Well, how can I tell you this. We got to the airport today to leave for Paris and discovered that Sonnet's passport had expired 11 days ago. I didn't know she had a 5 year passport, didn't even look at it because she got hers after mine and mine expired in 2010. After hours worth of phone calls to Expeida and the travel insurance people (who by the way could not help and will not cover the loss) it came down to whether I wanted to pay $1000.00 more for 2 days less stay in Paris or cancel and loose $320.00. We chose the later because the entire experience was so traumatizing that we wouldn't have had a good time anyway. I've been crying since 2 oclock. What irony, me the list nut and super organizer who didn't even look at the most important document of all. I will get an airline credit to use by 2/19/05 less $200.00 per person and a hotel refund also. I am totally humiliated by this but wanted to post so others would not have to go through the same thing.
Ginger... ... Not a fun day in your world, huh? That would really pi&& me off! I have a huge ache in my heart for you, because I've been following your trip plans and sharing vicariously the excitement and the joy that you have felt over this trip...yeah, that sucks the big one, as my kids tell me.
So, here's the thing, my dear... you, know, stuff happens for a reason, maybe this is not the safest time, or the 'right' time or...whatever...for you and your family to be in Paris...and you also know that there WILL be a next time.
STILL, all the plans and the anticipation...yikes, I'd be crying all day and all night as well, so I can totally empathize, Ginger.
Big huge comforting hugs, and a couple of these fellas mightn't hurt, either!
"When things are bad, we take comfort in the thought that they could always be worse. And when they are, we find hope in the thought that things are so bad they have to get better." Brenda
Oh, my goodness, Ginger! How awful for you and Sonnet. You're not alone, though--I have a friend who travels to Italy to visit family every summer. One year the same thing happened to them. She just didn't think to check her children's passports, and wouldn't you know it, one had expired.
think about how much more money you will save for the next time and you'll have better weather. I'm so sad for you knowing how excited you were. But the next time will be better, you'll know more and save more. ]hugs, mimi
Posts: 1140 | Location: cambridge,ma.usa | Registered: 27 January 2003
Oh Ginger, that is definitely a heartbreaker. At least you didn't lose everything you invested in your trip. I bet your rescheduled trip will be even better.
Its too humid hot here right now and thunderstorms are forcasted for this weekend, so you arent missing much. Paris will wait for you and welcome you with open arms!!
Oh Ginger- I am sooo sorry-that is indeed heartbreaking. Though it's hard to find a silver lining now, I tend to agree with Brenda that things happen for a reason. Hope you get to rechedule-perhaps Sonnet's Spring break when the weather and crowds should be better?
Thinking about a way to cheer you up, this came to mind: There's a delightful account of European travel, a whole book, "The American Woman Abroad" by a very perky early 20th-century writer, Blanche McManus, that's been republished in its entirety on the Web. It really is a treat:
I am devastated. I have spent the morning trying to find somewhere else for us to go internationally but airfare prices are so high that there out of reach. My options at this point are to wait for a Delta summer sale to use my airfare credit, (how likely is that) go somewhere in the U.S., or to travel during her winter break from December 9th thru January 9th. I'm going to post this on a seperate topic but does anyone have a favorite European city or destination for the winter travel season. Or any suggestions for a trip here in the States for the summer. Also thank you so much for your kind words and sympathy. They have given me some comfort, although I still feel like a total idiot and am having a hard time trying not to cry.
Ginger
This message has been edited. Last edited by: suncoast,
If you could have free lodging in Paris in July, would this allow you to make the trip then? Aralynn and I are taking vacation from the 16th to the 22d of July, and you could use our apartment near the Place de La Bastille then. Also a possibility of no-cost use of our rental place (click on the link below) for additional days after the 23rd. Let us know.
I am awed and humbled by your thoughtfulness. Words cannot express how deeply touched I am by your generosity. (You guys thought I was crying before, that was nothing compared to the downpour that came forth when I read the post.) I would very much like to accept, however, I did have a travel budget and after I pay for airfare I would like to make some kind of arrangement with you to use the remainder to pay for accommodations. If this is satisfactory for you please email me privately and we can work out the details. You and your wife are incredibly wonderful and kind. I can't think of anything eloquent enough to say to express my gratitude.
That . after fr was probably the end of the sentence. Try it without that.
Dave, I'm so impressed by your generosity and kindness! What a wonderful thing to do! However, now that Ginger has your email address, I suggest you go back and edit your post to delete the address or at least change the @ to "at" or something to prevent your email address from being picked up by those you wouldn't want to have it.
This is unbelieveable. Such kindness and caring. And only seen at Slow Travel. Best of luck with your plans Ginger. Dave and Aralyn you are wonderful! J.
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you are wonderful! J.