Have you been hanging out to hear the next installment of our adventure? Well the news is that we are now in Zurich :)
In Dublin yesterday morning we learned that our flight had been cancelled so we left our bags at the hotel near the airport, took our car back and went to see what we could do. We were in good company - lots of other travellers were doing the same thing. We were in a queue but had to wait less than an hour to talk to a friendly person on the desk who told us that we wouldn't get to Zurich before Sunday. I suggested Milan as a change of destination - no, we couldn't get there until Friday. I suggested Venice - no, booked out. I suggested Brussels - yes, we could get on a flight that afternoon. Thankyou.
So we took the hotel's shuttle bus back to our room, jumped onto the internet to book a hotel room in Brussels, packed and headed back to the airport to check in. We were in Brussels by 8.30 pm. I think we were lucky that we were only mildly inconvenienced - we've spoken to a lot of people in the last few days who have some horror travel stories to tell.
So then we had to get from Brussels to Zurich. Trains were an option, fast (expensive) and slow (cheap but a great way to see the countryside), and we probably could have shopped around for a flight (one quote we were given was about $800, each!), but we were able to get a hire car at a good price because it needed to be taken back to Zurich. Phil has never driven on the 'wrong' side of the road but we had our ever-reliable Tom Tom with European maps already installed and seven hours later we were in Zurich. So now I can say I've been to Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Germany and Switzerland.
Apart from seeing Glenn and Sarah sooner rather than later, the reason we wanted to get to Zurich before Friday is that G & S are taking a day of work and we're going to Austria for the weekend. For a while there it looked like it wasn't going to happen but tonight we booked our hotel and we head off in the morning.
Yawn! I'm off to bed. Too much excitement for this old chook.
Yep I am on the internet before feeding Geoff and before my own breakfast to see how you went! :)
ReplyDeleteFantastic news! Just as well you bought the whole of Europe maps for the TomTom now isn't it Mum! haha love it!
congratulations on reaching Zurich safely. Not many people'explore' 4 European countries in one day! Have you enrolled in the yodelling couse yet? love, Triggs
ReplyDeleteGlad to know you've made it to Zurich - enjoy Switzerland and Austria (and anywhere else you get to in Europe!)
ReplyDeleteI've not kept up with your travels over the past week or so. You are really having a good look around. Loved your report on Janet Blair. I'm going to have to order a copy of your book once published.
ReplyDeleteUnless you tune into Facebook you may not have seen we are now proud Grandparents. Finn Jay Curtis-Griffiths arrived 4-05pm 22nd April.
Now home he is somewhat cute. Had some jaundice and conjunctivitus but better now. Weight 7lb 11oz and 52 cm long. Scott and Jess are so thrilled and Verna is still on cloud nine.
Safe travels. Can't wait til we go in late August. Rexxx