We struggled up at 7:15 am for our two day trip in Germany. We took the underground directly to Stanstead Airport. Susan had complied with my request for the cheaper flights aboard Ryanair but as we had not confirmed by internet they charged us another 40 GBPs - but then Ryan charges for everything to edge his way up to the higher prices of the larger planes, peanuts, popcorn or hot dogs anyone? Pencils perhaps? We arrived early enough to cram all our belongings into one carry-on bag each - that included purses, computers, brollies "Can we layer two days of clothing on us? Is there air conditioning aboard?" "Ryans? No!" Sorry Susan I shall never make such a request again!
The plane left at 10:40 and arrived at Frankfurt Hahn airport two hours later but we still had to get to Mannheim to see Great Aunt Else in hospital and her friend Doris. We had a two hour wait for the bus to Munheim so Susan stretched out on the Airport floor for a nap which made me uncomfortably remember my overnights in North Corolina Airport during the March 1 snow storm. I went to see if I could find a bank machine that would not swallow my credit card and decided on a real person transaction. The two hour wait being completed we ran down the street to the bus station to catch the bus to Mannheim. We arrived at 17:00 and while there we went to the train station in the mall next door to confirm our train trip from here to Paris. No we could not go by train without confirming our passage using the credit card swallowed by Lloyds Bank of London.
They too understood our problem and gave us an Easter Egg which Susan inhaled in an effort to keep her blood sugar level. We might try the kindness of the conductor who might be willing to sell us our already purchased seats again as there were no other seats to be gotten for Monday's trip to Paris. "Calm down Susan its not their fault for these ridiculous rules."
We called Doris who clearly said "Come to me. Come to me." Doris studies English every night before sleep. Susan gave me the option of the "fun way" or the boring way" to get to Doris's home. In my wisdom I decided the fun way and Susan did in fact remember the way through the various streets almost to her door but that was found when we saw Doris with her head out the window heartily waving and calling to us.
She had tea and cakes ready for us and then called a taxi to take us to the hospital to see Great Tante Else. Else was her inimitable self and Doris translated a few choice words for us one of which was "They can kiss my butt!" We reminisced in mixed German/English about their trip to Canada and to Las Vegas and the rickety bus to the Grand Canyon - but it did have air conditioning. The picture frame Fred bought and loaded with pictures of family and trips was a great hit and bypassed our language barrier as a picture is worth a thousand words.
After our Aufweiderseins to Else and gave hugs from Hilde, Doris, Fred and David, Doris then led us to one of their favourite dining spots and we ate until Susan rested her head on the table. Back to Doris's where Susan managed to contact by internet someone from Canada Trust in Canada who pulled up the information she had indeed been charged the withdrawal $$$ that never came through at Lloyds and he cancelled those funds and agreed to send her a new Visa card immediately. He even offered to fight Germany's second train ticket if they charged us again. In fact the Visa Card was awaiting her when we returned from Paris 3 days later!
Susan slept well and I followed about 3am.
The plane left at 10:40 and arrived at Frankfurt Hahn airport two hours later but we still had to get to Mannheim to see Great Aunt Else in hospital and her friend Doris. We had a two hour wait for the bus to Munheim so Susan stretched out on the Airport floor for a nap which made me uncomfortably remember my overnights in North Corolina Airport during the March 1 snow storm. I went to see if I could find a bank machine that would not swallow my credit card and decided on a real person transaction. The two hour wait being completed we ran down the street to the bus station to catch the bus to Mannheim. We arrived at 17:00 and while there we went to the train station in the mall next door to confirm our train trip from here to Paris. No we could not go by train without confirming our passage using the credit card swallowed by Lloyds Bank of London.
They too understood our problem and gave us an Easter Egg which Susan inhaled in an effort to keep her blood sugar level. We might try the kindness of the conductor who might be willing to sell us our already purchased seats again as there were no other seats to be gotten for Monday's trip to Paris. "Calm down Susan its not their fault for these ridiculous rules."
We called Doris who clearly said "Come to me. Come to me." Doris studies English every night before sleep. Susan gave me the option of the "fun way" or the boring way" to get to Doris's home. In my wisdom I decided the fun way and Susan did in fact remember the way through the various streets almost to her door but that was found when we saw Doris with her head out the window heartily waving and calling to us.
She had tea and cakes ready for us and then called a taxi to take us to the hospital to see Great Tante Else. Else was her inimitable self and Doris translated a few choice words for us one of which was "They can kiss my butt!" We reminisced in mixed German/English about their trip to Canada and to Las Vegas and the rickety bus to the Grand Canyon - but it did have air conditioning. The picture frame Fred bought and loaded with pictures of family and trips was a great hit and bypassed our language barrier as a picture is worth a thousand words.
After our Aufweiderseins to Else and gave hugs from Hilde, Doris, Fred and David, Doris then led us to one of their favourite dining spots and we ate until Susan rested her head on the table. Back to Doris's where Susan managed to contact by internet someone from Canada Trust in Canada who pulled up the information she had indeed been charged the withdrawal $$$ that never came through at Lloyds and he cancelled those funds and agreed to send her a new Visa card immediately. He even offered to fight Germany's second train ticket if they charged us again. In fact the Visa Card was awaiting her when we returned from Paris 3 days later!
Susan slept well and I followed about 3am.
Damn bureaucrats.
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