July 6, 2022
Travel.
With a turn of the key to our place, we schlepped our gear at 4:20am down the elevator and emptied ourselves on the street as we waited for the van that I had ordered the night before. The streets were quiet and the roads were slick from the overnight rain.
Our cab/van was to pick us up promptly at 4:30, but once 4:40 arrived and there was no van in sight, we began to get anxious so we called them to see what was up. The dispatcher did not have good news. He said that there were no vans available, at which point I began to point out the obvious flaw in their system. "Why was I able to book on line successfully last night and confirm a van? Why didn't we get a head's up via text or email that no van would be there?" I was pissed. With empty apologies from the cab company, I hung up and we had to resort to Plan B.
So, Sue and I had to throw money at this problem in the form of calling for two cabs, and we would each have to go separately to the airport. We're lucky we live relatively close to YVR, so a minor hiccup to the beginning of the tour.
Not exactly the smoothest start to a tour.
We are lucky that we always leave extra time when we travel. It's circumstances like this that could end up as total trip enders. We are also fortunate that we both mistakenly assumed that this was an international flight, so we gave ourselves even more time than usual. In actual fact, the first leg was a domestic flight from Vancouver to Toronto. As we stood outside we fist pumped, and thanked our good fortune that we had so much wiggle room for time this morning.
| Heart | 3 | Comment | 1 | Link |
Calling of the Wood Dove.
One of the sounds that always reminds us that we are back in Europe is the calling of the Wood Dove or Wood Pigeon. This bird is prevalent all over Europe and it's soothing call is a warm reminder that we are grateful to be able to travel once again and hear it's lovely coo once more. If you'd like to hear its call click on Wood Dove. I'm sure even those pigeon haters out there will will agree that these delightful birds have a calming song.
| Heart | 1 | Comment | 0 | Link |
That unavoidable nauseous wave of jet lag soon settled into our bodies after the bikes were put together, so we napped before heading out in the early evening for a walk. We're staying just near Marco Polo Airport in the small town of Tessara; which is about a 5 minute cab ride away. There's not much to the place, but we got in a lovely walk along the town canal and out to the sea, overlooking the airport. And, off in the distance the many spires and domes of Venice and the other islands that make up this archipelago could be seen off in the distance.
| Heart | 1 | Comment | 0 | Link |
During our walk, we watched people fishing, vaporettos gliding through the water, and a dark incoming rain cloud that eventually emptied itself on us. Which brings me to an interaction I had with Sue; whereby I was forced to eat my words, and then consume a big piece of humble pie for dessert.
I noticed earlier that Sue had packed an umbrella in her panniers and I questioned her on this decision. "Why did you pack an umbrella when you were so concerned about how heavy your pannier bags were? We don't need an umbrella!" She quite rightly pointed out later from under her umbrella and smugly remarked: "Don't need an umbrella, uh? We have not even been here for four hours and it's already been put to good use." I took my penance and walked back into town deservedly soaked.
| Heart | 4 | Comment | 0 | Link |
| Heart | 6 | Comment | 5 | Link |
2 years ago
2 years ago
| Heart | 0 | Comment | 0 | Link |
| Rate this entry's writing | Heart | 12 |
| Comment on this entry | Comment | 3 |
2 years ago
2 years ago
2 years ago
2 years ago
2 years ago