
Back down the street we go. I try to flag down three taxis without any luck. We cross the street again hoping to get a taxi at which time Betty is angry with Beverly that she's really rude and aggressive. We should have left her sorry drunk behind to the wolves, seriously, we should have. Robert had tried to assist Betty as well, but this didn't go well, so we left it to Beverly to drag her around and let Betty hang all over her. In crossing the street I hear my name...My sweet angel - My Tania! They didn't leave me/us! Right behind Tania are Paul and James. The three of them had vowed to split up to find the three, I mean four of us. Tania and I head back to the bus to let them know we are on the way, while Paul and James man-handle, I mean help Betty to the bus and Beverly and Robert walk together strong in their relationship and faith. And that, was the last I saw of Betty for the remainder of my trip.
The drive back was pretty quiet - other than filling people in on the escapade to find the bus. The bus was at a standstill due to a car being in the way. The local TG or bus driver, got out of the bus and moved the car! Impressive. By the time we got back to the hotel, we were all pretty tired and the extra bottle of beer I had snagged to celebrate at the hotel was warm. We took a few more pictures in the lobby and said our goodbyes.
One last TG story...she had given me 40 euros to pay for the taxi that I was suppose to catch at 6:30a.m. She assured me that the taxi wouldn't be more than 38-40 euros.
Tania and I talked into the early hours of the night and everything of mine was packed and ready to go to wake in a few short hours.
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